The best in their field
Selected by the respective Festival Chair, these individuals evaluate, encourage, enhance and broaden the musicality of each group and every individual participating in the national festival. These people are the foremost in their fields, and represent the highest standards of their profession, be it in a classroom setting or on a performance stage.
Aaron Bell
Aaron Bell, from the Parry Sound area, is a passionate music educator with 24 years of experience teaching high school instrumental music in the Simcoe County District School Board. He currently teaches Grade 7/8 instrumental music in Parry Sound, where his energy, humor, and creativity inspire students to explore the joy of music. Throughout his career, Aaron has led award-winning instrumental ensembles to success at festivals across North America. A skilled multi-instrumentalist, choral director, and worship leader, he brings a wealth of musical expertise to his students. His experience extends beyond the classroom—Aaron served as a Regional Festival Director for MusicFest Canada in Collingwood and has adjudicated at the Golden Horseshoe Regional Music Festival in Burlington. Aaron is also a licensed Realtor, helping clients find their dream homes with the same enthusiasm and dedication he brings to teaching. He combines his passion, commitment, and humor in everything he does.
Aaron Bell, de la région de Parry Sound, est un éducateur passionné avec 24 ans d’expérience dans l’enseignement de la musique instrumentale au secondaire au sein du conseil scolaire de Simcoe. Il enseigne actuellement la musique instrumentale en 7e et 8e année à Parry Sound, où son énergie, son humour et sa créativité incitent les élèves à explorer les joies de la musique. Tout au long de sa carrière, Aaron a mené avec succès des ensembles instrumentaux dans des festivals partout en Amérique du Nord. Multi-instrumentiste talentueux et chef de chœur, il apporte une abondance d’expertise musicale à ses musiciens. Son expérience s’étend au-delà de la salle de classe. Aaron a été directeur régional du festival MusicFest Canada à Collingwood et juge au Golden Horseshoe Regional Music Festival à Burlington. Aaron est également un agent immobilier agréé qui injecte sa passion, son engagement et son humour à tout ce qu’il fait.
Adrean Farrugia
Award winning pianist and composer Adrean Farrugia is recognized as one of Canada’s most sought after pianists and composers, having shared the music he loves globally with various bands across Canada, the United States, London UK, Paris, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, Australia, Poland, and The Netherlands with artists such as Ernie Watts, Sheila Jordan, Brad Goode, Cyrille Aimee, Matt Dusk, Molly Johnson, Joel Frahm, Ernesto Cervini, The Worst Pop Band Ever and others. Adrean is Assistant Professor/Contemporary and Commercial (CCM) Piano Studio/Jazz Ensemble/CCM Area Coordinator at Laurier University. He has played on more than 40 albums to date garnering 2 Juno awards, 8 Juno award nominations, a Mark Award for ‘Best Production Music Artist’ from the Production Music Association of America, ‘Pianist of the Year’ at the Hamilton Arts Awards, and a nomination for the Ontario Arts Council’s Louis Applebaum Composer’s Award.
Aline Homzy
Aline Homzy is an award-winning jazz violinist and composer. Originally from Montreal, born to a Québécois mom and an American dad with Eastern-European roots, Aline’s original music reflects her culturally-diverse background. Beyond composing music, She is also the leader of the string section for SymphRONica (2019 Juno-nominated), Maurizio Guarini’s “A Goblin’s Chamber Music”, De Bouche à oreille – série de spectacles francophone. Aline has also performed and/ or recorded with international artists such as Munir Hossn (Brazil), Emma Smith (Edinburgh), Jake Sherman (USA), Leah Michelle (USA), Ed Sheeran (Great Britain), Danilo Perez (Panama), Cho Yongwon (South Korea), Mikko Hildèn (Sweden), amongst others. Aline has performed in halls and venues such as Koerner Hall, Massey Hall, The Glenn Gould Studio, the Burdock, the Great Hall, various stages for the TD International Toronto Jazz Festival, Festival international de jazz de Montréal, Stockholm International jazz festival and many chamber-music and jazz-related concert series.
Learn more about Aline at Aline Homzy
Andy Morris
Director
As owner of Woodshed Percussion, Andy Morris has been a freelance musician in the Toronto area for over 20 years. Because of his extensive experience in the music business, he is able to offer sound advice on choosing the right instrument for a group or individual.
Andy is sponsored by Woodshed Percussion
Brad Barnham
Brad Barnham currently serves as Director of Music & Choral Activities at St. George’s Anglican Church in St. Catharines, and in August 2026 he will join Voices Rock Canada as Choir Director and Arranger for the Voices Rock Ensemble. In 2025, he conducted the premiere of his award-winning composition Moonset at Western University’s Don Wright Faculty of Music. The previous year, he guest conducted more than 1,400 musicians at Roy Thomson Hall for the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival and adjudicated the Ontario Vocal Jazz Festival. His contributions to the Niagara region have earned him St. Catharines Arts Award nominations for Artistic Impact in both 2024 and 2026. As a composer, Brad was the winner of the 2024 Ruth Watson Henderson Choral Composition Competition and received an Honourable Mention in the Diane Loomer Competition for Choral Writing. His piece Moonset was published in 2024 by the National Women’s Choir Association of Finland. That same year, he composed You’ll Always Be My Home for the Ontario Youth Choir, a work that has since been performed internationally in Beijing and Warsaw. His latest composition, At That Hour, will be premiered by the Elmer Iseler Singers in spring 2026.
Brad holds a Master of Music (Honours) in Choral Conducting from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Theory and Composition from Western University. Previous conducting roles include Assistant Conductor of Avanti Singers (2023–2025), Music Director of Toronto’s Wavestage Theatre Company (2015–2024), and Conductor of the Changed Voice Ensemble with the Chorus Niagara Children’s Choir during the 2023–24 season. In 2016, he served as a judge for the Classical category of the JUNO Awards.
Brenda Uchimaru
Adjudicator
Brenda Uchimaru graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education. Her thirty-seven-year career as an instrumental and vocal teacher. provided her with many opportunities to share her passion with high school students, music educators and community ensembles. Working with the Hamilton, Waterloo and York Region Boards of Education, she experienced diverse roles as department head, consultant and curriculum author. During her first decade, Brenda’s specialty with choirs was acknowledged with invitations for her concert, chamber and jazz choirs to do workshop demonstrations at schools, music conferences, universities and Boards of Education. Her choirs were consistently awarded gold standards in MusicFest Canada National Festivals and Kiwanis Festivals. Brenda’s last twelve years were at Unionville High School in Markham, in the regular and Arts York and Arts Unionville music programs. She directed the concert, chamber, jazz and showchoir and some musicals.
For over seventeen years, Brenda was course director of the Secondary School Music Course for the Ontario Educational Leadership Centre. She also taught the Vocal Music Additional Qualification Parts 1, 2 and 3 courses for the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), University of Toronto. As a freelance musical director, she has collaborated with community music theatre organizations, including New Faces Theatre, Hamilton Theatre Inc, Burlington Light Opera Society, Theatre Aquarius Summer Program, WEST Studio Theatre, The Oakville Players, The Player’s Guild of Hamilton, and Unionville Theatre Company. Brenda has enjoyed and learned through her directorship journey with the Rotary Youth Choir of Hamilton Mountain, The Harlequin Singers, Vox Nouveau Singers, and Toronto’s Bell’Arte Singers. In addition to Kokoro, Brenda is artistic director of the Cambridge Male Chorus.
