BCMEA 2023 Clinicians
(Alpha Order - Last Name)
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S1 Laura Andrew
Sailor First Class Laura Andrew (M.Mus, B.MusEd) has been playing with the Canadian Forces since 2011, where she has performed with Ottawa’s Band of the Ceremonial Guard, The Queen’s Own Rifles in Toronto and now, the Naden Band of the RCN. Beyond her military career, Laura has performed as a guest soloist with the Guelph Symphony Orchestra, Busan Harmony Choir in South Korea and enjoys freelancing around Vancouver Island. When she’s not playing the flute or marching, you can find Laura out on the trails or open water swimming with friends and family. |
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Nicholle Andrews
Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, Dr. Nicholle Andrews is Director of Choral Studies at the University of Redlands in Southern California, and Artist Director of Phoenix Chamber Choir in Vancouver British Columbia. She is in high demand across North America as a conductor, adjudicator, and clinician. Andrews has worked with such composers as William Bolcolm, Joan Tower, Libby Larson, Gunther Schuller, Imant Raminsh, R. Murray Schafer, alcides lanza, and Krzysztof Penderecki, and eminent conductors Bramwell Tovey, Sir David Willcox, Bobby McFerrin, Tõnu Kaljuste and Georg Titner. Under her direction, choirs have been invited to perform at festivals and conferences such as Canada's national choral conference Podium on the Edge, National Collegiate Choral Organization Convention, California Music Educators Association Convention, California All State Music Educators Conference and Festival 500 Sharing the Voices and HarbourVOICES! Her choirs have performed with legendary rock group The WHO, Sarah Brighman and Josh Groban. Andrews is a licensed body mapping educator and her areas of research include the study of performance anxiety in musicians, pitch perception, and awareness of the body through conducting. Her publications can be found in sources such as the Journal of Research in Music Education and Journal of Band Research and she is currently serving as the Collegiate Research and Repertoire Coordinator for the Western Division American Choral Directors Association. At the University of Redlands, Andrews' areas of specialization include choral conducting, body mapping and ear training. She also offers graduate seminars on performance anxiety, score study, rehearsal technique, an undergraduate course on understanding contemporary music titled Ear Cleaning, and a Freshmen Music Seminar. Andrews has received recognition for her outstanding teaching as the recipient of Advisor of the Year, Professor of the Year, and Faculty Outstanding Service Award. Having completed her doctorate and master's in choral conducting at McGill University, Andrews studied with Professor Iwan Edwards, Dr. John Baboukis, Dr. Julian Wachner. While at McGill University she taught musicianship, instrumental conducting and choral conducting. She completed a double Bachelor of Music in oboe performance and music education at Memorial University of Newfoundland where she studied conducting with Dr. Douglas Dunsmore. Andrews has also taught music (kindergarten to grade 12) in several public schools throughout Canada and England |
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Joshua Capri
Joshua Capri is a saxophonist, composer, flutist, and educator based in North Vancouver, BC. and has been a performing musician for most of his life and music educator for over fifteen years. He founded Mini Mountain Publishing in 2018, Mr. Capri Teaches Music in 2008, has written two method books for concert band, and over 15 arrangements for concert band / jazz band. He has worked for the Vancouver School Board, the Burnaby School District and is currently with the North Vancouver School District. Joshua received his Masters degree in Education from Simon Fraser University where he focused on designing curriculum that brings composition and improvisation into the elementary music classroom to promote emotional literacy while also blending in performance, theory, ear training, and history/culture to create a comprehensive learning experience for students. This curriculum has been the foundation for his program at Westview Elementary. Joshua also has a Bachelor degree in Education from the University of British Columbia, a Bachelor degree in Music in Jazz Studies from Capilano University, a grade nine flute performance certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and is currently enrolled in the Masters of Counselling Psychology at Yorkville University. As a musician, Joshua has performed and recorded throughout western Canada including at the Edmonton and Vancouver International Jazz Festivals. His first professional gig was singing with the Edmonton Opera at age eleven and has since performed with myriad groups throughout BC & Alberta. He has studied saxophone with Canadian jazz greats Phil Dwyer and Jim Brenan as well as renowned saxophone teacher Stan Karp. In addition, he has also studied with VSO flutists Christie Reside and Rosanne Wieringa." |
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Mandart Chan
Mandart Chan (he/him) embraces his intersectionality as a gay/queer, cis-gender, neurodivergent, first generation Chinese/Hong Kong - Canadian male. He was born & raised as a visitor on the lands of the Musqueam people, also known as Richmond, BC. He is a graduate of the University of Victoria (BMus - 2003, PDPP - 2004) and the American Band College of Sam Houston State University (MMus - 2014). Currently, Mandart is pursuing a Master of Professional Education in Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice at the University of Western Ontario. For over 18 years, Mandart was in the classroom teaching Band, Leadership, and Social Justice in schools in Alberta (Calgary) and British Columbia (Victoria). In addition to Education, Volunteerism, Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Community are the main pillars of Mandart’s life. This passion for Social Justice, and EDI has led him towards a career path to the Ministry of Education & Child Care in British Columbia, where he now holds the position of Education Officer. Mandart’s first project was leading the development team for the “Anti-Racism Education in BC : A Teachers’ Guide” which was released in early 2023. Along with his work in Music Education, he is the Director of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion with the Canadian Music Educators’ Association, and is the Database Coordinator & DEI Advisor with the Institute for Composer Diversity. For the past 24 years, Mandart has been an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Reserves) working in the Canadian Cadet Organization, where he holds the rank of Major. Mandart lives as a visitor on the lands of the Lekwungen People, also known as Victoria BC with his partner Jason and their dogs Tikka & Masala |
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Becky Clark
Becky is a music teacher at Colwood Elementary in Victoria, currently teaching students in Kindergarten to Grade 5. She is of Metis, English, Mennonite, and Scottish ancestry and is married with two children. Becky has a Bachelor's of Education from the University of Victoria, specializing in Secondary Music Education and is completing her Master's of Education at Simon Fraser University with a focus on Decolonizing Arts Education. She holds the Co-President position in the Sooke Music Teachers' Association LSA. Becky has been involved in outdoor music education, mindfulness in the music room and other various projects in her district. Her current inquiry is on decolonizing her classroom, focusing on including Indigenous practices in her music program. She has been working closely with her district Na'tsa'maht department to develop resources that other teachers can use in their classrooms. She has also helped create some meaningful professional development opportunities in the Sooke School District to spur on conversations around Indigenous perspectives in music. |
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Diana Clark
Diana Clark is Artistic Director of Coastal Sound Music, a multi-level choral organization based in Coquitlam, BC. With an eclectic background that includes a Master’s Degree in Music Performance and a Master of Music Education from Northwestern University, Diana is recognized for her creative work with young artists and has served as a clinician across Canada. She has been teaching music in public elementary schools for 30 years, including a few years as Fine Arts Coordinator in SD43. Her workshop sessions offer a treasure-trove of ideas that connect repertoire to curriculum, choral literacies and skills, and performance. Diana has been a member of the BC Choral Mentorship Project since its inception, and is an advocate for Dr. Geoffrey Boers’ resource “Together, We Sing: Goals for Singing Ensembles & Leaders”. She proudly served the Canadian choral community on the Board of Choral Canada, where she coordinated the first-ever national choral census and the recent “Benefits of Singing” campaign. |
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Will De Sousa
