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.
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
Bradley Barnham
Brad is a conductor, composer and adjudicator from Burlington, Ontario. He is currently the music director of Wavestage Theatre Company in north Toronto, assistant director of the Bach Chamber Youth Choir, and assistant music director for Christ’s Church Cathedral in Hamilton. Brad graduated in 2016 with a master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Toronto.
Learn more about Brad at Brad Barnham
Cathrie Yuen
Cathrie Yuen is a Vancouver based choral conductor who serves as the the Associate Conductor of the Vancouver Bach Symphonic Choir and the Cantabile Choir, and is a Sessional Instructor at the Trinity Western University music department, and the Artistic Director of the MGV Lyra men’s choir. She was selected as a Conducting Fellow for the Vancouver Chamber Choir’s Conducting Symposium and was also among the finalists at the 2019 World Choral Conducting Competition. Cathrie holds a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of British Columbia and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Trinity Western University.
Learn more about Cathrie at Cathrie Yuen
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
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
David Lum
Following a 30-year career with the Toronto District School Board, David Lulm retired in February 2021. Currently, David teaches for the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Arts, Media, Performance and Design at York University. He is a recipient of MusicFest Canada’s Keith Mann Award and is a Laureate of the Legion of Honour for the John Philip Sousa Society. David is a Founding Director and Honorary Life Member of the Ontario Band Association and served on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Music Educators’ Association for 15 years. During his time with the OMEA, he initiated the Awards and Scholarships program and was awarded an Honorary Life Membership in 2022. David is Conductor of the East York Concert Band, and maintains a busy schedule as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor. David serves as a Conn-Selmer Educational Clinician.
Après une carrière de 30 ans au sein du Toronto District School Board, David a pris sa retraite en février 2021. Il enseigne actuellement à la Faculté d’éducation et à la Faculté des arts, des médias, de la performance et du design de l’Université York. Il est récipiendaire du prix Keith Mann de MusicFest Canada et est lauréat de la Légion d’honneur de la Société John Philip Sousa. David est directeur fondateur et membre honoraire à vie de l’Ontario Band Association et a siégé au conseil d’administration de l’Ontario Music Educators’ Association pendant 15 ans. Au cours de son mandat à l’OMEA, il a lancé le programme de prix et de bourses et a reçu le titre de membre honoraire à vie en 2022. David est chef d’orchestre de l’East York Concert Band et maintient un emploi du temps chargé en tant que clinicien, juge et chef invité. David est clinicien pédagogique Conn-Selmer.
Learn more about David at David Lum
Dean McNeill
Dean McNeill has been contributing to the Canadian music scene in a variety of capacities for decades as an award-winning musician/educator and arts administrator. As Professor of Brass & Jazz for 25 years at the University of Saskatchewan (9 of which also serving as Head of the Music Department) Dean is the recipient of the UofS’s Dwaine Nelson Teaching Award, USASK Student’s Union Teaching Excellence Award, the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival’s Special Recognition Award, Saskatchewan Choral Federation’s Outstanding Administrator’s Award, and, the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Saskatchewan). Dean is honored to have shared the stage with the likes of Jon Ballantyne, Tommy Banks, David Braid, Dee Daniels, Phil Dwyer, Hugh Fraser, Mark Fewer, Guy Few, Wycliffe Gordon, Kelly Jefferson, Ingrid Jensen, Michael Kaeshammer, Alastair Kay, Bob Mintzer, PJ Perry, Maria Schneider, Denzal Sinclaire, and Brad Turner. Dean was a member of the Saskatoon Symphony for 23 seasons. He is currently the A.D. of the Saskatoon Jazz Orchestra which is in its 11th season. Dean has been involved in many interdisciplinary projects and CDs, most notably six USASK Jazz Ensemble ‘Bumper Crop’ CDs (as conductor), various Western Canadian Music Awards-nominated CDs (e.g. The Saskatchewan Suite: The Story of Us (performer), The Complete Rebirth Of The Cool (performer), and *O Music (performer)).*Won a Western Canadian Music Award for classical composition of the year.
Dean attended MacEwan University (M.dip.), McGill University (B.Mus.Jazz), and the University of North Texas (M.Mus.Jazz). He continues to study privately with a variety of teachers/mentors.