Brent Adams
Brent Adams has held the Principal Tuba position for the Niagara Symphony for many years and performs regularly with several orchestras throughout Ontario, including the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra London Canada, Windsor Symphony Orchestra and the Hannaford Street Silver Band. As a member of the Niagara Brass Ensemble, Brent has recorded for Analekta and Echiquier recording companies as well as CBC radio. As a member of Brass Rings, he has toured extensively through Canada and the United States. Currently, Brent is a faculty member (Tuba & Euphonium) at Western University, Don Wright Faculty of Music.
Learn more about Brent at Brent Adams
Brent is sponsored by Western University
Brian O’Kane
Brian O’Kane has performed and recorded with groups including the Rob McConnell Tentet, The Boss Brass, John MacLeod’s Rex Hotel Jazz Orchestra, Hilario Duran’s Latin Jazz Big Band as well as the Barry Elmes Quintet. He has also performed at many jazz festivals across Canada and abroad. Brian has backed up a lengthy list of international artists including Paul Anka, Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra Jr., Diana Krall, and has appeared on many theatre productions in Toronto, the Shaw Festival, and has played on numerous records/CDs, radio and television shows and commercial jingles.
Brian has also performed with classical ensembles including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Hannaford Street Silver Band, the Hamilton Philharmonic Brass Ensemble, and True North Brass. Along with being hired as the Head of the Brass Department at Toronto’s Humber College, he has been featured as an artist/clinician at various universities and colleges in Canada and has performed as a featured soloist at the International Trumpet Guild Conference. As well being a Yamaha Canada Artist, Brian is an endorsing artist for Gard Bags.
Cheryl Ferguson
Cheryl Ferguson received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance (French horn) and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Mary (Bismarck, ND). She has also done graduate work at Southern Oregon University, and has earned a Master in Curriculum Studies (Music Education) at Acadia University (Nova Scotia). Cheryl has taught music at every level, including K-6 general music classes, ten years running junior high band programs, and has been in her current position as Director of Bands at Fort Richmond Collegiate since 2006. Cheryl is also the Director of Concert Band at Canadian Mennonite University. In 2013, Cheryl received the Manitoba Band Association Award of Distinction recognizing an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to music education in Manitoba. In 2014, she received the I. Keith Mann Outstanding Band Director Award. Cheryl was also awarded the Community Hero Award from the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in 2018.
Learn more about Cheryl at Cheryl Ferguson
Christine Jensen
Montreal-based saxophonist and composer Christine Jensen has been described as, “an original voice on the international jazz scene… [and] one of Canada’s most compelling composers,”- The Globe and Mail. According to Downbeat Magazine, “Jensen writes in three dimensions, with a quiet kind of authority that makes the many elements cohere. Wayne Shorter, Maria Schneider and Kenny Wheeler come to mind.” Jensen took home the 2024 Jazz Album of the Year (s0lo) for Day Moon and the 2011 Juno Award for Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year for Treelines. She currently holds the position of conductor of the orchestre national de jazz de Montréal, and is on faculty at University of Sherbrooke and McGill University, where she teaches composition and small and large ensembles.
Learn more about Christine at christinejensenmusic.com
Christine Vlajk
Violist Christine Vlajk has performed extensively in North and South America, Europe, much of China, Hong Kong and New Zealand. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Vlajk has Bachelor degrees in Viola Performance (B.M.) and Music Education (B.M.E.) from the University of Colorado in Boulder and a Masters degree in Viola Performance (M.M.) from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She has been guest soloist with the West Virginia Symphony, Hamilton Philharmonic, Peterborough Symphony and the Kitchener Waterloo Symphony Orchestra.
Learn more about Christine at Christine Vlajk
Christine is sponsored by Laurier University
Colin Clarke
President
With a passion for music education and outreach, Colin Clarke remains active as a conductor, guest lecturer, clinician, adjudicator and composer/arranger. Over the years he has worked with numerous renowned artists including the Canadian Brass, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the United States Army Herald Trumpets. Colin has led the Provincial Honour Bands of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island, and also served as Conductor of the prestigious National Youth Band of Canada. Abroad, Colin has led performances in the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria, Bulgaria, Spain and China. Now in its 35th season, Colin is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra. He is also Music Director of the Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra, and was recently appointed Artistic Director of the Oscar Peterson Program at the Royal Conservatory of Music. He is a Member of the Order of Canada since 2024.
Animé par une passion pour l’éducation musicale et le rayonnement culturel, Colin Clarke demeure très actif comme chef d’orchestre, conférencier invité, clinicien, évaluateur et compositeur/arrangeur. Au fil des ans, il a collaboré avec de nombreux artistes de renom, dont le Canadian Brass, le Toronto Mendelssohn Choir et les United States Army Herald Trumpets. Colin a dirigé les Harmonies d’honneur provinciales de l’Alberta, du Manitoba, de l’Ontario, du Québec et de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, et a également été chef de la prestigieuse Formation nationale des jeunes du Canada. À l’international, il a dirigé des concerts aux États-Unis, au Royaume-Uni, en Autriche, en Bulgarie, en Espagne et en Chine. En sa 35e saison, il est le fondateur et directeur artistique du Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra. Il est aussi directeur musical de l’Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra et a récemment été nommé directeur artistique du programme Oscar Peterson au Conservatoire royal de musique. Il est membre de l’Ordre du Canada depuis 2024.
Learn more about Colin at Colin Clarke
Colleen Allen
Colleen Allen is one of Canada’s most in-demand musicians for live concerts and recording sessions. Based in Toronto, the acclaimed and versatile multi-instrumentalist has performed all over Canada, the U.S. and Europe with world class jazz and pop artists including Molly Johnson, David Clayton-Thomas, Holly Cole, Emilie-Claire Barlow, Rik Emmett, Marc Jordan, Andrew Craig and Jackie Richardson, to name a few. She works frequently with Brian Barlow’s Big Band, Cirque du Soleil, is a resident artist at Soulpepper Theatre, and a member of Manteca, Canada’s premier fusion jazz big band. She has been in the house band of the Toronto Blues Society’s Women’s Blues Revue since its inception in 1986. Colleen is a beloved mentor and teacher of music for 15 years now at Humber College and a regular adjudicator/clinician for musicfest, and the TD jazz education festival in Picton.
Dan Horner
Dan Horner is the Head of Music at St. Andrew’s College in Aurora, Ontario. He earned his degree from Queen’s University, where he served as assistant conductor of the Queen’s Symphony Orchestra and performed with the Kingston Symphony Orchestra. With 30 years of teaching experience, Dan spent the bulk of his career at Bayview Secondary School, where he directed five symphonic bands and led a department of 500 students, building a highly regarded music program. He co-founded the York Music Camp and has directed the Toronto Youth Symphonic Winds for over 15 years, collaborating with a wide range of distinguished composers and performers. Dan has adjudicated at MusicFest Canada’s National Finals, the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival, and Music Alive, contributing his expertise to support young musicians and their development.
