Layton Hiebert
Based in Lethbridge Alberta, Canadian percussionist Layton Hiebert captures audiences by blending traditional, contemporary, and world percussion into all-encompassing experiences. Layton holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Lethbridge, where he studied classical and world percussion performance under Adam Mason and Joe Porter. Layton has been featured as a soloist and ensemble member on international stages across North America, Asia, and most recently Europe, where he will tour with the prestigious World Percussion Group (WPG) in spring 2026. Alongside his performing career, Hiebert teaches his own percussion studio at the University of Lethbridge Music Conservatory, and works with various percussion programs as an active clinician.
Layton is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Jodi Groenheide
Jodi Groenheide began playing the flute at age 10. She most recently studied with Sarah (Gieck) MacDonald while completing her Bachelor of Music in Flute and Percussion Performance at the University of Lethbridge, and with Brazilian flutist Dr. Danilo Mezzadri during her Master of Music in Percussion Performance at the University of Southern Mississippi. Jodi is an active performer and teacher. With her husband, Matt (percussion), she performs frequently with the jamani duo. The duo’s fun, energetic sound draws on world, classical, and jazz influences, featuring flute and a wide range of percussion instruments from around the world. Jodi also serves as Principal Flute with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra. Jodi enjoys teaching flute and percussion to students of all ages.
Jodi is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
David Sussman
Calgary audiences have known Calgary Philharmonic’s Assistant Principal Oboe and English Horn player David Sussman for his expressive playing since 1981. He was born in Toronto and studied at the University of Toronto and the University of Michigan with Harry Sargous. Mr. Sussman has appeared often as featured soloist with the Calgary Philhamonic, playing on either the oboe, the oboe d’amore or the English horn. He has also been a soloist with the Calgary Bach Society, the Alberta Baroque Ensemble, the Kensington Sinfonia and at two annual conventions of the International Double Reed Society. He has performed with the Mount Royal Wind Quintet and the chamber music groups Rosa Selvatica, Aubade, and Land’s End. He has commissioned a new work for oboe and been recorded for CBC Radio Two. David is a dedicated and enthusiastic educator. He has taught oboe students of all ages at the Mount Royal University Conservatory and the universities of Calgary and Lethbridge. For several years, he taught the adult education course entitled “Symphony Anyone?” for the Calgary Board of Education. He is known to Calgary audience members as a friendly voice from the orchestra through his articles in the Calgary Phil’s Prelude magazine.
David is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Cori Latta
Cori Latta is a dedicated music educator and performer specializing in French horn. She holds a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge and has taught music to students from kindergarten through grade 12 in local school divisions. She founded the University of Lethbridge Music Conservatory’s Homeschool Band Program, a multi-level program providing flexible band instruction for beginners and intermediate musicians within a unique homeschool setting. Cori has performed on French horn and E♭ tenor horn with the Lethbridge Community Band Society’s Gold and Brass Bands, and served as guest conductor for their 2025 International Women’s Day concert. She began her first term on the LCBS Board of Directors as Concert Committee Chairperson and was recently elected to a second term as President. A leading horn clinician in the Lethbridge region, Cori regularly works with developing brass musicians through middle and high school clinics as well as her private teaching studio. She has extensive experience coaching students in both ensemble and individual settings, emphasizing strong fundamentals, building musical confidence, and fostering growth through embracing mistakes as an essential part of the learning process.
Cori is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Cadence Krueger
Cadence Krueger is a fourth-year clarinet major at the University of Lethbridge; she will be graduating with her bachelor’s in music this spring. In her third year, Cadence was both the clarinet section leader of the University Wind Orchestra and the winner of the
University of Lethbridge Concerto Competition. For her efforts in her third year, she was also granted the Tom Staples Award for excellence in music and leadership. Now in her graduating year, Cadence is the concertmaster of the University Wind Orchestra and is
excitedly preparing her graduation recital. In her time off from her studies, Cadence enjoys cooking, reading, attending concerts, and running.