For more information visit: http://artsandscience.usask.ca/profile/DMcNeill#/profile
Dr. Angela Schroeder
Dr. Angela Schroeder is a Professor of Music at the University of Alberta where she is the Director of Bands, the Director of Undergraduate Programs and Conductor of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Summer Band. Recipient of numerous teaching awards, she teaches courses in instrumental conducting and music education. Angela also conducts the St. Albert Community Band. She led the ensemble on their first European tour of Germany and Austria in July 2015. Angela completed her undergraduate studies in Music Education with performance studies in piano and trumpet at the University of Calgary. She received her Master of Music in Conducting from Northwestern University and her Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Band Conducting from the University of North Texas. Angela has presented, guest conducted and adjudicated numerous school bands in festivals and clinics throughout the world.
Angela Schroeder est professeure de musique à l’Université de l’Alberta, où elle est directrice des orchestres, directrice des programmes de premier cycle et chef de l’ensemble à vent symphonique ainsi que de l’harmonie d’été. Récipiendaire de nombreux prix d’enseignement, elle donne des cours de direction instrumentale et d’éducation musicale. Angela dirige également le St. Albert Community Band et a dirigé l’ensemble lors de sa première tournée européenne en Allemagne et en Autriche en juillet 2015. La Docteure Schröder a complété ses études de premier cycle en éducation musicale comprenant un volet en interprétation piano et trompette à l’Université de Calgary. Elle a obtenu sa maîtrise en musique, direction d’orchestre de l’Université Northwestern et son doctorat en arts musicaux, direction d’orchestre à vent de l’Université de North Texas. Angela a présenté, dirigé et jugé de nombreux groupes scolaires dans des festivals et des cliniques à travers le monde.
Learn more about Dr. Schroeder at Angela Schroeder
Dr. Colleen Richardson
Adjudicator/Clinician
Dr. Colleen Richardson is Coordinator of Bands at Western University, where she directs the Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in conducting and ensemble pedagogy. In addition, she co-supervises the Young Winds Program, an enrichment program for local band students taught by Western’s undergraduate music students. Besides judging at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, the New York International Music Festival at Carnegie Hall, and the Singapore International Band Festival, her work has taken her to Brazil, Ireland, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Taiwan, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Wales, and the US. From 2022-2024, she served as the President of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. She has presented at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, and her publications include nine study guides for the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series.
Colleen Richardson est coordonnatrice des orchestres à l’Université Western, où elle dirige l’ensemble à vent et enseigne des cours de direction d’orchestre et de pédagogie d’ensemble. De plus, elle co-supervise le programme Young Winds, un programme d’enrichissement pour jeunes musiciens, enseigné par les étudiants de premier cycle en musique de Western U. En plus d’avoir été juge au World Music Contest de Kerkrade, au New York International Music Festival at Carnegie Hall et au Singapore International Band Festival, son travail l’a menée au Brésil, en Irlande, aux Pays-Bas, en Suisse, en Italie, à Taïwan, en Indonésie, au Japon, en Corée du Sud, à Singapour, au Pays de Galles et aux États-Unis. De 2022 à 2024, elle a été présidente de l’Association mondiale des harmonies et ensembles symphoniques. La docteure Richardson a présenté à la Midwest Clinic de Chicago et ses publications comprennent neuf guides d’étude.
Learn more about Colleen at Colleen Richardson
Dr. Erin Bodnar
Dr. Erin Bodnar is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands and Orchestras at the University of North Florida, where she teaches and coordinates the UNF Conducting Symposium. Under her leadership, the UNF Wind Symphony performed at the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles in Spain. She also co-directs the UNF NuMIX ensemble, which performed at the College Band Directors National Association Southern Division Conference in 2022. Dr. Bodnar previously served as Director of Bands at Graceland University and conductor at Mahidol University in Thailand. In Alberta,she taught middle and high school band, received the Keith Mann Young Band Director’s Award and the Edwin Parr First Year Teacher Award. An avid runner, she has completed 55 marathons, including six Boston marathons, ten 50 km races, and one 100 km race.