Dan Horner est à la tête du département de musique au Collège St. Andrew d’Aurora, en Ontario. Il a obtenu son diplôme de l’Université Queen’s, où il a été chef adjoint du Queen’s Symphony Orchestra et a joué avec l’Orchestre symphonique de Kingston. Ferré de 30 ans d’expérience en enseignement, Dan a passé la majeure partie de sa carrière à l’école secondaire Bayview, où il a dirigé cinq harmonies et guidé un département de 500 étudiants, créant ainsi un programme de musique on ne peut plus réputé. Il a cofondé le York Music Camp et a dirigé le Toronto Youth Symphonic Winds pendant plus de 15 ans, collaborant avec un large éventail de compositeurs et d’interprètes distingués. Dan a été membre du jury d’évaluation lors des finales nationales de MusicFest Canada, au Golden Horseshoe Music Festival et à Music Alive, partageant son expertise afin soutenir les jeunes musiciens dans leur développement.
Darryl Ferguson
Co-Director, Canadian Honour Band Project
Darryl Ferguson received a Bachelor of Music (Applied Trumpet) from Brandon University, a Master’s of Music (Trumpet Performance) from the University of South Florida, and a Bachelor of Education (After Degree) from the University of Manitoba. He currently teaches at Acadia Junior High School in Winnipeg, MB, where he directs four concert bands and a jazz ensemble. In 2021, Darryl was awarded the Manitoba Band Association’s Award of Distinction in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music education in Manitoba. In 2018, Darryl was awarded the Fort Richmond MLA Community Hero Certificate for his service in the community. Darryl is involved in many Manitoba Band Association initiatives, including serving as the MBA representative for the Tempo Music Conference, chairperson for the Manitoba provincial Junior and Intermediate Honour Bands, chairperson for the MBA Jazz Festival, and co-chair of the MBA’s Solo Challenge.
Learn more about Darryl at Darryl Ferguson
Dennis Beck
Adjudicator
Dennis Beck earned music degrees from Western University and the University of Calgary. He taught music in Alberta and Ontario at various levels, completed a graduate conducting program at the University of Calgary, performed as a clarinettist, taught summer courses for OISE, presented workshops, contributed 6 teaching guides to the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series of texts, and spent his last twenty years teaching at Unionville High School’s Arts York program. Since retiring in 2011, he has taught music education and conducted at Western University, continues to be active with and recognized by several professional music organizations, and mentors younger teachers. Active nationally as a band clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator, Dennis continues to participate in various professional development activities and maintains his commitment to life-long learning.
Dennis Beck a obtenu des diplômes en musique de l’Université Western et de l’Université de Calgary. Il a enseigné la musique en Alberta et en Ontario à divers niveaux, a complété un programme supérieur de direction d’orchestre à l’Université de Calgary, s’est produit comme clarinettiste, enseigné des cours d’été pour l’OISE, animé des ateliers et contribué à six guides pédagogiques de la série Teaching Music Through Performance in Band. Il a consacré ses vingt dernières années d’enseignement au programme Arts York de l’école secondaire Unionville. Depuis sa retraite en 2011, il a enseigné la pédagogie musicale et dirigé des ensembles à l’Université Western, demeure actif et reconnu au sein de plusieurs organisations musicales professionnelles, et agit comme mentor auprès de jeunes enseignants. Actif à l’échelle nationale comme clinicien, chef invité et adjudicateur, Dennis poursuit son engagement envers le perfectionnement professionnel et l’apprentissage tout au long de la vie.
Dr. Courtney Snyder
Dr. Courtney Snyder is Associate Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Conducting at the University of Michigan where she conducts the Concert Band, teaches undergraduate and graduate instrumental conducting, assists in administrating the Michigan Bands program, and directs the Michigan Youth Symphonic Band. Previously, Dr. Snyder served as the Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and was Music Director for the Nebraska Wind Symphony. An active guest conductor and clinician both nationally and internationally, Snyder is a contributing author to the book The Horizon Leans Forward: Stories of Courage, Strength, and Triumph of Underrepresented Communities in the Wind Band Field and is published in several journals including The Instrumentalist and NAfME’s Music Educators Journal. She’s received awards from Tau Beta Sigma, National Band Association, Women Band Directors International and The American Prize.
La Dre Courtney Snyder est directrice associée des ensembles à vent et professeure agrégée de direction à l’Université du Michigan. Elle y dirige l’harmonie de concert, enseigne la direction instrumentale aux premier et deuxième cycles, participe à l’administration du programme Michigan Bands et dirige le Michigan Youth Symphonic Band. Auparavant, elle a été directrice adjointe des ensembles à vent et directrice des fanfares sportives à l’Université du Nebraska à Omaha, ainsi que directrice musicale du Nebraska Wind Symphony. Chef invitée et clinicienne active aux niveaux national et international, elle est auteure contributrice de l’ouvrage The Horizon Leans Forward: Stories of Courage, Strength, and Triumph of Underrepresented Communities in the Wind Band Field et a publié dans plusieurs revues, dont The Instrumentalist et le Music Educators Journal. Elle a reçu des distinctions de Tau Beta Sigma, de la National Band Association, de Women Band Directors International et de The American Prize.
Dr. Danielle Gaudry
Conductor and educator Dr. Danielle Gaudry is Director of the Wind Orchestra and Associate Professor of Instrumental Conducting and Community Engagement at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University, where she also chairs the Performance Department. Previously, she spent ten years as Director of Bands and Coordinator of Instrumental Music at California State University, East Bay. Born and raised in the Franco-Manitoban community of St. Boniface, she taught high school instrumental music. She proudly served as a musician and conductor in the Canadian Armed Forces for fourteen years, notably as Director of Music of The Regimental Band of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles and as Conducting Instructor at the Canadian Forces Logistic Training Centre. Dr. Gaudry holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting with a Cognate in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and degrees from The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Calgary, the University of Toronto, and McGill University.
La cheffe d’orchestre et éducatrice Dr Danielle Gaudry est directrice de l’Orchestre à vent et professeure associée en direction instrumentale et en engagement communautaire à la Schulich School of Music de l’Université McGill, où elle préside également le département de performance. Avant cela, elle a dirigé les ensembles et coordonné la musique instrumentale à la California State University, East Bay, pendant dix ans. Née et élevée dans la communauté franco-manitobaine de St. Boniface, elle a enseigné la musique instrumentale au secondaire. Elle a servi fièrement comme musicienne et cheffe d’orchestre dans les Forces armées canadiennes pendant quatorze ans, notamment comme directrice de musique du Régiment des Royal Winnipeg Rifles et instructrice en direction au Canadian Forces Logistic Training Centre. Dr Gaudry est titulaire d’un Doctorat en Arts Musicaux en direction d’orchestre à vent lié à l’éducation musicale de l’Université de Cincinnati. Elle possède également des diplômes de Penn State, Calgary, Toronto et McGill.
Dr. Denis Jiron
Dr. Denis Jiron is currently principal trombone of the Jackson Symphony and Midland Symphony orchestras. He has also held positions with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Riverside Philharmonic and the Hofer Symfoniker, and has been guest trombonist with the LA Opera, Sapporo Symphony, Philharmonie Luxembourg, Pacific Symphony, and Detroit Symphony orchestras. He has also appeared with many artists, including: Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Queen Latifah, Kanye West, Andrea Bocelli, Sting, Gladys Night, Al McKay-Earth Wind and Fire Experience and many others. In 2004 he founded and directed the Afro-Cuban orchestra, Rumbankete, which released its first album in 2011. He has held adjunct trombone professor positions at California State University Los Angeles and California State University San Bernardino. Denis earned his BM degree from California State University Northridge and his MFA degree from California Institute of the Arts, as well as studying at the Staatliche Hochschule für Musik Trossingen and later the Hochschule für Musik und Datsellende Kunst Mannheim. Dr. Jiron earned his DMA degree from Michigan State University as a University Distinguished Fellow. Denis Jiron is a Conn-Selmer (Vincent Bach) Performing Artist.