Will de Sousa has been involved with Coastal Sound Music for over a decade, presently serving as the Conductor of the Coastal Sound Youth Choir, and Associate Artistic Director of the organization. He is currently on leave from teaching music in Burnaby to pursue his Master’s of Choral Conducting at UBC. Will’s passion for choral music has led him to seek out opportunities to enhance his skills as a musician and leader, and to immerse himself in the thriving choral community in the Lower Mainland. In his work with Coastal Sound he strives to create opportunities for his singers to grow as artists and individuals, and gain a sense of belonging through involvement in a welcoming community. The environment Will and his singers create together is built on empathy, dedication, and authenticity |
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Michael Dirk
As one of Canada’s more active and versatile organists, Vancouver Civic Organist Michael Dirk is equally at home offering solo concerts, accompanying the many fine choirs/ensembles of the region, improvising an entertaining accompaniment to a silent film, or serving liturgically in various worship styles. During his BMus program at UBC, he studied organ with Ed Norman and Denis Bédard. Michael then continued as graduate assistant with full scholarship, to the eminent teacher, Clyde Holloway, at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University of Houston, Texas, where he received his Master’s degree. Subsequent studies include the Cavaillé-Coll organs of Paris, as well as the Fr Willis organs and Cathedral choir school systems of London. Michael has performed for national festivals of the Royal Canadian College of Organists for which he serves as Vancouver Centre’s co-president and Education officer, as well as the Association of Anglican Musicians national conference. Since 2012, Michael has been the Music Director/Organist of St. John’s Shaughnessy Anglican Church. He is frequently invited to showcase the Orpheum’s historic Mighty WurlitZer for the VSO and VCT, having studied with Robert MacDonald (Radio City Concert Hall NYC) and Charlie Balogh (Organ Stop Pizza, Mesa). A sought-after clinician, Michael has offered numerous workshops for the RCCO and British Columbia Music Educator Association, as well as articles for Organ Canada Journal. Recently, with the help of Canada Council for the Arts grant, he was invited to help introduce the pipe organ to Rwanda by means of tele-midi. Michael is on faculty at the UBC School of Music and VSO School of Music, as well teaches K-7 music full time for VSB’s Shaughnessy Elementary. Away from the classroom and organ bench, Michael can be found ballroom dancing with his wife, percussionist/educator Annabelle Ip, and teaching their daughter how to sail around English Bay. |
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PO 2 Steve Donegan
Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Petty Officer Second Class Steve Donegan is an active performer and educator based in Victoria BC and is currently a trumpeter for the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. Steve holds both an Honours Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from Lakehead University as well as a Master of Music degree in Performance from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Steve has had the privilege of performing with many ensembles throughout the country including the symphony orchestras of Victoria, Thunder Bay, Newfoundland as well as the National Youth Orchestra of Canada and Ottawa’s Band of the Ceremonial Guard. In addition to his activities as a performer, Steve is also passionate about music education. Prior to his current post, Steve served as the band teacher at Terrace Bay Secondary School and as a contract lecturer at Lakehead University’s Department of Music where he was nominated for a "Contribution to Teaching Award". |
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Ed Dumas
Ed Dumas is a retired secondary school band teacher who worked his entire career in the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows school district. He has enjoyed working with thousands of students from grade 6 to grade 12 teaching primarily concert bands and jazz bands. Ed also conducted the local adult Maple Ridge Concert Band for 25+ years as well as leading the Whalley Legion Band and assistant conducting the Abbotsford Concert Band for a time. Consequently, he has a wealth of knowledge spanning musicians from as young as 12 to as experienced as 90 years of age! Ed is currently working as a (very) part-time TOC for the Comox Valley School District. Ed also works as a Mid-Island Rep for Tapestry Music helping teachers from Campbell River to Duncan develop their music programs. Ed now plays in numerous groups in the mid-Island area including the Oceanside Concert Band where he is currently holding the position of President, as well as the Oceanside Big Band, and his own Flugelhorn Quartet. Currently, Ed is retired and now living in Parksville, BC with his wife Laurie of 38 years, where they enjoy gardening in their beautiful backyard as well as their many musical activities |
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Kerri Faa
I am a music specialist and have worked in SD #69(Qualicum) for 30 years, teaching both general classroom (Grade 4-8) and school music programs (K-8). I hold a B.Mus in Ed (UVIC) and a M.Ed in Leadership (VIU) and live with my husband and two teenage kids in Nanaimo, BC. My teaching experiences include conducting concert band & choirs, as well as teaching young learners from K-7 to engage in “play” in my music classroom. I am passionate about seeing young learners awaken their love of music and the performing arts as they “play” with a wide variety of instruments and materials in my music program! My interests beyond music & teaching include kayaking, scrapbooking and jogging (whenever I can find the time!). I LOVE teaching and am passionate about seeing students’ sense of capacity build as learners and leaders! |
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PO 2 Bob Fearnley
Petty Officer Second Class Bob Fearnley was born and raised in North Vancouver, and attended Carson Graham Secondary School, learning under the direction of Steve Woodyard. He started playing Euphonium in the Beginning Band 8 class, after unsuccessfully trying to hoodwink anyone into renting a Bassoon for him. He attended the University of Victoria, and studied under Prof. Gene Dowling, to whom he owes a debt of gratitude eternally for his kind tutelage. He has played as solo euphonium with the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces, the Ottawa Chamber Symphony, and currently with the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. His second passion in music is conducting, and he was blessed to conduct a concert with the Meridiem Wind Orchestra in Victoria. On his spare time, he enjoys the company of his partner Alliszon Zaichkowski, the affection of their cats, the eating and cooking of rich meals, and the collecting and drinking of fine wine. He has recently taken up a position as the head sacristan of Christ Church Cathedral in Victoria and is a lay delegate to General Synod for the Anglican Military Ordinariate. |
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Sharon Fitzsimmins
Sharon Fitzsimmins, Mus. Bac., B.Ed, is a respected educator, international adjudicator, clinician and conductor. She is past president of The Ontario Music Educators’ Association (OMEA) and was co-editor of The Recorder for 8 years, examiner for The Royal Conservatory of Music and a conductor at the National Music Camp of Canada . She has received numerous teaching, professional development and leadership awards including Teacher of the Year. In November 2006, Sharon received the highest award from the OMEA, an Honorary Life Membership. In Feb. 2019 Sharon also received an Honorary Life Membership from the Ontario Band Association (OBA).Sharon is currently the Chair of the Concert Band Division for MusicFest Canada. Sharon is proud to have taught for thirty years at Barrie North Collegiate where she conducted award winning bands and choirs. She has written three teacher resources and a collection of stories called It Made Me Laugh, It Made Me cry. Stories From the Music Room. She is currently writing a reboot of An Earful. |
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David Flello
David Flello is a musician and an educator living in Victoria, B.C. He recently retired from the public education system in BC after teaching for 36 years. He continues to teach as a TOC in the Saanich and Greater Victoria School Districts, as a clinician for the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and as President of the U-JAM (Universal Jazz Advocates and Mentors) Society of Victoria. His educator awards include Arts Leader of the Year for the City of Victoria, Jazz Program of the Year from the Jazz Report Magazine, and a Prime Minister’s Merit Award for Outstanding Education. His adjudication experience includes Festivals on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Central BC and Alberta. His performance experience as a freelance trumpet player has spanned most musical styles including orchestral, chamber ensembles, pit orchestra, jazz and commercial music. He has performed in the trumpet sections of, and/or as a soloist with, a large number of ensembles including the Victoria Jazz Orchestra, Victoria and Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestras, the Meridiem Wind Orchestra, and with notable artists including Holly Cole, David Foster, Rob McConnell, Guido Basso and the Temptations. His most recent performances have included orchestras onboard ships of the Cunard Line. |