La Dre Erin Bodnar est professeure agrégée à l’Université de la Floride du Nord où elle enseigne la direction d’orchestre, dirige l’harmonie et l’orchestre à vent en plus de coordonner le Symposium de direction d’orchestre de l’UNF. Sous sa direction, l’Orchestre à vent de l’UNF s’est produit à l’Association mondiale des groupes et ensembles symphoniques en Espagne. Elle codirige également l’ensemble UNF NuMIX, qui s’est produit à la conférence College Band Visitors National Association en 2022. Le Dr Bodnar a été directrice des harmonies de l’Université Graceland et chef d’orchestre à l’Université Mahidol en Thaïlande. En Alberta, elle a enseigné la musique instrumentale dans les écoles intermédiaires et secondaires, se méritant le Keith Mann Young Band Director’s Award et le Edwin Parr First Year Teacher Award. Passionnée de course à pied, elle a complété 55 marathons, dont six marathons de Boston, dix courses de 50 km et une course de 100 km.
Learn more about Dr. Erin Bodnar at Erin Bodnar
Dr. Gillian MacKay
Denis Wick Canadian Wind Orchestra 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. 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. Noam Lemish
Dr. Noam Lemish holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Jazz Performance and a Masters degree in Composition from the University of Toronto. He joined York University as Assistant Professor of Jazz Instruction and Pedagogy in 2020. He has appeared in numerous performances and conducted workshops across Canada, the US, Europe, Israel, and in Bhutan and has released multiple albums, including most recently Pardes (2018) and Sonic Truffles (2018). His teaching interests cover a wide variety of areas within jazz studies, composition, Jewish music, polyidiomatic improvisation and the practice of Deep Listening.
Learn more about Noam at Noam Lemish
Noam is sponsored by York University
Dr. Pingyi Song
Dr. Pingyi Song serves as Associate Director of Choral Activities at Stetson University, FL. and previously served as the Director of Choral Activities at Coker University, S.C. Her most recent research study “Gender Issues and Introduction to Choral Literature by Eastern Asian Female Composers” was invited to present at National and International Conferences such as 2024 SRCS (Symposium on Research in Choral Singing), 2023 ACDA (American Choral Directors Association), 2023 NCCO (National Collegiate Choral Organization), and the 2023 ACMI (Asian Classical Music Initiative) Conferences. Dr. Song also serves as a National Board Member and International Student and Faculty Affinity Group Leader for NCCO, Chair of World Music & Cultures and a Board member of South Carolina ACDA. Pingyi holds a Choral Summer School Certificate from Oxford University, U.K., a D.M.A. Degree in Choral Conducting and a Post-Bachelorette Certificate in Music Education from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, and Master and Bachelor degrees from West Virginia University, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, and Guangzhou University, China.
Learn more about Pingyi at Dr. Pingyi Song
Dr. Ricardo Brown
Ricardo T. Brown serves as the Associate Director of Athletic Bands and Wind Band Studies as well as Director of the University Symphonic Band at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Brown began his teaching career at the high school and middle school level. He then became the graduate assistant for the Norfolk State University Spartan Legion band program. Dr. Brown then joined the faculty at Prairie View A&M University as the Assistant Director of Bands/Band Business Manager and later was appointed Associate Director of Bands. After serving as Interim director of the University Wind ensemble and director of the university Concert Band, he has returned as director of the University Symphonic Band. Dr. Brown received a Bachelor in music education and master’s degrees in trumpet performance from Norfolk State University. He received his Doctorate degree in Conducting from the University of Connecticut.
Ricardo T. Brown est directeur associé des orchestres sportifs et de l’orchestre à vent ainsi que le directeur de l’harmonie symphonique à l’Université du Connecticut. Il a commencé sa carrière d’enseignant au niveau secondaire et intermédiaire pour ensuite devenir assistant diplômé pour le programme de musique Spartan Legion de l’Université Norfolk State. Le Dr Brown s’est ensuite joint à la faculté de la Prairie View A&M University en tant que directeur adjoint et directeur commercial des harmonies et a ensuite été nommé directeur associé. Après un stage de direction par intérim de l’ensemble à vent et de l’orchestre d’harmonie de l’université, il est revenu cette année en tant que directeur de l’harmonie symphonique. Le Dr Brown détient un baccalauréat en éducation musicale et une maîtrise en interprétation de la trompette de la Norfolk State University ainsi qu’un doctorat en direction d’orchestre de l’Université du Connecticut.