Denis is sponsored by Western University
Dr. Dylan Maddix
Originally from Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Dr. Dylan Maddix is Assistant Professor of Instrumental Conducting and Community Engagement at Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches conducting at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He also serves as Artistic Director of CALOS Youth Orchestras and is a Yamaha True North Master Educator. An active leader in Canada’s band community, Dr. Maddix serves on the Board of Directors for the Newfoundland and Labrador Band Association and is past Chair of the Canadian Band Association. He is the founder and co-host of The Band Room Podcast with composer Cait Nishimura and host of Changing Your Pattern. Dr. Maddix has guest conducted and adjudicated across Canada and appears as a clinician and speaker on servant leadership in music. He holds degrees from Mount Allison University, the University of Toronto, and Arizona State University.
Originaire de Summerside, Île-du-Prince-Édouard, le Dr Dylan Maddix est professeur adjoint de direction instrumentale et d’engagement communautaire à l’Université Memorial de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, où il dirige le l’ensemble à vent et enseigne la direction aux niveaux de premier et deuxième cycles. Il est également directeur artistique des CALOS Youth Orchestras et Yamaha True North Master Educator. Actif dans la communauté des ensembles à vent au Canada, il siège au conseil d’administration de la Newfoundland and Labrador Band Association et a été président de la Canadian Band Association. Il est fondateur et co animateur du Band Room Podcast avec la compositrice Cait Nishimura et animateur de Changing Your Pattern. Le Dr Maddix a dirigé et évalué à travers le Canada et intervient comme clinicien et conférencier sur le leadership au service de la musique. Il est titulaire de diplômes de l’Université Mount Allison, de l’Université de Toronto et de l’Arizona State University.
Learn more about Dylan at Dr. Dylan Maddix
Dr. Gillian MacKay
Jack Long Honour Band Director
Dr. Gillian MacKay holds degrees and diplomas from the University of Lethbridge, McGill University, the University of Calgary, and Northwestern University. Previously, she served as Instructor of Brass at Medicine Hat College, and Director of the School of Music at the University of Windsor. Gillian MacKay is an Associate Professor of Music of the University of Toronto, where she conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches conducting and trumpet. She is also Associate Dean of Graduate Education. An award-winning teacher, Gillian has an active professional career as a trumpeter, conductor, adjudicator, and clinician.
Learn more about Gillian at Gillian MacKay
Dr. Gretchen McNamara
Dr. Gretchen McNamara is the trombone instructor at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. She teaches the trombone studio, Instrumental Music Education, and supervises Field Placements. Dr. McNamara regularly presents clinics and performs at the Ohio Music Education Association State Conference and has been a featured artist/clinician at the International Trombone Festival, Midwest Trombone and Euphonium Conference, Big 12 Trombone Conference, and BrassChix Festival. She has guest-conducted several OMEA District Honor Ensembles and performed as a soloist with Wright State, community, and high school ensembles. Dr. McNamara earned her Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, a Master of Music from Kent State University, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Washington. Prior to her DMA, she was director of bands at Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts in Baltimore, Maryland.
La Dre Gretchen McNamara est professeure de trombone à l’Université Wright State à Dayton, Ohio. Elle enseigne le trombone, la pédagogie musicale instrumentale et supervise les stages pratiques. Elle présente régulièrement des cliniques et se produit lors de la conférence annuelle de l’Ohio Music Education Association, et a été artiste/clinicienne invitée au International Trombone Festival, au Midwest Trombone and Euphonium Conference, au Big 12 Trombone Conference et au BrassChix Festival. Elle a dirigé plusieurs Harmonies d’honneur de l’OMEA et s’est produite en tant que soliste avec des ensembles de Wright State, des ensembles communautaires et de lycées. La Dre McNamara détient un Doctorat en musique du College-Conservatory of Music de l’Université de Cincinnati, une maîtrise en musique de Kent State University et un baccalauréat en musique de l’Université de Washington. Avant son doctorat, elle était directrice des ensembles à Patapsco High School et Center for the Arts à Baltimore, Maryland.
Dr. Jacqueline Dawson
Dr. Jacqueline Dawson is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator across Canada and the United States. She is currently an Associate Professor and the Director of Bands at the University of Manitoba Desautels Faculty of Music where she conducts the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble, teaches courses in music education and oversees the graduate wind conducting program. Jacquie was the Artistic Director of The Winnipeg Wind Ensemble from 2009-2020, helped establish the Winnipeg Youth Wind Ensemble and is the founder of the Winnipeg Chamber Winds Collective. Jacquie is a strong advocate for music education and a clinician for the Yamaha Canada True North Master Educator program. Jacquie received undergraduate degrees in music and music education from Memorial University in Newfoundland and holds a master’s degree in conducting from the University of Manitoba where she studied with Dr. Dale Lonis and Earl Stafford. She completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from the University of Kansas under the tutelage of Dr. Paul Popiel.
La Dre Jacqueline Dawson est très recherchée comme cheffe invitée, clinicienne et évaluatrice au Canada et aux États-Unis. Elle est actuellement professeure agrégée et directrice des harmonies à la Faculté de musique Desautels de l’Université du Manitoba, où elle dirige l’Harmonie de concert et l’Ensemble à vents, enseigne la pédagogie musicale et supervise le programme de maîtrise en direction d’orchestre à vents. De 2009 à 2020, Jacquie a été directrice artistique du Winnipeg Wind Ensemble, a contribué à la création du Winnipeg Youth Wind Ensemble et est la fondatrice du Winnipeg Chamber Winds Collective. Ardente défenseure de l’éducation musicale, elle est également clinicienne pour le programme Yamaha Canada True North Master Educator. Jacquie a obtenu des diplômes de premier cycle en musique et en éducation musicale à l’Université Memorial de Terre-Neuve, une maîtrise en direction d’orchestre à l’Université du Manitoba, et un doctorat en arts musicaux en direction d’orchestre à l’Université du Kansas.
Dr. Jamie Hillman
JAMIE HILLMAN is a Canadian and American musician, active as a conductor, music educator, singer, pianist, and composer-arranger. He holds the endowed Elmer Iseler Chair in Conducting at the University of Toronto where he is Director of Choral Studies and an Associate Professor. He conducts the U of T MacMillan Singers and leads the master’s and doctoral degree programs in Choral Conducting. Professor Hillman is also cross listed as a faculty member in Emmanuel College’s Master of Sacred Music program. In 2024, Dr. Hillman received the Faculty of Music’s Teaching Award which recognizes excellence, commitment, and innovation in teaching. Professor Hillman has served on the faculties of Boston University Metropolitan College/Prison Education Program, Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Kodály Music Institute, Longy School of Music of Bard College, and Tyndale University. As a Boston University Prison Arts Scholar, he co-initiated an innovative vocal music program in the Massachusetts prison system. He is launching a similar program at a women’s prison in Kitchener, Ontario. Dr. Hillman earned an associate diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto) and a Bachelor of Music from Western University (London, Canada). In 2024, he was inducted to Western’s Don Wright Faculty of Music’s Alumni Wall of Fame. He completed the Master of Music at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the Doctor of Musical Arts at Boston University, where he studied with Ann Howard Jones. He is the 2012 laureate of the Leslie Bell Prize for Choral Conducting from the Ontario Arts Council.