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Gordon Foote
Gordon Foote, professor emeritus, University of Toronto, Faculty of Music, recently retired after a 45-year career. He taught grades 7 through 12 in Winnipeg, and then 42 years at the university level. He was in the teaching cohort at St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia in 1980, when the first university jazz studies program was pioneered in Canada. Following that, he spent 26 years at McGill University, developing that program, which included the first jazz degrees at the graduate level in Canada (Master of Music and DMA). The last 9 years were spent at the University of Toronto. Through his career he was involved in university teaching and administration, holding several positions: chair of the jazz area, department chair, director of graduate studies, associate dean of performance and interim dean (McGill). His education included the University of Minnesota and the University of North Texas. At Minnesota, he was graduate assistant for the director of bands, Frank Bencriscutto. The university big bands he directed were recognized as among the best bands in North America. There were many tours, (France, England, Ireland, Switzerland, Mexico, and throughout the USA and Canada) opening many festivals (including 6 IAJE performances) and performing with major guest artists. The bands released 15 recordings. The IAJE invited the McGill Jazz Orchestra, as guest ensemble, to open the international night concert in New York. As a saxophonist and Conn-Selmer artist, Gordon has presented countless workshops, guest appearances, adjudicated many festivals, and directed several honour jazz bands in Canada and the USA. |
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S1 Andrew George
Sailor First Class Andrew George joined the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy in the summer of 2023, moving from Atlantic Canada which was his home music scene since 2013. Bringing in his experience in various roles like Principal Clarinet and featured soloist of Symphony New Brunswick, woodwind doubler in musical theatre and jazz band pits, and as a member of his chamber ensemble of clarinet and strings, Port City 5, Andrew is happily exploring the new opportunities available here on the West Coast. As an educator, he has worked as clarinet sectional coach, woodwind coach, winds and brass conductor, orchestra librarian, and arranger for both the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and the Saint John Youth Orchestra, and was also the resident Clarinet Teaching Artist for Sistema New Brunswick’s Saint John Centre since his arrival in New Brunswick. With his latest studies in music education at Memorial University now complete, he is excited to seek out new opportunities to continue to shape and support the next generation of musicians and music lovers in British Columbia. |
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Dr. J. Scott Goble
J. Scott Goble is Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of British Columbia, where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses and supervises work of M.Ed., M.A., and Ph.D. students. A specialist in vocal/choral music and philosophy of music education, his current research focuses on Indigenous knowledge and musical practices. His book What’s So Important About Music Education? is published by Routledge, and he is presently Co-Editor of the online, open-access journal Action, Criticism, and Theory for Music Education (ACT). |
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Kimberly Gorman
Kimberly Gorman grew up in the Okanagan and has been teaching music since 2007. In 2012 she began working at Ecole Glenrosa Middle School and successfully applied for a MusiCounts grant to help rebuild the program in 2013. From there, she continued to expanded the music program to include instrumental band, jazz band, jazz combo, choir and grade 6 exploratory music. This year, 50% of the grade 7 population at her school chose to take band full year! Kimberly studied clarinet, saxophone and piano, continues to play in the community, and is passionate about advocating for music programs in the public school system. Kimberly graduated originally from UBC with a Bachelor's degree in Music and and Bachelor's degree in Education. In 2021, Kimberly returned to school through Acadia University to study a Master's in Curriculum Design with a focus in Music Education. She completed the degree in June of 2023. |
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Kevin Hamlin
Recently retired as head of music at Collingwood Collegiate, Kevin Hamlin has been appointed to be Yamaha Music Canada's first Educator-in-Residence, providing workshops and clinics for high school music programs and bands throughout North America. Kevin was awarded the Keith Mann Outstanding Band Director in 2015, awarded to one teacher each year from across the country, chosen by MusicFest Canada. Kevin also presents regularly at numerous music conferences throughout Canada, provides workshops for school boards and universities, and adjudicates at Regional Festivals from Coast to Coast, as well as the MusicFest Canada National Festival. Kevin was also awarded the Collingwood Arts Award in 2015 as well as the Order of Collingwood in 2016. |
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Jennifer Hansen
Jenny has been teaching music in the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows school district since 2003. She is a music education graduate from the University of Victoria and has an Elementary Music Graduate Diploma from Simon Fraser University. She spent the first part of her career teaching secondary band but made the switch to elementary music in 2011. She currently teaches K-7 music at Golden Ears Elementary and is part of a performing arts team, co-directing at least one school musical each year. Outside of school, Jenny enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. |
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Michelle Hartley
Originally from Newfoundland, Michelle has taught across Canada from NS to NWT, as well as abroad in England, France and the US. A graduate of Mount Allison University (BMus) and Memorial University (BMusEd), Michelle also completed a Masters of Music at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey, where she sang with the acclaimed Westminster Choir and Westminster Kantorei, performing with major symphonies, in ACDA national conferences, and international festivals. While living in the US, Michelle also worked with the American Boychoir School as the Tour Manager for their grade 4-8 Concert Touring Choir. Since her arrival in BC in 2016, she has been developing a Kodály-based curriculum for singers aged 4-18, integrating the method along with the Orff Approach in music classes and rehearsals as a certified Kodály and Orff Schulwerk teacher. Currently, Michelle conducts VYC Kids at the Vancouver Youth Choir, and is the Senior School Choir and Orchestra Director at Crofton House School. |
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Jennifer Hill
Jennifer Hill is of Nlaka’pamux, Métis, British, Scandinavian and Austrian ancestry. She was born, raised and currently resides in Victoria BC on the territory of the Lekwungen and WSANEC speaking peoples. She is a music and drama teacher at École Arbutus Global Middle School. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Music with Distinction from the University of Victoria and a Certificate in Inclusive Education from Queens University. Jennifer is the co-recipient of the 2017 VCPAC Fine Arts Champion Award and has twice co-taught winning submissions to the CBC Music Class Challenge. She is a Past-President of the Greater Victoria Music Educators’ Association. Jennifer has been an active contributor to the creation and implementation of a district wide Indigenous drumming program in SD61. |
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Crystal-Anne Howell
Crystal-Anne is a music teacher in Qualicum Beach where she has taught an assortment of concert and jazz, choral and instrumental ensembles since completing her BMus and BEd at UVic. She also holds a Master’s of Music Education from the University of Western Ontario. She is currently the Honour Ensemble Coordinator Chair for the BCMEA. Crystal-Anne’s main goal in teaching is to foster community, musicality, and lifelong skills in her students, particularly focusing on a sense of acceptance and belonging within her school ensembles and program. She loves watching her students transform from who they might have been without music into who they can be with it. |
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Dijana Ihas
Dijana Ihas serves as the Professor of Music Education at Pacific University in Oregon. She is a regular presenter on string pedagogy and string education topics at state, regional, national, and international conferences. Her publications appeared in the American String Teacher magazine, Journal of String Research, and Council for Undergraduate Research Quarterly, among others. Dr. Ihas is the lead author of an upcoming book, Teaching Violin, Viola, Cello, and Double Bass: Historical and Modern Pedagogical Practices (Ihas, D., Wilson, M., & MacCormick, G., 2003) that summarizes 250 years of string pedagogy on all four bowed string instruments. |