Cadence is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Amanda Rood
Amanda is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge’s music program, with a major in Bass Trombone Performance. Upon completing her studies in Lethbridge, she ventured out east to pursue a Bachelor of Education at Queen’s University in Kingston, ON.
Amanda returned home to Lethbridge where she currently teaches at the Centre for Learning@HOME as well as for the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music. She is also a freelance low brass clinician, often assisting with music and band programs in schools. She currently performs with the Lethbridge Community Gold and Brass Bands and is expanding her musical craft with the University of Lethbridge Global Drums ensembles.
Amanda is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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. 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.
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.
Ryan Howard
Technical Director
Greg Prest
Greg Prest studied classical guitar under Alvaro Pierri in the performance program at McGill University. He graduated with a dual degree in performance and school music. He did master classes with such luminaries as Leo Brower and Alice Artzt. Greg has devoted his life to performing and teaching. He spent 30 years teaching guitar and instrumental music at the high school level and many of his students went on to become successful professional musicians. It gives him great pleasure to work with the up-and-coming musicians of the future who are here now at MusicFest Canada’s “The Nationals”!
Juaquin Nunez
Joaquin Nunez Hidalgo was born and raised in Cuba. His early inspiration was his musically gifted father Porfirio Nunez, a former singer/guitarist with one of the oldest Cuban orchestras “Brisas de Nipe”. As a professional artist Joaquin has had a successful music career in Cuba. Performing in numerous music events and festivals, he shared the stage with some of Cuba’s most elite musicians like Emiliano Salvador, Juan Pablo Torres and Joel Rodriguez Milor. Eventually settling in Toronto in 1999, Joaquin quickly became immersed in the local music scene performing as a drummer and percussionist with top Canadian based artists (Jane Bunnett, Bill King, Njacko Backo, Eddie Bullen, Hilario Duran, The Canadian Tenors), performing in many of the festivals (Montreal Jazz Festival, Beaches Jazz Festival, Ottawa Jazz Festival) across the country as well as internationally. Joaquin has also worked with major international artists like Italy’s Zucchero.
Dr. Mark Chambers
Dr. Mark Chambers is a conductor, cellist and early music specialist. He earned a BMus at the University ofToronto), a MMus at Auburn University, and a DMA at Florida State University. Dr. Chambers is the Cello/Viola da Gamba instructor at York University and conducts the York University Symphony Orchestra. Prior to his appointment at York, Dr. Chambers taught for nine years at Eastern Kentucky University, where he performed as a member of the Faculty Piano Trio and the Faculty String Quartet. He joined York’s Department of Music in 2005. He has performed extensively in the United States and Ontario as both a chamber musician and orchestral player. He is also very active as a clinician and adjudicator throughout southern Ontario. A former Theodore Presser Foundation Fellow, Dr. Chambers’ research interests include Baroque music, period instrument performance practice, the ‘Tartini Tone’, and scordatura, altered tunings for strings. He has authored several articles for the American String Teachers Journal and is a contributor to the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. Dr. Chambers recently released his first solo CD, “Canadian Voices: Works for Solo Cello” featuring unaccompanied cello works by Canadian composers, David Lidov, Al Henderson, Brent Lee and Stephen Brown.
Travis Harrison
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Travis Harrison teaches double bass at the University of Toronto. He is in high demand as a freelance soloist, chamber musician, and section leader in the Southern Ontario region, having served as guest Principal Bass with the National Arts Centre and Canadian Opera Company Orchestras, among others. His deep love of music led him to his Toronto Symphony debut at age 18, and to a tenured position with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra from 2013-2019. He has served the bass community as a Board Chair of the International Society of Bassists; is a consultant for tonebase where he is responsible for their double bass content and platform curation.; and co-authored “The Canadian School of Double Bass” technique books with his mentor, Joel Quarrington. He proudly performs on a bass commissioned from Montreal master luthier Mario Lamarre and bows by Ottawa’s Bernard Walke.
Learn more about Travis at Travis Harrison.