Learn more about Jaimie at Jamie Hillman
Dr. Leandro Cardoso
Leandro Cardoso is a Brazilian conductor based in Montreal. He is the Music Director of the Cercle Philharmonique de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and the Orchestre Symphonique des Jeunes de Joliette, while also serving as Assistant Conductor with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra. He earned a Doctorate in Music at McGill University (Excellence Award) and a Master’s degree in conducting from the University of Kansas. He also trained at Domaine Forget, Cabrillo Festival, and the Monteux School, studying with renowned conductors such as Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Leandro Cardoso est un chef d’orchestre brésilien établi à Montréal. Il est directeur musical du Cercle Philharmonique de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu et de l’Orchestre symphonique des jeunes de Joliette, tout en occupant le poste de chef assistant à l’Orchestre symphonique de Québec. Il a obtenu un doctorat en musique à l’Université McGill (prix d’excellence) ainsi qu’une maîtrise en direction d’orchestre à l’Université du Kansas. Il s’est également perfectionné au Domaine Forget, au Cabrillo Festival et à la Monteux School, où il a étudié auprès de chefs renommés tels que Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Dr. Mark Hopkins
Director
Currently, Dr. Hopkins is an Assistant Professor in the School of Music at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. He is responsible for overseeing the Music Education area, teaching conducting, and is Director of Bands at Acadia University. Dr. Hopkins is very active as a guest conductor of professional and collegiate ensembles, having led performances across Canada and the United States, Bermuda, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Italy, Switzerland, and Romania.
Learn more abotu Mark at Dr. Mark Hopkins
Dr. Mark Sirett
Conductor, composer, educator and keyboardist, Mark Sirett was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2022 in recognition for his work as a conductor, composer and community leader. He is Founding Artistic Director of the Cantabile Choirs of Kingston, a multi-choir programme recognized internationally for its high standards and imaginative programming. He holds both masters and doctoral degrees in choral conducting from the U. of Iowa and has taught at the University of Alberta, Western and Queen’s. He has won two international awards in conducting: the International Jury Prize for Imaginative Programming and Artistry at the Cork International Choral Festival, and Outstanding Conductor at the Young Prague Festival. He is recipient of the President’s Leadership Award from Choirs Ontario, Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International, A Distinguished Alumnus of Grant MacEwan University, Edmonton, and The Mayor’s Award for the Arts-Creator, City of Kingston. Dr. Sirett is award-winning choral composer and arranger published in Canada, UK, USA, Germany and Sweden. Two of his works have been awarded ‘Outstanding Choral Composition’ from Choral Canada.
Dr. Paul Rushka
Award-winning bassist Paul Rushka has engaged audiences throughout North America, Europe and Asia with his sonorous tone, assured confident pulse, and eloquently melodic creativity. Active as a performer, composer, arranger and educator, Paul firmly established his reputation as a first-call bassist in Vancouver and made a substantial impact on the Montréal jazz scene during his six years there. Paul’s bass playing has been featured on over 20 commercially released recordings. He has appeared onstage with jazz luminaries such as John Taylor, Joe LaBarbera, Julian Priester, Jimmy Greene, Peter Bernstein, Seamus Blake, Gary Smulyan, Champian Fulton, Brad Turner, Ross Taggart, Cory Weeds, Lorne Lofsky, Kirk MacDonald, Kevin Dean, André White, and many more. In 2003, Paul won a Western Canadian Music Award for Best Jazz Album for his work on the Mike Allen Trio’s Dialectic.
Paul holds a Doctor of Music degree from McGill University, where he was the recipient of a prestigious 3-year Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS Doctoral Scholarship from SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada), which funded his research on the music of Kenny Wheeler. As part of his doctoral work, Paul travelled to London, England on several occasions, where he met Wheeler personally. In February 2014, Paul presented his research on Wheeler’s music at the Royal Academy of Music as part of its year-long museum exhibition “Kenny Wheeler: Master of Melancholy Chaos,” which celebrated the creation of the Kenny Wheeler Archive.
Learn more about Paul at Paul Rushka
Paul is sponsored by St. Francis Xavier University
Dr. Tony Leong
Chair, Orchestra/Strings
Educator and conductor, Dr. Tony Nam-Hai Leong completed his Ph.D. at the University of Toronto. An advocate for well-being and social change through accessible and lifelong music-making, community engagement is central to his work. Dr. Leong serves as MusicFest Canada’s Chairman of the Orchestra/Strings Division; Executive Member of the Canadian Music Educators’ Association; Past-President and member of the Ontario Music Educators’ Association Board of Directors; co-founding director of the Ontario Strings Association; Conn-Selmer Educational Clinician; and past Board Member of the Coalition for Music Education in Canada. With a passion for public and post-secondary education, Dr. Leong is an assistant professor, teaching stream at the University of Toronto Scarborough; an instructor at Queen’s University; and Head of the Arts Department at Sir Oliver Mowat C.I.. His research includes the intersections of string music education, technology, adolescents, and community music.
Learn more about Tony at Dr. Tony Nam-Hai Leong
Duane Davis
Duane Davis retired as Director of Vocal Music at Grand Rapids Community College, having also taught at Western Michigan University and Indiana University. He served as Chorus Master for Opera Grand Rapids from 1986 to 2017. His choral and vocal jazz ensembles have toured the U. S., Bahamas, Japan, and Europe, and performed in Jazz at Lincoln Center, New York’s Carnegie, Avery Fisher, and Alice Tully Halls. His ensembles have opened for Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Tony Bennett, and performed with Bobby McFerrin, Kurt Elling and others. Duane served as director of The Disney-Grammy All American College Singers at EPCOT for Walt Disney World, and conducted the opening ceremonies for the Walt Disney World Animal Kingdom. Duane served as guest clinician in Riga, Lativia for the 5th International RigasRitmi Music Festival and was a guest presenter in Kyoto, and Tokyo, Japan for the 7th World Symposium on Choral Music. He also directed WMU Gold Company at the Polyfolia Music and Choralies Festivals in France. Duane has conducted all-state choirs in Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Wyoming and Wisconsin. Duane is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Grand Rapids Symphony Legacy Award, Kent State University Distinguished Alumni Award, Maynard Klein Award for Choral Excellence presented by the American Choral Directors Association Michigan, the Giants Award, Ellis Marsalis Jazz Educator of the Year, and the Grand Rapids Community College Emeritus Faculty.
Frédéric-Alexandre Michaud
Recipient of the Christa and Franz-Paul Decker Fellowship in Conducting, as well as the Scarlet Key Award of McGill University, Frédéric-Alexandre Michaud (Maestro FAM) is a versatile artist nationally recognized as a hardworking and talented conductor, violinist and radio cultural commentator. Praised for his welcoming personality, trustworthiness and attention to detail, since 2023, he is the Resident Conductor and Community Ambassador of the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra. In parallel to this position, he is studying since 2021 at the doctoral level in orchestral conducting at McGill University studying with Jean Lesage as well as maestros David Itkin and Mélanie Léonard. Dedicated to social causes, he participated in the creation of the Program to Support Graduate Conducting Students in the Study and Performance of Music by Composers from Underrepresented Groups of which he was one of the first recipients.