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Brent Jarvis
Brent Jarvis is a jazz pianist, lives in Victoria BC, and teaches (and is Chair of Music) at Vancouver Island University. In 2002 Brent completed a Jazz Performance degree at the University of Toronto and in 2022 a Master’s Degree in Musicology at the University of Victoria. Brent aims to continue a lineage of lyrical piano playing that explores the harmonic and rhythmic potential of jazz performance and composition. By having closely studied the music of Bill Evans, Herbie Hancock, Keith Jarrett, Phineas Newborn, Mulgrew Miller, Chick Corea, John Taylor, and others; Brent builds on a legacy of musical expression and exploration. In 2019 Brent began a recording project entitled “Dragonfly,” this album combines contemporary jazz music with Cuban rhythm. This most recent work draws on the immense musical talent existing on the west coast of Canada and features Miguelito Valdes, Monik Nordine, Ben Henriques, Jose Sanchez, and Steve MacDonald. Brent’s previous album entitled “the Medium” was loosely based on the work of Canadian philosopher and media theorist Marshall MacLuhan. Released in 2015, “the Medium” combines traditional Cuban rhythm, bebop, standard jazz repertoire, new compositions, and arrangements for a ten piece band. The title track from this album was named a favourite on Toronto’s Jazz FM91’s annual retrospective. Jazz FM91 host Laura Fernandes referred to the Medium as: “captivating … a collaboration between the sensual and the intellectual … music that sparks the senses and transcends genres. |
Jennifer Hill, Alana Johnson, Jenn Treble
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Alana Johnson
Alana Johnson haan.uu dii kiiG̱aaga. T’alang kaayxal ga. T’alang kyaanuusali ga. Alana Johnson belongs to the Raven matrilineage of the Haida nation, specifically to the kyaanuusali clan and Star house. She is Haida and British-Canadian. c̓awanakatʔiš. ʔiiḥatisʔaqsupʔiš. She has one child who belongs to Ehatis. She also carries her role as aunty as a sacred responsibility, as the Haida language uses the term awaay for both mother and aunty. Until her recent move to Wiwek̓a̱m (Campbell River), she was the choir teacher at Pkols Secondary (Mount Doug) in the Greater Victoria School District. She is a piano teacher, an Indigenous role model in the Sooke School District, teaches Indigenous Studies at Camosun College, and actively pursues language studies in both nuučaan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) and Xaayda kil (Skidegate Haida). She is grateful for the strength of her kuuniisii (ancestors) and to her many Indigenous and musician mentors over the years, and is excited to be part of (re)conciliation in c\a\n\a\d\a by equipping music educators to gain new skills, engage in challenging conversations, and build relationships between individuals and communities. |
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Dr. Hyejung Jun
Dr. Hyejung Jun is Assistant Professor of Choral Conducting at the University of British Columbia, where she conducts the Choral Union, teaches Choral Literature, Choral Conducting Techniques, and Private Lessons for graduate conducting students. Dr. Jun has extensive experience as a singer, pianist, and conductor. Her performances have been recognized for their sensitivity and excellence. Prior to coming to the United States, she was the winner of the 2012 National Choral Conducting Competition in Seoul, South Korea. After moving to the United States, she earned her Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Emory University and completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. In 2018, she was awarded the May Festival Conducting Fellowship with the internationally recognized May Festival Chorus in Cincinnati, OH under the mentorship of Robert Porco, Director of Choruses of the May Festival Chorus. |
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CPO 2 Dan Keels
Born and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland, CPO2 Keels began playing trombone at the age of 11. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1989 as a musician with the Band of the Ceremonial Guard. He continued to work with the Ceremonial Guard in the summers while serving with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band. In 1992, he transferred to the Regular Force and was posted to the Canadian Forces School of Music in Borden, followed by a posting to the Air Command Band in Winnipeg in December 1993. When the Music Branch was reduced in 1994, he re-mustered to Field Artillery. Upon completion of battle school in Shilo, MB, he was subsequently posted to “B” Battery of 1st Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. Two years later, he transferred back to the Primary Reserve as a musician in 1996, this time serving with The Band of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. Returning to Newfoundland in 1996, he served again with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Band as well as the Atlantic Area Army Band. After completing a Bachelor of Music degree at Memorial University in 1998, CPO2 Keels re-enrolled in the RegF and was posted to The Royal Canadian Artillery Band in Edmonton where he spent the next ten years. He was promoted to Warrant Officer in 2004, and in 2008 was posted to The Central Band in Ottawa. After completing the Assistant Director of Music course in 2010, CPO 2 Keels was promoted to Master Warrant Officer. He completed the year-long French course at Canadian Armed Forces Language School in Gatineau in July of 2012 and was subsequently posted to Québec City as Band Sergeant Major with La Musique du Royal 22ième Régiment. In 2015, he returned to Edmonton as Band Sergeant Major of The Royal Canadian Artillery Band. Posted to Victoria in 2022, he is currently the Chief Petty Officer of the NADEN band of the Royal Canadian Navy in Esquimalt. He is married to Karen, a former CAF musician, and they have two daughters, Zoe and Sarah. |
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Brent Kellas
Brent Kellas has been a music educator in BC for the past 20 years teaching in the Fraser Valley and on Vancouver Island. He currently works in the Parksville/Qualicum School District and teaches beginning band, intermediate band, concert band, jazz band, concert choir, and guitar at Ballenas Secondary School. He has been a member of numerous community bands and choirs throughout the years and also performs with the worship team at his church. Brent was involved in the formation of the student chapter of the BCMEA at UVic, served as a member at large on the BCMEA executive for a number of years, and has also worked on the BCMEA conference committee as a clinicians coordinator. Before entering the teaching profession, he completed a diploma in Jazz Studies at Vancouver Island University and then earned a degree in Music Education at the University of Victoria. Brent is currently a part-time student at VIU again and is finishing off a master’s degree in Educational Leadership. His thesis research is focused on effective educational assessment, BC’s new K-12 Student Reporting Policy, and the use of proficiency and standards-based instruction and assessment. In addition to music education, Brent has spent much of his time learning about the benefits that mentoring groups provide for students, and he has established a successful mentoring group for boys at his school. Building a sense of belonging and support in the school community and creating strong connections through circle culture and mentoring are very important to him. |
Susan Kiddie
Susan Kiddie gained her BMus and MMus in Musicology from the University of Auckland in NZ and her Dip.Tchg. from Christchurch Teachers’ Training College in Christchurch in NZ. She taught secondary school Music in Auckland, NZ for 5 years and has been teaching elementary Music in Coquitlam School District for 20 years; she presently teaches at Nestor Elementary School. Susan has Level 3 Orff and Level 1 Kodaly. She is a singer (ARCT), pianist (LTCL), violinist and choral specialist. Susan has been a professional soprano church soloist for over 30 years at St Andrews Wesley United Church and Spirit of Life Lutheran Church and has sung in elite choirs, such as NZ National Youth Choir and Vancouver Cantata Singers. She has produced 2 CDs, Memories of Prague, and Dreams and Songs of Love. Susan is an avid Music advocate and is currently President of the CMTA, the B.C Representative of the Kodaly Society of Canada, Vice President of the Kodaly Society of B.C., Director on the B.C. Choral Federation board and Chair of the Fund-raising Committee for the National Orff Conference (Constellation 2024) Steering Committee. She also runs a professional private and group (Music for Young Children) piano teaching studio in her home. |
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Amanda Kilburn