Learn more about Dr. Brown at Ricardo Brown
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 – Biography (tonyleong.ca)
Heather Bambrick
Heather Bambrick is a JUNO-nominated vocalist who has collaborated with Phil Nimmons, Fred Hirsch, Gene DiNovi, Guido Basso, Lea Delaria, Rob McConnell, Peter Appleyard, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, and others.Heather has released three solo recordings, including You’ll Never Know, which was nominated for Vocal Jazz Recording of the Year at the 2017 JUNO Awards and Jazz Recording of the Year at the 2018 East Coast Music Awards. Heather has been a featured guest on numerous projects, and has been awarded Canada’s National Jazz Award for Vocalist of the Year. Beyond singing, Heather is one of Canada’s top voice actors, voicing characters for commercial campaigns and several animated series including Emmy-nominated Wild Kratts, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, and Justin Time. She is also an award-winning broadcaster on JAZZ.FM91 (Canada’s only all-Jazz radio station), and a highly regarded adjudicator and clinician, working at schools and festivals across Canada.
Learn more about Heather at Heather Bambrick
Isabelle Brassard-Porter
Vice-Chair, Concert Band
Isabelle Brassard-Porter has had a long musical career as a performer, conductor, clinician and educator. As a professional flutist and piccoloist, performing with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra for thirty-two seasons. Ms. Brassard-Porter was the head of the instrumental music program at the Béatrice-Desloges High School Specialized Arts Program where she conducted numerous ensembles including the Béatrice-Desloges Senior Wind Orchestra which has won the highest honours at numerous festivals in Canada, the United States and Europe. She recently was guest conductor for the O.C.D.S.B. Senior All-Star Band and the Capital Region Junior Winds Honour Band. She is a recipient of MusicFest Canada’s Keith Mann Outstanding Director Award of Excellence. Over the course of her career, Isabelle has inspired countless young people to discover the joy and benefits of making music and is happy to continue this mission at MusicFest Canada .
Interprète, chef d’orchestre, clinicienne et éducatrice sont quelques-uns des rôles assumés par Isabelle Brassard-Porter au cours d’une longue carrière musicale. Flûtiste et piccoliste professionnelle, elle a joué avec l’Orchestre symphonique d’Ottawa pendant trente-deux saisons. Madame Brassard-Porter a été à la tête du programme de musique instrumentale de l’École secondaire Béatrice-Desloges où elle a dirigé de nombreux ensembles dont l’Orchestre à vent senior Béatrice-Desloges qui a remporté les plus hauts honneurs à de nombreux festivals au Canada, aux États-Unis et en Europe. Récemment, elle a dirigé les ensembles honorifiques O.C.D.S.B. Senior All-Star Band et Capital Region Junior Winds Honour Band. MusicFest Canada a reconnu madame Brassard-Porter en lui décernant le prix d’excellence Keith Mann Outstanding Director Award. Au cours de sa carrière, Isabelle a inspiré d’innombrables jeunes à découvrir la joie et les bienfaits de faire de la musique et est heureuse de continuer cette mission à MusicFest Canada, and is happy to continue this mission at MusicFest Canada .
James Pinhorn
James Pinhorn moved to Toronto, Ontario in 1985 and completed a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at the University of Toronto. During a year of Special Studies in Elementary Education and Choral Conducting at the University, James served as the Assistant Conductor of the Concert Choir conducted by Doctor Doreen Rao. During that season he was invited by Dr. Rao to conduct the choir in a performance of ‘Sharon Fragments’ at a gala concert honouring Canadian composer John Beckwith. That same year James was invited by Robert Cooper to conduct the back-stage chorus in three performances of Ravel’s ballet ‘Daphnis et Chloe’ for the National Ballet of Canada. He served as conductor of the University Chorus at the University of Toronto for two years before accepting the position of conductor of the University Women’s Chorus, a post he held for 6 years.