Lauréat de la bourse Christa et Franz-Paul Decker en direction d’orchestre et du Scarlet Key Award de l’Université McGill, Frédéric-Alexandre Michaud est un artiste polyvalent, reconnu au niveau national comme chef d’orchestre, violoniste et chroniqueur culturel à la radio. Apprécié pour sa personnalité accueillante, sa fiabilité et son souci du détail, il est depuis 2023 chef résident et ambassadeur communautaire de l’Orchestre symphonique de Thunder Bay. Parallèlement, il poursuit depuis 2021 des études doctorales en direction d’orchestre à l’Université McGill auprès de Jean Lesage, ainsi que des maestros David Itkin et Mélanie Léonard. Sensible aux causes sociales, il a participé à la création du Programme de soutien aux étudiants diplômés en direction, dédié à l’étude et à l’interprétation d’œuvres de compositeurs issus de groupes sous-représentés, dont il a été l’un des premiers bénéficiaires.
photo credit: Toby Winarto
Greg Edwards
In 2007, Mr. Edwards was recognized as Manitoba’s top jazz educator with the Xerox Jazz Educator of the Year award at the prestigious Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. His excellence in teaching was also acknowledged by the University of Manitoba in 2011. In 2022, he received the Tommy Banks/N.A.C. Orchestra Outstanding Jazz Director Award, naming him one of the top jazz educators in Canada. Most recently, in 2023, Mr. Edwards was named one of the recipients of the Douglas Alumni 35 Award from his alma mater, Douglas College in New Westminster, B.C.
Find out more about Greg at gregedwardsmusic.ca
Jeff Wrigglesworth
Jeff has recently retired from 30 years of teaching elementary and high school music. As the Head of the Music Department at Unionville High School in Markham, Ontario for twenty years, his award winning ensembles regularly received the highest ratings at provincial and national festivals and competitions. Jeff has been awarded multiple Conducting Excellence Awards at the Ontario Band Association’s (OBA) Provincial Band Festival and is the founding Director of the OBA’s Ontario Provincial Honour Band. He is currently working with school groups from across Ontario through the Ontario Educational Leadership Centre (OELC) and is a sessional lecturer with the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto.
Jeff a récemment pris sa retraite après 30 années d’enseignement de la musique au niveau primaire et secondaire. En tant que chef du département de musique de l’école secondaire Unionville à Markham, en Ontario, pendant vingt ans, ses ensembles primés ont régulièrement obtenu les plus hautes distinctions lors de festivals et de concours provinciaux et nationaux. Jeff a reçu à plusieurs reprises des prix d’excellence en direction décernés par l’Ontario Band Association (OBA) dans le cadre de son Festival provincial, et il est le directeur fondateur de l’Harmonie provinciale d’honneur de l’Ontario. Il travaille actuellement avec des groupes scolaires de toute la province par l’intermédiaire de l’Ontario Educational Leadership Centre (OELC) et est chargé de cours à la Faculté de musique de l’Université de Toronto.
Jennifer Bell
Saxophonist, clarinetist, flutist, and conductor Jennifer Bell has been an active presence on the Montréal music scene since 1985. She is the co-founder of Streetnix and the Altsys Jazz Orchestra, performing hundreds of concerts across North America and Europe, and recording numerous CDs. Bell is also an in-demand clinician and adjudicator throughout North America. She is a sessional lecturer at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University and taught at the McGill Conservatory of Music from 1985 to 2022. Her work has been supported by grants from the SOCAN Foundation, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and the Canada Council for the Arts. She has also received awards from the Conseil québécois de la musique, the Women’s Y Foundation, and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
Saxophoniste, clarinettiste, flûtiste et chef d’orchestre, Jennifer Bell est active sur la scène musicale montréalaise depuis 1985. Elle est cofondatrice des ensembles Streetnix et Altsys Jazz Orchestra, avec lesquels elle a donné des centaines de concerts en Amérique du Nord et en Europe, tout en participant à de nombreux enregistrements. Jennifer Bell est également clinicienne et évaluatrice recherchée à travers l’Amérique du Nord. Elle est chargée de cours à l’École de musique Schulich de l’Université McGill et a enseigné au Conservatoire de musique de McGill de 1985 à 2022. Son travail a été soutenu par des subventions de la Fondation SOCAN, du Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec et du Conseil des arts du Canada. Elle a aussi reçu des distinctions du Conseil québécois de la musique, de la Fondation Y des femmes et la médaille du jubilé de diamant de la reine Élisabeth II.
Jeremy Bell
A native of Toronto, violinist Jeremy Bell earned a B. Mus degree from the University of Toronto, and from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he received his Masters and Doctor of Music. Dr. Bell is a recipient of numerous grants from the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts and is a prize winner of the Eckhardt Grammatté National competition and the Conseil Québécois’ Prix Opus. He has studied with David Zafer, George Neikrug, Joyce Robbins, Metro Kozak and with members of the Orford, Juilliard, Tokyo, and Orion string quartets. Joining the Penderecki String Quartet in 1999, Dr. Bell is Artist in Residence at Wilfrid Laurier University where he teaches violin and chamber music.
Learn more about Jeremy at Jeremy Bell
Jeremy is sponsored by Laurier University
Jerzy Kaplanek
Jerzy is an Associate Professor, Violin, Strings and Chamber Music, and the String Coordinator at Wilfred Laurier University. He a member of the Penderecki String Quartet, artist in residence. Jerzy was born in Poland and began his musical training at the age of six on piano and transitioned to the violin at age ten. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Conservatory in Bytom and a Master’s Degree in Arts from the Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music in Katowice.
Learn more about Jerzy at Jerzy Kaplanek
Jerzy is sponsored by Laurier University
John Chalmers
Chair, Choral/Vocal Jazz
John Chalmers was a secondary school music educator for 28 years before moving into high school administration. He taught music at Medway H.S., Mayfield S.S.and Humberview S.S. and directed ensembles at Humber College and the University of Toronto. His groups, both high school and university, received national and international recognition, performing at conferences and festivals throughout Canada and the United States and winning nine Downbeat Magazine Student Music Awards. John has received the International Association of Jazz Educators “Outstanding Director for Canada” award, the Jazz Report Award for “Best Secondary Jazz Program” and was inducted into the Music Canada “Hall of Fame” for outstanding service to young Canadian musicians. John has presented workshops at music conferences and universities, adjudicated at music festivals and guest conducted honour ensembles across Canada and the United States. He serves on the boards of many music festivals including the Ontario Vocal Festival, MusicFest Canada, the Kaleid Choral Festival and the Canadian Rocky Mountain Festival.
Karen Donnelly
Karen Donnelly was unanimously appointed Principal Trumpet of Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra in October 1999. Before joining the NAC Orchestra, Karen was a freelancer in Montreal, where she performed with most ensembles in the area, including the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. Karen was the principal trumpet with Orchestra London (Canada) from 1994 to 1996. She has been a guest principal trumpet with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Les Violons du Roy, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and currently enjoys playing Associate Principal Trumpet with the Sun Valley Music Festival Orchestra. Karen studied at the University of Regina and McGill University, where she completed a Master of Music.
Karen has been a featured soloist with many professional and community-based groups, including the NAC Orchestra, Thirteen Strings, the Kingston Symphony, the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra London, the McGill Symphony Orchestra, the Hannaford Silver Street Band, the National Honour Band of Canada, the Parkdale Orchestra, and the University of Regina Wind Ensemble. In 2019, Karen spearheaded a new initiative, the Canadian Women’s Brass Collective, to shine a light on female brass players and provide visibility and mentoring for all students. Karen joined the teaching staff at the University of Ottawa in 2002, and she is an honorary teaching artist and mentor for the OrKidstra program, providing music to kids in equity-deserving communities in Ottawa.