Amanda is a pianist, tenor saxophonist and cellist who has been teaching music in the Vancouver School District for 15 years. Originally from Fredericton NB, she completed her Honours in Psychology and then Bachelor in Education at St. Thomas University while also playing saxophone in several ensembles, including STU Jazz, The Thomists Big Band, a reggae band, El Salvadorean band and jazz quintet. She moved to Vancouver in 2008 where she fell in love with the city, particularly East Van, where she lives and works. She is the current principal cellist and president of the “A Little Night Music Orchestra.” She has been teaching at Vancouver Technical Secondary since 2010 and as the Director of Bands and Orchestras has worked to build and maintain interest and excellence in the Strings and Band program, as well as foster a welcoming community for students to find belonging and purpose. She teaches Junior and Senior Orchestra, Jazz Band, and three levels of Concert Band at Van Tech. She is the Fine Arts Department Head and is an active member on several school committees. Post Covid, Van Tech has seen continued growth in Music courses with large enrollment numbers at all levels, and Amanda looks forward to sharing her insight into what has fuelled Van Tech Music's continued success. |
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Judy Lea
Judy Lea has been teaching elementary music (and many other subjects) for the last 20 years. Before that, she taught dance, drama and music at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts and Bonsor Recreation Centre for 12 years. She's also a songwriter, recording artist and children's entertainer. B.C. (before children) she was a musician in several different working bands. Ms. Lea is now a TTOC, a private music instructor, a grandmother, an occasional drummer, and an author. Her focus this year is finding time for more creative projects. Judy believes that learning can (and should) be fun for students AND educators. |
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Taes Leavitt (Keynote)
Taes Leavitt has spent the last 15 years creating empowering television and stage content for youth as half of the Juno Award and Canadian Folk Award-winning children's music duo, Splash’N Boots. As “Boots”, Leavitt has co-written and co-produced 13 original studio albums (over 150 songs), winning 2 Juno Awards and receiving 8 nominations for her work. Splash'N Boots have delivered over 5,000 musical performances throughout North America, the Middle East, Australia, Europe and the Caribbean, collaborating with internationally renowned musicians and performers such as Alice Cooper, Brett Kissel, Sharon and Bram, The Wiggles, and The Strumbellas. Since 2014, Leavitt has created, written, and performed 100 episodes of the music-based preschool TV show The Big Yellow Boot, now airing in 8.5 million homes on Treehouse TV and Disney Canada. As an expert in youth entertainment, Leavitt is regularly called upon to write, produce and direct original segments for television, including work on iconic children’s entertainment property Sesame Street. |
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Frank Lee
Frank Lee is the newly appointed artistic director of Amabilis and looks to continue the excellence and passion of its past directors. Currently, he is the choral director at Carson Graham Secondary School for the past eight years and spent the previous seventeen years as the choral and instrumental director at Seycove Secondary School in North Vancouver. Mr. Lee was also on Faculty at Douglas College directing the Chorus. His past ensemble was honoured with the distinction of Youth Choir of the World at the International Choral Festival, Kathaumixw, in 2007. In 2009 his Chorale was named top choir at the Canadian National Choral Festival and had their solo debut concert in 2011 at Carnegie Hall. His vocal jazz ensembles have been featured in Western Canada and Washington State. Frank received his undergraduate music degree from the University of Victoria studying trombone with Ian McDougall. He has recently finished his graduate studies in choral conducting, under Dr. Graeme Langager, at the University of British Columbia. He is sought after as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor across Canada and Washington State. Frank has served as the chair for the BCMEA Honour Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Kiwanis Vocal Jazz Festival, and is currently on the Canadian Rocky Mountain Music Festival Advisory Committee as well as Musicfest Canada. |
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Ben Litzcke
Ben Litzcke holds a Master of Music in wind conducting from the University of Victoria, where he also completed a Bachelor of Music on clarinet. He teaches band and clarinet workshops in schools and guest conducts in various community bands around Victoria. Ben is also the founder and music director of Island Chamber Winds, a new organization based in Victoria that is dedicated to performing wind music by living composers. |
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Johnson Lui
Johnson is the Director of Choirs at St. Thomas More Collegiate. He began his career at STMC back in 2009 and over the years, his group has been recognized both provincially and nationally. Johnson also directs the El Shaddai Vancouver Chapter Gospel Choir, a Filipino Canadian music ministry that has served throughout the Pacific Northwest and Eastern Canada. When he's not in front of a choir, Johnson and his wife Marilen enjoy spending their time at parks and playgrounds with their 2 year old Son, Matthew. |
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Luke McAndless-Davis
Luke teaches choir at New Westminster Secondary, the very high school he was lucky enough to graduate from. In addition to directing several school choirs, Luke is a conductor and music literacy coordinator for the Vancouver Youth Choir where he conducts their Junior and Treble Choirs. This past year, Luke assisted the preparation and conducted the Vancouver Youth Choir in a piece at the World Symposium on Choral Music at Istanbul, Türkiye. A graduate of the UBC Music Education Program, Luke has previously taught at Collingwood School and Mulgrave School and served as Assistant Conductor for the Vancouver Orpheus Male Voice Choir and the 2019 BC Youth Choir. Luke's school choirs have performed at festivals throughout BC and recently received a gold rating at the Anaheim Heritage Festival in California. Luke has had the privilege of singing and conducting in cathedrals in Prague, London, and Dublin; in Carnegie Hall in New York, and J.S. Bach's church in Leipzig, Germany. |
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Jeff McPherson
Jeff McPherson graduated from Brandon University in 2010 with a B.Mus/B.Ed concurrent degree. In 2023 He received the Distinguished Teacher Award, an alumni award from Brandon University that honors inspiring teachers nominated by their students and administration. He is the full-time music teacher at Wayoata Elementary School in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Jeff has worked with a small team of other music teachers, curricular consultants, and assistant superintendents over the past six years to implement a division-wide technology integration program in River East Transcona School Division and is currently the teacher leader for technology integration in elementary music. Through the lens of 21st century teaching/learning, he continues to provide professional development at the school and divisional level as a member of the Digital Literacy Leadership team. Jeff has been a ukulele clinician at TEMPO (Manitoba Music Educators Conference), DECAPO (Brandon University), and, most recently, at Intersections 2022 (National Orff Educators Conference). Education conferences are not the only way Jeff shares his love of teaching music with others. He also runs a YouTube channel (@MessyDeskConcerts) with hundreds of lessons, song arrangements and fun activities for music teachers to use in their classrooms. Jeff regularly conducts divisional choirs with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. In 2017, his medley of classic Canadian favorites, co-arranged with Neil Weisensel for Canada 150, was performed in an evening concert by the WSO and 230 Grade Five students. His school groups have performed at Manitoba Music Month and at the Manitoba Legislature Open House. Most importantly, Jeff is fortunate to be married to another wonderful music teacher and is a proud dad of two great kids! |
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Michael Meroniuk
Michael Meroniuk is a session guitarist and mandolinist based in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. Michael’s performance history includes performances with JoJo Mason, Shawn Austin, Mathew V, Hey Ocean, Andrew Hyatt, Victoria Anthony, Sophia Danai, John Reicshman, Greg Drummond, Portiia and many more. Michael has had his guitar playing featured in many films/movies, one of the most recent being Ali Wong’s “Always Be My Maybe” and Virgin River. He's won the BC Country Musician Associations “Mandolin Player Of The Year” award in 2022, had his original music nominated at the 2019 Breakout West Awards, and has been fortunate to tour internationally. https://www.michaelmeroniuk.com |
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Danny Najjar
Danny’s fervour for human connections, robust thematic material, and cheesy jokes found an outlet when he joined his first choir at age 7 in Denver, CO. Since then, not a year has passed without his direct involvement in musical performance—and now, Danny's choral directing has found a home at Seycove Secondary School and St. John's Shaughnessy Church. Having freshly graduated from UBC in 2022, he looks forward to continuing on his path as a performer in the midst of Vancouver’s blooming vocal performance scene with genre-breaking groups such as musica intima, Vancouver Youth Choir, and Will Clements’ SUPERVOX. Danny also loves absurdist philosophy and flowers. |