James was also a Tenor/Bass voices vocal coach for the Toronto Mendelssohn Youth Choir and was the guest chorus conductor for Robert Cooper in two performances of the opera ‘Marina’ for the Opera in Concert Chorus. James has been invited many times over the years as a presenter at the Ontario Music Educators Association Conference, where he has given presentations on the state of music education in our public schools, on rehearsal techniques for young Tenor and Bass singers, and on issues of intellectual and artistic copyright in today’s music. James also had the honour of conducting the Massed Choir for 15 seasons at the Ontario Educational Leadership Centre in the Intermediate Arts Emerging Leadership Course for Grade Seven students and also served as a Course Administrator for this course for five years. James is recently retired as Curriculum Leader of Music at Agincourt Collegiate Institute in the Toronto District School Board where he taught both Vocal Music and Computers and Music courses. His auditioned choir at the school, the Agincourt Madrigal Singers was awarded the Leslie Bell Choral Award for the best choir at the Canadian Music Educators recorded competition, and won National Gold Awards for live performances at MusicFest Canada a total of nine times. Under his leadership Agincourt’s Choral ensembles were twice awarded the Ed Bolsby Trophy for the top High School Ensemble in the local Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival, both in 2012 and in 2014. In the Spring of 2014, The Agincourt Men’s Chorus also won the City Of Lincoln prize for Best TB Chorus at the National Kiwanis Festival in British Columbia. In 2015, The Agincourt Madrigals Singers also won the Paul J. Bourret Prize for best SATB Chorus in The National Music Festival Association’s recorded competition, held in Edmonton, Alberta. Under James’ baton, the Agincourt Choirs were featured in their own noon hour concerts both at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, and for the Toronto Music Monday organization in 2016. In April 2017, The Agincourt Madrigal Singers travelled to Banff, Alberta for the Rocky Mountain Music Festival, where they performed their very own showcase concert to a sold out and very appreciative audience.
From 2017-2020 James took the post as conductor of the Bach Chamber Youth Choir in Toronto from their previous conductor Linda Beaupre, the choir is currently on hiatus. In his very first season, the choir (also known as the BCYC) competed a ‘clean sweep’, winning first place in each Provincial category they entered in the recorded competition of the Canadian Music Festival Association, and also won first in each class they entered at the National level. They were awarded the ‘Diane Loomer Choral Award’ for Best Overall Performance by a Choir in the festival.
Jennifer Bell
Jennifer Bell , multi-instrument artist, plays saxophone, clarinet, flute, is a conductor and a mainstay on the Montréal scene for over 37 years. She is the co-leader of both Streetnix and Altsys Jazz Orchestra. Jennifer is a prolific recording artist and recipient of numerous grants from the Conseil des Arts et Lettres du Québec, the Canada Council for the Arts as well as a Prix Opus for Jazz Concert of the Year (1998) and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. A course lecturer at the Schulich School of Music,
Saxophoniste, clarinettiste, flûtiste et chef d’orchestre, Jennifer Bell est active sur la scène musicale montréalaise depuis 37 ans. Fondatrice des groupes Streetnix et Altsys Jazz Orchestra avec lequel elle s’est méritée un Prix Opus en 1998 pour le concert jazz de l’année. Jennifer a partagé la scène avec des artistes internationaux tels que Kenny Wheeler, Ray Anderson, Tim Hagans, Donny McCaslin et Maria Schneider. De plus, elle est chargée de cours à l’école de musique Schulich.
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.
Jonathan Dagenais
Adjudicator
Jonathan Dagenais conducts several esteemed ensembles throughout Canada and is an internationally recognized composer and arranger. He teaches conducting at McGill University (Schulich School of Music) and composition at the Université de Sherbrooke. As a highly sought-after adjudicator and clinician, he participates in numerous music festivals and serves as a guest conductor for honour ensembles across North America. A well-respected educator and public speaker, he is a Yamaha Canada Master Artist Educator, and he collaborates with Twigg Musique and the Fédération des Harmonies and Quebec Symphony Orchestras. Additionally, he holds the position of General and Artistic Director of MusicFest Québec.Jonathan Dagenais est un chef d’orchestre, compositeur et arrangeur de renom, reconnu pour son rôle de directeur musical et artistique au sein de plusieurs ensembles prestigieux au Canada. Il enseigne la direction d’orchestre à l’Université McGill (Schulich School of Music) et la composition à l’Université de Sherbrooke. Chaque année, il siège sur des jurys d’évaluation pour des concours de haute distinction et est fréquemment sollicité pour diriger des ensembles honorifiques en Amérique du Nord. En tant que pédagogue et communicateur reconnu, il est également directeur général et artistique du MusicFest Québec, ainsi que chef partenaire et formateur en direction et pédagogie musicale pour Twigg Musique et la Fédération des Harmonies et Orchestres Symphoniques du Québec. En outre, il occupe le poste d’Artiste Maître Éducateur pour Yamaha Canada.