Learn more about Karen at Karen Donnelly
Karen is sponsored by Yamaha Canada Music
Kathleen Allan
Kathleen Allan is the Artistic and Executive Director of the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto and a member of the music faculty at the University of Toronto. From 2016-2023, she served as the Artistic Director of Canzona, Winnipeg’s professional Baroque choir, with whom she conducted many of the masterworks of the Baroque era. Recent guest conducting engagements include the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Symphony, Regina Symphony Orchestra, Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, and Early Music Vancouver. In 2015, Ms. Allan made her Asian debut conducting Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Christmas Oratorio in Japan, and in 2016, she was the recipient of the Sir Ernest MacMillan Prize in Choral Conducting. She has served as Visiting Professor of Conducting at Western University (2019-2021) and now teaches conducting to undergraduate and graduate students and leads the Soprano Alto Chorus at the University of Toronto. She holds a degree in composition from the University of British Columbia and a master’s degree in conducting from Yale University.
Her compositions have been commissioned, performed and recorded by ensembles throughout the Americas and Europe and have been featured at two World Symposiums on Choral Music. Her music is published by Boosey and Hawkes, Oxford University Press, and Cypress Choral Music, and she is a MusicSpoke composer. Also an accomplished soprano, she has appeared as a soloist with the National Broadcast Orchestra, Berkshire Choral Festival, and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Katie Schlaikjer
Katie is Artist-in-Residence (Penderecki String Quartet), Cello, Strings and Chamber Music Instructor at Wilfred Laurier University. She received her Doctoral and Master’s degrees from Stony Brook University and Bachelor’s degree from the New England Conservatory. Katie taught cello at the University of Connecticut from 2010-2013 while maintaining a private teaching studio in Stony Brook, NY for seven years.
Learn more about Katie at Katie Schlaikjer
Katie is sponsored by Laurier University.
Kelsley Grant
Chair, Instrumental Jazz
Trombonist, composer and arranger Kelsley Grant received his Bachelor of Music from McGill University and completed his graduate studies at the Manhattan School of Music. Shortly after leaving New York, he joined Maynard Fergusonʼs Big Bop Nouveau and toured the United States, Germany, Switzerland and England. Kelsley has performed with Aretha Franklin, Jackie Richardson, Frank Sinatra Jr., Michael Buble, Maria Schneider, Michel Legrand, Nicholas Payton, Sophie Milman, Ranee Lee, and Nikki Yanofsky. Kelsley has been twice nominated for trombonist of the year by the National Jazz Awards. The Jefferson-Grant Quintet won an Opus Award for their first recording and was nominated as Acoustic Ensemble of the Year by the National Jazz Awards.Kelsley has served as a faculty member at McGill University, University of Montreal, and University of Toronto. He is the musical director of the JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band. He has given master classes and clinics at universities across Canada and is currently the coordinator of Humber College’s introduction to commercial jazz music program.
Learn more about Kelsley at Kelsley Grant
Lauren Falls
Lauren Falls is a sought-after bassist, composer, and bandleader who over the last decade has been making her mark both on the Toronto and New York jazz scenes. Her recent record release. “A Little Louder Now,’ was nominated for a Juno Award. Lauren has toured North America and Europe with performances at the Kennedy Center and at jazz festivals including The Mary Lous Williams Jazz Festival in Washington DC, Ottawa International Jazz Festival, and Toronto Jazz Festival to name a few. You will find her in Toronto at venues such as The Rex, The Jazz Bistro, Lula Lounge, and in New York at venues such as Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Smalls, and 55 Bar. Recently Lauren performed as part of Jake Epstein’s Mirvish production “Boy Falls From The Sky,” which was nominated for Six Dora Awards.
In 2020, Ms. Falls was a finalist for the Toronto Arts Council Emerging Artist Award and has been the recipient of multiple Canada Council Grants. She has been an artist-in-residence at The Betty Carter Jazz Ahead program and The Ravinia Steans Institute. She holds a Master’s Degree from the Manhattan School of Music and a bachelor’s Degree from Humber College. Lauren is currently on faculty at Humber College.
Mark Caswell
Mark spent a lifetime teaching music at Markham District High School, a healthy, vibrant program earning the distinguished YRDSB Teaching Award of Excellence. As recognition for his years of leadership and volunteer activities, Mark was presented with the Canadian Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by The Chancellery of Honours, Rideau Hall, Ottawa. For the past two years, Mark has been an Artist Educator with Yamaha Music Canada facilitating clinics in schools across Ontario. This fall, Mark was invited to join a team of wonderful band educators from across Canada as part of the new True North Master Educator program. Mark is the Music Director for the Northdale Concert Band and the Unionville Theatre Company. Mark is a founding member of the Ontario Band Association, launching the Ontario Provincial Band Festival in 2001/2002 and continued to serve as the Festival Coordinator for 22 years. He is now the Festival Coordinator for the new Markham Winds Festival for Developing Bands.
Mark a consacré sa vie à l’enseignement de la musique à Markham District High School, un programme dynamique et florissant, reconnu par le prestigieux Prix d’excellence en enseignement du York Region District School Board. En reconnaissance de ses années de leadership et de bénévolat, il a reçu la Médaille du Souverain du Canada pour les bénévoles, décernée par la Chancellerie des distinctions honorifiques à Rideau Hall, Ottawa. Depuis deux ans, Mark est artiste-éducateur pour Yamaha Music Canada, animant des cliniques dans les écoles à travers l’Ontario. Cet automne, il a été invité à rejoindre une équipe d’enseignants exceptionnels pour ensembles à vent de partout au Canada dans le cadre du nouveau programme True North Master Educator. Il est également directeur musical du Northdale Concert Band et de l’Unionville Theatre Company. Membre fondateur de l’Ontario Band Association, il a lancé l’Ontario Provincial Band Festival en 2001-2002 et en a été le coordonnateur pendant 22 ans. Il coordonne désormais le nouveau Markham Winds Festival for Developing Bands.
Learn more about Mark at Mark Caswell.
Michele Jacot
Michele Jacot is a versatile musician with an active career in performing, conducting, adjudicating, teaching, and concert production. Equally skilled as a clarinetist, saxophonist, and flutist, she regularly performs with symphony orchestras, opera companies, theatre pit orchestras—including Mirvish Productions, the Shaw Festival, and the Stratford Festival—and chamber ensembles. She was honored to serve as Associate Conductor for Canadian musical icon Howard Cable, guest conducting several Canadian orchestras. A dedicated educator, Michele teaches from elementary to post-secondary levels, offering private lessons, workshops, adjudication, and woodwind clinics for school music teachers. Since 2009, she has been Artistic Director of Toronto’s Wychwood Clarinet Choir. She is a Yamaha Canada Spotlight Artist and an artist with Vandoren, Paris, France. Born and raised in Toronto, Michele holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Toronto and a Master of Music in Performance from Northwestern University, Chicago.