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Kristina Nand
Kristi Nand is a Music teacher at Langley Fundamental Middle and Secondary School. Over the past nine years she has worked with with elementary, middle and high school band/choral programs as well as musical theatre. Everything from introduction to music in kindergarten to jazz choir and Sr. concert band. Kristi believes the most important part of a music program is to create a welcoming community where students feel like they belong. Creating a ‘safe space to fail’ is key as we learn the most when we take risks. |
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Chris Perry
Chris Perry is a music educator from the Central Okanagan, and has been teaching for 21 years. Through his time in the Central Okanagan school district, Chris has taught at the Middle and High School level, and has had award winning groups in Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Choir. Chris was the president of the Central Okanagan Teachers Association for 11 years, and has been the coordinator of the BC Interior Jazz Festival for 6 years. Chris has performed with Colin James, Chris Hatfield, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, and the BC Interior Jazz Festival Big Band. |
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Dr. Anita Prest
Anita Prest is Assistant Professor of Music Education in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction at the University of Victoria, Canada. Her current research projects examine the ways in which music educators and Indigenous culture bearers in British Columbia have facilitated the appropriate embedding of local cultural practices in music classes, and the factors that must be considered in the creation of appropriate Indigenous choral music resources (in partnership with the Victoria Native Friendship Centre). Both studies are supported by the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Anita teaches music education courses to both secondary music specialist and elementary generalist teacher candidates. Anita has presented papers in Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Prior to her appointment at the University of Victoria, Anita taught K-12 music for 20 years in rural and metropolitan settings. |
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Elizabeth Riegert
Elizabeth is a bassoonist and music educator from Vancouver with a Bachelors Degree in Music and Secondary Music Education from the University of British Columbia. She is the current Clinics Chair on the BCMEA Conference Committee and teaches at Vancouver Technical Secondary in East Vancouver. This year, Elizabeth initiated a new 'District Honour Ensembles' program in her district, which she will coordinate and will begin later this school year. Elizabeth has been teaching for 6 years, with a background in Musical Theatre, Concert Band, Jazz Band, a variety of Choirs and String Orchestra. She has put a large focus on building and maintaining Community within her programs while allowing students to grow and showcase their own independence and leadership skills. Elizabeth is confident in the growth seen in her program post-Covid and is excited to share her behind the scenes tips to helping other teachers reduce their work load so they can focus on teaching and inspiring young musicians. |
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S1 Kyle Reyes
Sailor First Class Kyle Reyes was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Toronto, where he studied with John Rudolph and Russell Hartenberger. S1 Reyes joined the Naval Reserves in 2013 at HMCS York and has been tasked out to the National Band of the Naval Reserve as well as the Band of the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa, Ontario. S1 Reyes started playing with the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy in 2018. S1 Reyes is a huge advocate of sports within the Canadian Armed Forces(CAF) and competes at the regional and national level. |
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Cindy Romphf
Cindy Romphf presently serves as the Past President of the Greater Victoria Music Educators’ Association, concurrently holding the position of Past President at the B.C. Music Educators’ Association, and the role of 2nd Vice President at the Greater Victoria Teachers’ Association. With a commendable tenure of 20 years within the public school system, she leads the music department at Cedar Hill Middle School in Victoria, B.C., overseeing a team of three music educators and coordinating fifteen performing ensembles. Cedar Hill’s bands, choirs, and string ensembles have consistently garnered Superior accolades at regional, provincial, and national festivals in Canada. Cindy earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Music Education from the University of Victoria with distinction, specializing in Piano as her major instrument and Voice as a minor. Additionally, she achieved a Master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting from the American Band College at Sam Houston State University, Texas. Noteworthy distinctions include being the recipient of the “Fine Arts Champion Award” from the Victoria Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils in both 2014 and 2022. Furthermore, Cindy, alongside Karin Kwan, Kristil Hammer, and Winona Waldron, received the BCMEA Special Distinguished Service award in 2021, along with the CMEA Builder’s Award, recognizing their dedicated advocacy for preserving music programs within the Greater Victoria School District. She also contributes her expertise as a band and choir clinician, guest conductor, and honor ensemble conductor throughout the province of British Columbia. Beyond her professional endeavors, Cindy actively participates in local musical performances in Victoria, showcasing her talents at various churches and ensembles. She is a valued member of the cover band “Bobby Dazzler,” where she plays the tenor saxophone, keyboard, and provides backing vocals. In her leisure time, she finds joy in baking and cherishes moments spent with her husband, Jon, and their two young children, Elayna and Jackson. |
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Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan
Dr. Jace Kaholokula Saplan serves as Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of at Arizona State University and oversees the graduate program in choral conducting, conducts the ASU Concert Choir, and teaches courses in choral literature and pedagogy that weave decolonial and critical theories with communal vocal practice. In addition to Jace’s work in academia and classical music, Jace is known as a national thought leader and consultant in enacting social change and equity-driven practice through the choral arts. Dr. Saplan is an Obama Equity Fellow for the 2022-2023 year and a Gates DEI fellow for the 2023-2024 year. Jace also serves as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Access, and Belonging consultant for arts organizations throughout the country, such as Choral Arts Northwest, The Phoenix Chamber Choir, The Guitar Federation of America, and Native Arts. As a Kanaka Maoli advocate, artist, and culture bearer, Dr. Saplan is also the artistic director of Nā Wai Chamber Choir, a vocal ensemble based in Hawaiʻi dedicated to the preservation, propagation, and innovation of Hawaiian choral music. Under Dr. Saplan’s direction, Nā Wai recorded a Global Music Award-winning album entitled Eō Liliʻuoklani under the Mālama Music label and performed for the 2021 Chorus America Summer Conference, the 2021 National American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Conference, and the 2020 ACDA Western Region Conference in Salt Lake. Prior to Dr. Saplan’s appointment at Arizona State University, Dr. Saplan was the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Hawai’i and conductor of the UH Chamber Singers. Under Jace’s direction the UH Chamber Singers sang as an auditioned choir at the 2022 ACDA Western Division Conference in Long Beach. The ensemble also performed at the Musica Pasifika Festival in Tahiti in 2020, and at the Pasifika Choral Symposium in Guam in 2019. Jace regularly conducts high school and collegiate honor choirs across the United States, and is invited to headline conferences and serve as a guest lecturer in the United States and abroad. Jace received a BA in Hawaiian Music from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, a M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University-Portland, an MM in Choral Conducting from the University of Oregon, and a DMA in Choral Conducting with cognates in Music Education and Ethnomusicology from the University of Miami Frost School of Music |
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Bryan Stenson
Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, Bryan Hiroto Stenson attended and graduated from St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo, where his parents still teach music and choir. He received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA and received his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. He was employed as a choir teacher in Arlington County, VA before winning an audition to sing as a Tenor Vocalist with U.S. Army Voices in the U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” There he served six years singing for global leaders, military officials, nationally televised sporting events, and the general public. While in the Army, he earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at George Mason University where he also taught courses in Music Theory and Music Appreciation. His doctoral research focuses on choral settings of Japanese folk songs by composer, Ko Matsushita. Dr. Stenson has worked with a variety of ages and abilities, ranging from elementary singers to adults. Past organizations include the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Gunston Middle School, the Tacoma Youth Chorus, the Bel Canto Choir of the Children’s Chorus of Washington, the Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg, and Christ United Methodist Church in Plano, TX, where he served as the Associate Director of Music for Children and Youth. Throughout his career he has also maintained a private voice studio with students participating in programs such as the Washington National Opera Institute, Virginia Governor's School, and the CS Vocal Competition. Dr. Stenson joined the faculty of Columbia College in 2022 and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music. |
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McKenna Stenson
As an innovative conductor, teacher, and vocalist, McKenna Stenson has built a career inspiring students to sing with confidence and motivating communities to create lasting change through song. Her energetic demeanor permeates positivity throughout the ensemble, creating a community of compassion, trust, and resilience. Stenson is an assistant professor on faculty at the University of Kansas (KU) where she serves as Associate Director of Choral Activities. She conducts KU Glee Club and Oread Singers. In addition to leading ensembles, she teaches classes in choral methods, undergraduate and graduate conducting, and voice. Stenson enjoys serving as a guest conductor, clinician, presenter, and adjudicator for choirs throughout the United States and abroad. Recent engagements include teaching internationally with The Cornish-American Song Institute “Music Across the Pond”, where she taught seminars in choral conducting and choral masterclasses, and directing the Kansas Treble All-State Honor Choir. She has served in state leadership roles and presented sessions at state, regional, and international conferences including the World Symposium on Choral Music (Istanbul, 2023.) Stenson was nationally recognized as a Country Music Award Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence for 2020. Most recently she was named third-place winner of the 2021 American Prize Conducting Competition and a finalist for the 2022 South-Western American Choral Association Graduate Conducting Masterclass. Prior to her appointment at KU, Stenson was a DMA student in Choral Conducting at the University of North Texas (UNT) where she studied under Dr. Allen Hightower, Dr. Kristina MacMullen, and Dr. Jessica Nápoles. She directed the UNT Camerata and assisted Dr. Kristina MacMullen with the UNT University Singers. Additional teaching appointments at UNT included Music Fundamentals and serving as a teaching associate for Undergraduate Conducting and Vox Aquilae, the university's flagship early music ensemble. Stenson earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Bachelor of Music in Music Education from The Ohio State University and a Master of Music from Michigan State University. Stenson enjoyed serving as a public school teacher as the Choral Director and CFPA Vocal Director at Charles J. Colgan High School. Stenson, named “New Faculty Member of the Year” in 2017, directed five choirs during the day and three after-school ensembles at Colgan High School. Under the direction of Stenson, the Colgan Choral Ensembles were invited to perform at venues such as the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage and served as arts ambassadors throughout the Virginia Commonwealth. In 2018, the Colgan High School Chamber Ensemble was selected to perform at the Virginia Music Educators Association conference and received a standing ovation for their performance. In her free time, she enjoys running, singing with her husband Bryan, and interviewing women conductors on her new podcast conduct(her) with co-founder (and sister) Kyra Stahr. |
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PO 2 Roy Styffe
Petty Officer Second Class Roy Styffe is a Victoria based saxophone player and currently a member of the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy, his first posting in the Canadian Armed Forces. Roy has a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies from Humber College in Toronto, Onatario, and he has also studied at the Banff School under Don Thompson, Dave Holland, Kenny Wheeler, Lee Konitz, Ed Blackwell, John Abercrombie, and Pat LaBarbera. In 1992 Roy was awarded a Canada Council grant to study in New York City with Dick Oatts, and David Liebman. As well as studying music, Roy has been active as a leader, performer, and composer for the last 30 years. Some notable highlights have been performing with the Ed Bickert group, the Kenny wheeler Big Band, Daniel Lapp, Tony Genge, John McLeod big Band, as well as sitting in with Phil Woods. Roy has recorded 3 CD’s under his own name and collaborates with Kelby McNayr, Tony Genge, and groups in both Toronto and Montreal. Roy has also taught extensively throughout his career, both privately and for the Toronto District School Board. |
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Craig Thomson
Craig Thomson is an award-winning saxophonist and educator currently based in the beautiful Okanagan region of British Columbia. Through his dedication to the arts and music education, Craig’s public school and private students have earned numerous national and international honours over the past two decades, including multiple wins at the instrumental AAAA level of the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival. Raised in an area of BC long known for its top-quality music programs, Craig was inspired by his teachers at an early age to pursue a career in both music performance and music education, leading to study at Grant McEwan University in Edmonton, Capilano University in Vancouver and the University of British Columbia. Craig is the Artistic Director for the B.C. Interior Jazz Festival, an annual three-day educational event that brings together over 1000 students from around Canada and the United States and connects them with the expertise of North America's finest music professionals. He was also the festival Coordinator for ten years. In 2011, he founded the Live at Five Jazz Jam at Kelowna’s Rotary Centre for the Arts. This program gives local students a chance to perform with professional musicians in front of a live audience for up to two hours every week. In 2013, Craig was honoured as the Okanagan Musician of the Year, and in 2016 he was honoured as the GWBOT Performing Artist of the Year. In 2014, he was thrilled to join the Yamaha Canada artist roster as a Yamaha Artist Educator. He presents regular student and educator workshops and clinics throughout the Okanagan and the greater Vancouver area, and has adjudicated for Cantando Music Festivals, the Washington State University Jazz Festival, and the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Performing Arts. As well as promoting music education on a local and national level, Craig is an extremely busy and in-demand performer and session musician whose 2012 solo debut CD of all-original compositions, entitled Bright Beginnings, garnered much acclaim and received play on CBC radio. A second album is currently in production. Craig can be seen performing across the Okanagan Valley as a jazz and classical artist with his own projects, as a guest soloist, or as a symphonic musician. Craig is proud to be a Yamaha Artist Educator. He performs on the YTS 82ZUL (WOF) II tenor sax, the YAS 82Z alto sax, and the YSS 82ZSII soprano sax. |
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Jenn Treble
My name is Jenn Treble and I’m originally from Regina, SK. I am first generation Korean-Canadian on my mother’s side, and I have mixed European, settler ancestry on my father’s side. I have enjoyed teaching band, choir, strings, general music, and guitar to students grades 6-12 and beyond over the past 17 years. I hold a B. Mus. Ed. from the University of Regina and an M.A. in Music Education with an emphasis on wind band conducting from the University of Minnesota. Currently I have the privilege of teaching band, choir, and guitar at Esquimalt High School located on the traditional lands of the Esquimalt and Songhees nations. The past two years I have been fortunate to weave drumming into my teaching with the guidance and support of a First Nations cultural facilitator, not only to incorporate components of the new curriculum but as a way to recognize and honour Truth and Reconciliation. Most recently my band students participated in a collaboration entitled The Sacred Circle by Wedlidi Speck, a First Nations drama production about welcoming new people into the community. This group also drums regularly with our Aboriginal Leadership class for school assemblies and special events. |