Travis is sponsored by the University of Toronto
Barbara Ackerman
Barbara Ackerman, free-Lance flutist, Instructor, and administrator, has been teaching music for many years. As a Contract Faculty member at York University, in addition to private flute instruction, she assists with coaching chamber music ensembles, and previously was Course Director of a large mixed level flute class, a woodwind ensemble course, and a woodwind education course. Barbara also teaches private flute lessons and beginner piano at her home and has worked with all ages and levels of students. She has taught at several music camps and has given many clinics in schools throughout the GTA. Her freelance performing career has been eclectic, performing with symphony orchestras, chamber groups, choral concert orchestras, musical theatre productions, recordings for film, television and commercials, and performed at hundreds of weddings and receptions. She also contracted and worked in administration for choirs, musical theatre orchestras, and other events.
Aleh Remezau
Canadian oboist Aleh Remezau began his musical studies on piano, and his study of the oboe at fifteen. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto and the Manhattan School of Music. Having established himself as a sought-after orchestral musician, he has performed in major Canadian venues as well as concert halls in the United States, Austria and the United Kingdom. He has appeared with the New York Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony Orchestra and National Arts Centre Orchestra as well as guest Principal Oboe with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, National Ballet Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. He appears regularly with the Esprit Orchestra, performing as both Principal Oboist and solo English horn. After joining the Hamilton Philharmonic as Principal Oboe, Mr. Remezau’s playing has been highlighted in major works such as Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, Stravinsky’s Pulcinella Suite and Rimsky Korsakov’s Scheherazade. During his first season, he was a featured musician on the orchestra’s video broadcasts of Mozart’s Oboe Quartet and Tomasi’s Evocations for Solo Oboe. In the 2023-24 season, he performed Concerto for Oboe and Strings by Ralph Vaughan Williams as soloist.
Aleh is sponsored by the University of Toronto
Wallace Halladay
Canadian saxophonist Wallace Halladay holds a Bachelor’s degree in Performance and Composition from the University of Toronto, a Master’s from New England Conservatory in Boston, and a doctorate from the Eastman School of Music. Wallace also studied at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with internationally acclaimed virtuoso Arno Bornkamp with a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts. He has previously taught at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Eastman School of Music, and is presently Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Toronto, where he is Chair of the Woodwind Department, Director of the Contemporary Music Ensemble, and was the inaugural winner of the faculty’s Teaching Award. Wallace was the 2009 winner of the Virginia Parker Prize from the Canada Council for the Arts. Awarded for outstanding musicianship, Wallace remains the only woodwind player to receive the prize in its 30 year history, and he joins such luminary Canadian laureates as Jon Kimura Parker, James Ehnes, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Wallace recorded the two saxophone Sequenzas of Luciano Berio and the Colgrass concerto for NAXOS Records. He can also be heard with the Toronto Symphony, Canadian Opera Company, and National Ballet Orchestras. Wallace is a Conn-Selmer Artist and plays Selmer (Paris) saxophones.
Wallace is sponsored by the University of Toronto
Dale Sorensen
Dale Sorensen is a versatile trombonist with extensive experience in a variety of musical genres. A frequent soloist and enthusiastic promoter of Canadian music, Dale has premiered more than 25 solo trombone pieces and dozens of chamber works, and recorded an all-Canadian album of music for trombone. He is a proud Yamaha Artist and plays Yamaha instruments exclusively. Dale is a member of the Charlottetown Festival Orchestra, the PEI Symphony Orchestra, the Maritime Brass Quintet, and a regular guest with Symphony Nova Scotia. Previously he held positions with the Windsor Symphony and Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, and has freelanced with groups such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony, Winnipeg Symphony, National Ballet of Canada, and Opera Atelier in a 3-week, 8-city tour of Japan. A dedicated educator, Dale is currently Assistant Professor of Brass and director of the Wind Symphony at the University of Prince Edward Island. He regularly serves as an adjudicator and clinician at music festivals and workshops throughout the Maritimes and Ontario.