Michele Jacot est une musicienne polyvalente, active dans la performance, la direction d’orchestre, l’évaluation, l’enseignement et la production de concerts. Clarinettiste, saxophoniste et flûtiste, elle se produit régulièrement avec des orchestres symphoniques, des compagnies d’opéra, des orchestres de théâtre – notamment Mirvish Productions, le Shaw Festival et le Stratford Festival – ainsi que dans des ensembles de chambre. Elle fut honorée d’être cheffe associée du célèbre musicien canadien Howard Cable et a dirigé plusieurs orchestres canadiens en tant qu’invitée. Enseignante dévouée, Michele enseigne tant au niveau élémentaire qu’au postsecondaire, offrant des cours privés, des ateliers, des évaluations dans des festivals et des cliniques pour enseignants de bois. Depuis 2009, elle est directrice artistique du Wychwood Clarinet Choir de Toronto. Elle est artiste Spotlight de Yamaha Canada et artiste Vandoren à Paris, France. Née et ayant grandi à Toronto, elle est titulaire d’un baccalauréat en musique de l’Université de Toronto et d’une maîtrise en musique de Northwestern University à Chicago.
Mike Cadó
Mike Cadó received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Education at York University and completed his Master’s Degree in Jazz Composition under the supervision of Professor David Mott. He performed on and produced a recording with jazz vocalist Sherie Marshall entitled The Sweetest Sounds that features Pat Collins, Guido Basso and various other jazz notables. The Mike Cadó Tentet features a collection of Toronto’s finest musicians that performs the music of Phil Nimmons, as well as compositions by various group members. Mike has performed with such musical luminaries as New-York based organist Mike LeDonne, Don Thompson, Chase Sanborn, Perry White, Terry Promane, Barry Romberg, and Richard Whiteman. Mike has been a guest clinician for many high schools across Toronto and has adjudicated groups and soloists for various music academies including Cosmo Music, Arcadia Music and the York University Jazz Festival since 2010. Mike is currently pursuing his PhD in Ethnomusicology and is a current faculty member at York University where he teaches composition, several jazz workshops, as well as, guitar lessons, musicianship and directs the York University Jazz Orchestra, The Oscar Peterson Jazz Scholarship Ensemble, and “Soul Collective,” an 18-piece soul and R&B ensemble. In addition, he has presented his research at various conferences including the Canadian University Music Society, the American Association of Geographers, and the Harvard Graduate Music Forum Conference.
Mike is sponsored by York University
Moeen Hosain
Moeen Hosain is the District Manager for Canada for Conn-Selmer Musical Instruments. He has been involved in the many facets of the music industry and music education for over 20 years. He is a sought after Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble clinician in Quebec. He has also worked in for the Canadian Armed Forces as a Brass Instructor at CFB Borden, Ontario (1991-92). Presently Moeen Hosain is on the Board of the NSMEAC (Nova Scotia Music Educators Association Conference)
Learn more about Moeen at Moeen Hosain
Ron George
Ronald George is a musician in a variety of roles: teacher, soloist, chamber and orchestral player. He has been principal horn with Orchestra London (Canada) since 1979 and appeared as soloist with the orchestra numerous times. Born in San Francisco, Ron’s studies began with Earl Saxton and Robert Creech through high school in Vancouver. At the University of Toronto, he studied with Eugene Rittich. In Germany he worked with Hermann Baumann. He is a Lecturer at Western University in London, ON
Learn more about Ron at Ron George
Ron is sponsored by Western University
Scott Leithead
Vice Chair, Choral/Vocal Jazz
Scott Leithead is the founder and Artistic Director of Edmonton’s Korora Choir Association and TIME Association. Under his direction, Korora was the winner of both the 2015 CBC National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs and both the 2015 and 2016 Canadian National Music Competition. In the summer of 2019, Korora was invited to perform at the IFCM World Choral Expo in Portugal, where they represented Canada on the world stage. Scott has a passion for music from southern Africa, and he has been invited to work with choirs in South Africa and Namibia on numerous occasions. In 2008–2009, Scott was on sabbatical in Namibia, where he worked with the Mascato Youth Choir and many other choirs in southern Africa. In February 2023, he conducted the ISSEA Mass Choir in Johannesburg, South Africa, featuring international schools from across the African continent. In 2015, Scott was awarded Choir Alberta’s top honour, the Richard S. Eaton Award. He also received Edmonton’s Salute to Excellence award in 2016. In 2024, he will conduct the 40th Anniversary Manitoba Sings Adult Choir, the Ellison Canadian Honour Choir (Toronto), the Eastman Honour Choir and the Nova Scotia Youth Choir. He will also adjudicate the 2024 Ontario Vocal Festival.
Learn more about Scott at Scott Leithead
Scott is sponsored by Korora Choirs
Sharon Fitzsimmins
Chair, Concert Band
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, conductor at National Music Camp of Canada and examiner for The Royal Conservatory of Music. She taught for thirty years at Barrie North Collegiate where she conducted award winning bands and choirs. She has written three teacher resources and is working on a fourth.
Learn more about Sharon at Sharon Fitzsimmins
Shawn Spicer
Shawn Spicer has been a professional trumpet player and educator since 1990. He has played in orchestras across Canada and was principal trumpet of Orchestra London Canada from 1999 to 2014. Shawn is the principal trumpet of the London Symphonia and is in demand as a freelance player across Ontario Canada.
Learn more about Shawn at Shawn Spicer
Shawn is sponsored by Western University
Sommer Forrester
Sommer Helweh Forrester is an Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Toronto, where she teaches music education, conducts the Wind Symphony, and serves as Coordinator of Music Education. She holds a Ph.D. in Music Education with a cognate in Wind Conducting from the University of Michigan. A former K–12 classroom teacher, Forrester has taught music with passion in Canada, Palestine, Israel, and Kuwait, sharing her expertise and vision for music education across diverse cultural and educational contexts.
Sommer Helweh Forrester est professeure agrégée en éducation musicale à l’Université de Toronto, où elle enseigne l’éducation musicale, dirige le Wind Symphony et coordonne le programme d’éducation musicale. Elle est titulaire d’un doctorat (Ph.D.) en éducation musicale avec une spécialisation en direction d’orchestre à vent de l’Université du Michigan. Ancienne enseignante de la maternelle à la 12e année, elle a enseigné la musique avec passion au Canada, en Palestine, en Israël et au Koweït, partageant sa pédagogie et sa vision musicale à travers diverses cultures et contextes éducatifs.
Learn more about Sommer at Sommer Forrester
Stephen Tam
Canadian flautist Stephen Tam is equally comfortable as soloist, chamber musician or orchestral player, performing repertoire ranging from the baroque to the contemporary. First-Prize Winner of the 32nd CBC/Radio-Canada National Competition for Young Performers, Stephen has appeared as concerto soloist in recent seasons with the Canadian Sinfonietta, the Ontario Philharmonic and Counterpoint Community Orchestra. Past concerto engagements included collaborations with the Calgary Philharmonic, the Banff Festival Orchestra and the Toronto Senior Strings.
Learn more about Stephen at Stephen Tam
Stephen is sponsored by Western University
Zoltan Kalman
Zoltan Kalman was born in Hungary. He received his training at the prestigious Franz Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and obtained his Masters in Clarinet Performance and Chamber Music. Before his arrival to Canada, he served as principal clarinet with the Hungarian Opera House in Budapest. Mr. Kalman is principal clarinetist with both, the Niagara Symphony and Burlington Symphony, and appears regularly with the Southern Ontario Lyric Opera Company. He is currently the clarinet, saxophone and chamber music instructor at McMaster University in Hamilton, and conductor of the University Wind Ensemble at Brock University in St. Catharines, where he teaches clarinet, saxophone, and Woodwind Techniques.
Learn more about Zoltan at Zoltan Kalman
Zoltan is sponsored by Brock University