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Rossi Tzonkov
Rossi Tzonkov obtained his music degree in jazz studies at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa. While performing professionally on both Bass and Spanish guitar Rossi went on to lecture part-time at the two of the most prestigious universities in Pretoria, the Tshwane University of Technology, and the University of Pretoria. Working as a bass guitar instructor at those institutions, he developed and implemented a bass guitar curriculum for students, 1st through 4th year, which the university adopted and continued to use long after his departure to Canada in 2010. Upon arrival in Vancouver and completing his education program, Rossi focused on Elementary Music Education. He expanded the scope of his music pedagogy by completing Orff, Levels 1 and 2, Drama and Education, Designs for Learning Dance, and Conducting and Conducting Pedagogy. In 2020 Rossi co-authored and published his first ukulele method book called “Sounds and Strings,” which is currently being used by Elementary Music teachers in Israel. In 2022 Rossi launched Kulea Ukulele , an Online Interactive Ukulele Method for classroom teachers. The method is now used by a number of educators and school districts in Canada and the US. Rossi is currently working at the Delta School District as a music teacher teaching grades K – 7. |
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Lt(N) Benjamin Van Slyke
Lieutenant (Navy) Benjamin Van Slyke, CD, joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a reservist with the 15thField Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery as a musician in 1995. During his time in the reserves he enjoyed many trips with the regimental band as well as several taskings with the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa. In 2005 Lt(N) Van Slyke transferred to the regular force after successfully auditioning and being offered a position with the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) in Halifax, NS. After three years with the band he was posted to the Canadian Forces Language School in Shearwater, NS for second language training on a yearlong course. In 2009 upon completion of second language training Lt(N) Van Slyke was posted to La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment at BFC Valcartier, QC. He was promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer in 2012 and posted back to the Stadacona Band. In 2016 Lt(N) Van Slyke was sent on the Unique Skill Qualification (USQ) for conducting brass and reed ensembles at CFB Borden. After completing the USQ he was posted to the Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) band in Edmonton, AB taking on the newly created role of Standards and Training manager for the unit. Posted to the Naden Band of the RCN in 2018 Lt(N) Van Slyke finally returned to the best coast although that was short lived as he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class and posted to Music Division, Canadian Forces Logistics Training Centre at CFB Borden in 2019. During that posting he enjoyed getting a better understanding of the Music Branch and working on the training that will develop better competencies of Canada’s military musicians. Lt(N) Van Slyke received his commission in July 2021, was promoted to his current rank, and posted back to the Naden band to complete his music officer training. He is very thankful to be taking over the Naden band as Commanding Officer and Director of Music. He is glad to be on the west coast and working with such outstanding musicians. Lt(N) Van Slyke met his wife Angela while working aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean and were married in 1999. They have two wonderful daughters, Abigail and Alena who bring them great joy. |
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PO 2 Mike Wade
Petty Officer Second Class Michel Wade hails from Victoria, where he plays trombone with the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy. He also grew up in the Garden City and received his BMus (Ed) from UVic in 2000. Following university, PO2 Wade spent nearly a decade playing professionally on large cruise ships all over the world. Returning to school, he obtained his Artist Diploma from the Glenn Gould School in Toronto in 2009, where a chance encounter led him to join the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves and the Band of the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa. In 2013, PO2 Wade joined the CAF’s “other” full time Navy Band, the Stadacona Band in Halifax. After five wonderful years playing music with the ocean on the wrong side, he finally returned to his roots in Victoria in 2018. As a student of Ian McDougall and Gordon Wolfe, PO2 Wade is passionate about teaching the next generation of musicians. |
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Janine Webster
Janine Webster began her musical studies on Oboe and English horn. Upon graduating from high school, she completed a Bachelor of Music with distinction, and a Master of Education in Conducting from UVic. For 32 years, Janine had the privilege of creating music with thousands of students in the Chilliwack School District. She built strong programs at Chilliwack Secondary, Sardis Secondary and G.W. Graham Secondary, teaching instrumental, choral, orchestral, composition and musical theatre courses. Janine also received the I. Keith Mann Outstanding Band Director Award from MusicFest Canada, the B.C. Music Educators Professional Music Educator – Secondary Award, and Rotary International honoured her with the Paul Harris Fellow Award in appreciation of better understanding and encouraging friendly relations among people of the world. She now lives in Victoria, B.C. where she works at UVic with education students, enjoys the cultural scene and continues to make music, playing oboe, handbells and singing. |
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S1 Simeon Weststeijn
Sailor First Class Simeon Weststeijn began his musical journey at nine years old when he started learning drum set from a local high school percussionist, eventually leading him to obtain a master’s degree in percussion performance in 2020. S1 Weststeijn joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2011, enrolling as a gunner with 15th Field Artillery Regiment in Vancouver, B.C. while simultaneously playing as a musician with the 15 RCA band. S1 Weststeijn completed five years with the Band of the Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa before being posted to the Naden Band in 2018. Some highlights from his current musical career include performing with the Victoria, Okanagan, Kamloops, and Vancouver Island Symphonies, performing internationally in Chile, France, and with the International Military Band Concert in the United States, and performing concerts at the northernmost permanently inhabited place on the planet: Canadian Forces Station Alert. |
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Peter Zaenker
Peter Zaenker has had an early childhood background participating in strings, choral, and band classes through the Vancouver School board. He received a B.Mus in classical guitar performance from the University of British Columbia, completed his A.R.C.T diploma, and continued his performance studies at the Cologne Musikhochschule in Germany. He then completed an Instrumental Pedagogy diploma from the Cologne Musikhochschule and taught at various music schools in Germany for several years. Upon returning to the Vancouver area he completed his B.Ed, focusing on concert band, strings, and guitar. He also holds a M.Ed in Arts Education from S.F.U. He is a long-time teacher in the New Westminster school district where he expanded the guitar program and piloted a strings class at New Westminster Secondary. He subsequently taught middle school music classes for 6 years before settling into elementary music education. He teaches music to 600 students every week in a diverse and colorful inner-city school. Having taught guitar and more recently ukulele to all ages, he enjoys seeing the fine motor skills develop and the basis of proper technique begin to flourish. Through his years of trial and error, he enjoys sharing and learning from other teachers' challenges and successes. |
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PO 2 Alliszon Zaichkowski
After completing degrees in Music Performance at UBC, U of Calgary, and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Petty Officer Second Class Alliszon Zaichkowski’s passion for the French Horn turned into a career with the Canadian Armed Forces Band Branch. Alliszon spent 8 years in Ottawa with the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force before being posted to the Naden Band of the Royal Canadian Navy in Victoria, returning to their home province. When Alliszon’s not busy with the Naden Band, you can catch them performing around Vancouver Island with Island Circus Space on trapeze or aerial hammock, with hula hoops and one time they even did a performance as a flying mermaid on the aerial hoop, while performing a tune on the conch shell. This was followed immediately by going to Key West, Florida where they became champion of the annual conch blowing contest. In 2021, they auditioned for Canada’s Got Talent! honking their conch to the musical stylings of Queen. Alliszon hopes to continue to combine their musical and circus skills in the future. |