Learn more about Dale at Dale Sorensen
Dale is sponsored by Yamaha Canada Music
Adam Mason
Adam Mason serves as Director of Percussion at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada. He is an internationally active performer, adjudicator and clinician. Engagements have taken him to Beijing, Hong Kong, Brazil, London, Trinidad & Tobago, Japan, Shanghai, Hawaii, Amsterdam, Ghana, throughout the United States and across Canada, including multiple Percussive Arts Society International Conventions. Professor Mason is the founder and Director of U of L Global Drums. This group tours globally and features two Steel Bands, Chinese Drumming Ensemble, Polynesian Ensemble, two Taiko Ensembles, Samba Batteria, African Music and Dance Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble. Adam’s dedication and passion for teaching have been recognized by being selected as Teaching Fellow with the U of L Teaching Centre (2015-2017) and by receiving the ULSU Teaching Excellence Award 2016-17.
Adam is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Hana Hubley
Hana Hubley (She/They) is an active performer and dedicated musician, whose passion extends to teaching and higher education. They are a freelance tuba player based out of Calgary, Alberta, and holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Lethbridge. Hana’s passion for wind band music has led her to play with many local ensembles, including: Southern Winds Wind Orchestra, Calgary Wind Symphony, and the Alberta Wind Symphony. Notably, she was a tubist for the 2024 Badlands Passion Play held in Drumheller, and was a featured soloist performing the Gregson Tuba Concerto for the Westwinds Wind Orchestra in March 2025. She also holds the 2023 Faculty of Fine Arts Gold Medal from U. Lethbridge, and conducted the U of L Wind Orchestra through the 2023 spring convocation ceremonies. While balancing her role as part of U. Lethbridge’s Strategic Enrolment Team, Hana frequently conducts low brass clinics for middle school and high school bands; and works as a private tuba/euphonium instructor in Calgary and the area.
Hana is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Dr. Nick Sullivan
After beginning his musical education in Lethbridge, Alberta, Nick Sullivan received a fellowship to undertake graduate studies at the University of Victoria. Nick returned to B.C. to continue his studies at the University of British Columbia, completing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Currently, Nick is on faculty at the University of Lethbridge teaching the low brass studio, and serves as the Recruitment and Retention Specialist for the Faculty of Fine Arts. Nick has a passion for brass chamber music, and has performed in numerous chamber music settings. In 2007, his quintet was featured in the Canadian premiere performance of Eric Ewazen’s Shadowcatcher, a concerto for brass quintet and wind orchestra. He is a founding member of Aeris Brass (formerly the U of L Faculty Brass Quintet), as well as the Southern Alberta Trombone Collective (SATbC). Nick regularly performs as a recitalist throughout Western Canada, and has been featured as a soloist with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, Lethbridge Community Gold Band, and the University of Lethbridge Wind Orchestra. Active as an orchestral musician, Nick has worked with several orchestras across Canada, such as the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, and presently performs with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and the Symphony of the Kootenays. Nick Sullivan is a performing artist for Michael Rath Trombones.
Nick is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Douglas Umana
Douglas Umana is currently an active freelance musician and clinician in Calgary, where he performs regularly as a substitute/extra horn with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and as 2nd Horn of the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra. In addition, Douglas is the Instructor of Horn at the University of Lethbridge. Before coming to Calgary, Douglas was based in Dallas, TX where he maintained a private teaching studio and was a horn instructor for the Richardson and Allen Independent School Districts. Douglas also performed regularly with the Dallas Symphony, Fort Worth Symphony, and Plano Symphony Orchestra. Originally from Miami, Florida, Douglas received his Bachelor of Music degree from Southern Methodist University and Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music at Yale University.
Douglas is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Dr. Josh Davies
Dr. Josh Davies is a Yamaha Performing Artist and two-time Grammy nominated performer that enjoys a diverse career as a versatile performer and educator. He has performed extensively throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada and Europe in venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina, and the Jubilee Auditoriums in Calgary and Edmonton. Josh’s discography spans many genres from classical to jazz, baroque to contemporary, and rock to funk. He regularly performs with the Monterrey Symphony Orchestra in Monterrey, Mexico, where he held the position of co-principal trumpet for the 2009-2010 season. He has performed with over 20 symphony orchestras throughout North America and Haiti. As an educator, Josh is the trumpet professor and director of the U of L Jazz Ensemble at the University of Lethbridge. Previous positions include Temple College, The University of Texas at Austin, Concordia University-Texas and Texas State University. Josh holds degrees from The University of Texas at Austin and The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. An avid patron of the arts, Josh has served on many boards of arts organizations, including The World Trumpet Society, and The Lethbridge Jazz Society.