Learn more about Jonathan at Jonathan Dagenais
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.
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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
Leah McGray
A dynamic conductor of both wind band and orchestral ensembles, Dr. Leah McGray is currently the Conductor of the Wind Orchestra at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. Previously, she was the Director of Instrumental Studies for the State University of New York at Geneseo, and Rhodes College in Memphis TN, conducting their Wind Ensembles and Symphony Orchestras as well as teaching classes in conducting and musicianship. Dr. McGray earned her degrees from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, the University of Toronto, and Acadia University. She is in demand internationally as an adjudicator across the United States, South Korea, and Canada, and has been guest conductor for a variety of youth orchestras and honour bands, including the 2023 National Youth Band of Canada. Twice awarded major research grants, her scholarship explores techniques of non-verbal leadership, and wind ensemble repertoire by traditionally underrepresented composers.
Chef d’orchestre dynamique, la Dre Leah McGray est chef de l’Orchestre à vent de l’Université Wilfrid Laurier à Waterloo. Auparavant, elle a été directrice des études instrumentales à l’Université de l’État de New York et au Rhodes College du Tennessee, où elle a dirigé les ensembles à vent et orchestres symphoniques ainsi que donné des cours de direction d’orchestre et de d’expression musicale. La Dre McGray est diplômée de l’Université Northwestern, de l’Université de Toronto et de l’Université Acadia. Elle est sollicitée à l’échelle internationale pour siéger sur des jurys d’évaluation aux États-Unis, en Corée du Sud et au Canada. De plus, elle a été invitée à diriger divers orchestres de jeunes et groupes honorifiques, y compris l’Orchestre national des jeunes du Canada en 2023. Leah est deux fois récipiendaire d’importantes subventions de recherche qui lui permettent d’explorer les techniques de leadership non verbal et le répertoire d’ensembles à vents.
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Leandro Cardoso
Leandro Cardoso is a celebrated Brazilian conductor and the Assistant Conductor in Residence at the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec, working closely with maestro Clemens Schuldt. He also serves as Assistant Conductor for the Orchestre à Vents Non Identifié, mentored by maestro Jonathan Dagenais. Mr Cardoso earned his Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from McGill University’s Schulich School of Music, under the guidance of maestro Alexis Hauser. He also holds a Master’s degree from the University of Kansas, where he studied with Dr. Carolyn Watson. Leandro’s international experience includes the Domaine Forget Music Academy where he learned from Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Cabrillo Music Festival , mentored by Cristian Măcelaru, and the Monteux Music Festival , where he worked with Kensho Watanabe, and Tiffany Liu. Initially trained in trumpet performance at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, he studied conducting with Brazil’s renowned maestro Marcos Arakaki, shaping his artistry through a rich global journey.
Leandro Cardoso est un chef d’orchestre brésilien célèbré ainsi que le chef adjoint en résidence à l’Orchestre Symphonique de Québec, travaillant en étroite collaboration avec le maestro Clemens Schuldt. Il est également chef adjoint de l’Orchestre à Vents Non Identifié, soutenu par Jonathan Dagenais. M. Cardoso a obtenu son doctorat en direction d’orchestre de l’Université McGill, sous la tutelle du maestro Alexis Hauser. Il est titulaire d’une maîtrise de l’Université du Kansas, où il a étudié avec la Dre Carolyn Watson. L’expérience internationale de Leandro comprend l’Académie de musique du Domaine Forget avec comme mentor, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, le festival de musique de Cabrillo, avec Cristian Măcelaru, et le festival de musique de Monteux avec Kensho Watanabe, et Tiffany Liu. Formé à la trompette à l’Université fédérale du Minas Gerais, il a aussi étudié la direction d’orchestre avec Marcos Arakaki, polissant son art à travers un riche parcours mondial.
Linda Wharton
Linda Wharton has an honours Music Degree from Western University and an Education Degree from Althouse College. She taught secondary school instrumental music for 32 years in St. Thomas and London. Her bands won many awards locally, regionally, and nationally. Linda also won many teaching awards, including the Award of Distinction from the Thames Valley District School Board and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jack Richardson Music Awards. She served on the Ontario Music Educators’ Association Board for 6 years. Linda is currently teaching Conducting and Instrumental Rehearsal Techniques at Western University and loves adjudicating around the province and on the East Coast. She gets to travel the world with her competitive Dragon Boat team.
Linda Wharton est titulaire d’un diplôme spécialisé en musique de l’Université Western et d’un diplôme en éducation de Althouse College. Elle a enseigné la musique instrumentale au secondaire pendant 32 ans à St. Thomas et à London. Ses groupes ont remporté les plus hauts honneurs dans des concours au niveau local, régional et national. Linda a reçu de nombreux prix d’enseignement, notamment le prix de distinction du conseil scolaire du district de Thames Valley ainsi que le prix Jack Richardson Music Award reconnaissant l’ensemble de sa carrière. Elle a siégé au conseil d’administration de l’Ontario Music Educators’ Association pendant 6 ans. Linda enseigne actuellement les techniques de direction d’orchestre et de répétition d’ensemble à l’Université Western et adore siéger sur des jurys d’évaluation dans toute la province de l’Ontario et sur la côte est. Elle voyage à travers le monde avec son équipe compétitive de bateau-dragon.
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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 currently serves on the faculty at Florida State University where she teaches courses in graduate and undergraduate choral techniques and conducts Levana, an advanced treble ensemble. Prior to her appointment at Florida State University, Stenson served as Assistant Professor on faculty at the University of Kansas (KU) where she served as Associate Director of Choral Activities. She conducted the KU Glee Club and Oread Singers. In addition to leading ensembles, she taught 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, adjudicating the Canadian Candando Choral Festivals, and directing the KU Glee Club at the Kansas Music Educator’s Association State Conference. 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. She was recently named a National Finalist for the 2023 American Prize Conducting Competition and Choral Performance Competition. Stenson earned the Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of North Texas, Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, and Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Ohio 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 Millennium 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. Stenson also enjoys amplifying the voices of women conductors on her podcast, conduct(her), with co-founder (and sister) Kyra Stahr.
Megan Collings
Megan Collings teaches music at Central Peel Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario where she is the head of the Arts Department and responsible for the Regional Strings program. She is the Executive Director of the Ontario Vocal Festival and a Regional Coordinator for the Concert and Chamber Festival West. Megan believes that music can create an equitable, inclusive and diverse community where student ownership can lead to student empowerment.
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)
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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.
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Terry Porter
Performer, conductor and educator; Terry Porter began as a freelance clarinettist, performing with the Vancouver Symphony, Ottawa Symphony, Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Mel Torme Orchestras. As a conductor, Captain Porter served for twelve years as Director of Music of the Governor General’s Foot Guards Band where he led performances supporting local events and those of all levels of government in Canada. Mr. Porter taught Music in Ottawa high schools for thirty years; during which time, he led ensembles, both student and professional, in performances abroad including nine European tours. As an educator, he has helped generations of young people discover the joys and benefits we all share when music is part of our lives. Terry Porter is thrilled to be part of the adjudication team again at MusicFest Canada.
Interprète, chef d’orchestre et éducateur; Terry Porter a débuté comme clarinettiste indépendant, se produisant avec l’Orchestre symphonique de Vancouver, l’Orchestre symphonique d’Ottawa, le Royal Winnipeg Ballet et l’orchestre Mel Torme. Chef d’orchestre, le capitaine Porter a été pendant douze ans directeur musical du Governor General’s Foot Guards Band, où il a dirigé des spectacles soutenant des événements locaux et de tous les niveaux de gouvernement au Canada. M. Porter a enseigné la musique dans les écoles secondaires d’Ottawa pendant trente ans. Durant cette période, il a dirigé des ensembles étudiants et professionnels lors de spectacles à l’étranger, dont neuf tournées européennes. Éducateur, il a aidé des générations de jeunes à découvrir la joie et les avantages qui nous sont impartis lorsque la musique s’intègre à nos vies. Terry Porter est ravi de faire à nouveau partie de l’équipe des jurys d’évaluation de MusicFest Canada.