Josh is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Dr. Holly De Caigny
Holly De Caigny is a contemporary saxophonist who strives to collaborate with a variety of artists. She has performed publicly across Canada, the United States, as well as in Slovenia, France, and Thailand. Most recently, she has toured Eastern Canada with Proteus Quartet, performed online and in person with Timepoint Ensemble, performed in free improvisation concerts with Secret Lady Project and Bug Incision, and has collaborated with composers including Colin Labadie, Vincent Ho, Jordan Nobles, and Laurie Radford. Holly maintains a busy teaching schedule at the University of Lethbridge, Mount Royal Conservatory and serves as Director of Music in the King’s Own Calgary Regiment Band. She earned a Doctor of Music degree with Dr William Street at the University of Alberta, a masters degree from the University of Calgary, a bachelors degree from the University of British Columbia, and two artist diplomas from the Conservatoire Regional de Rayonnement de Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
Holly is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Peggy Mezei
Margaret (Peggy) Mezei is currently a sessional instructor for the University of Lethbridge Department of Music teaching clarinet where she has taught for over 30 years. A native of Southern Alberta, Peggy earned a Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance from Washington State University (cum laude) and a Master of Music (magna cum laude) in Clarinet Performance and Pedagogy from Michigan State University where she studied with Dr. Elsa Ludwig-Verdehr. She has been a recipient of Canada Council Arts Awards, performance scholarships, and was named Pi Kappa Lambda by the American National Music Honors Society. Peggy maintains an active career as a clarinetist, clinician and adjudicator. Peggy is past principal clarinetist with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra a position she held for over 30 year and member of the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra, a position she held for 18 years. She has appeared several times as soloist with the Lethbridge Symphony and the resident string quartet, Musaeus. Peggy is a valued Arts Administrator; a former Director of the Conservatory of Music, a position she held for over 25 years.
Peggy is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Sarah MacDonald
Sarah MacDonald is a Juno-nominated artist with extensive experience as a soloist, orchestral player, and chamber musician. Born and raised in Calgary, Sarah holds a BMus from the University of Calgary, MMus from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester England and an Artist Diploma from the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. She plays regularly with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra as a guest musician and has served as acting assistant principal flute for several seasons. Sarah’s reputation as a teacher extends throughout Alberta. She has served as the flute instructor for the University of Lethbridge since 2008. Many of Sarah’s students have gone on to pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees at some of Canada’s finest institutions. Sarah is the co-founder of Green Banana Flute Studios, a partnership with CPO principal flutist Sara Hahn-Scinocco, committed to exploring excellence and wellness in the music industry. Sarah has served as the woodwind facilitator for the Academy at APP program at Mount Royal University, since the fall of 2022.
Sarah is sponsored by the University of Lethbridge
Dr. Sundar Viswanathan
JUNO-winning saxophonist/vocalist/composer Dr. Sundar Viswanathan has performed extensively in Europe (including with Grammy-nominated Charles Tolliver Big Band), Japan, South Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, and the USA. Musical associations have included Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Wheeler, Jaffa Road, Kiran Ahluwalia, Rez Abbasi, Luciana Souza, John Abercrombie, Terry Clarke, George Cables, Joe Lovano, Sun Ra, John Hicks, Cecil McBee, Dave Holland, Billy Hart, and Jim McNeely. In 2022 Sundar’s world-jazz group Avataar took home the JUNO award for Best Jazz Album (Group), for their work on the stunning album Worldview. He has been commissioned tocompose and perform with Dance companies in Canada and the USA, including Sampradaya Dance Creations, Arzoo Dance Theater, MOSAIC and Trilok Fusion. Sundar currently lives in Toronto and serves on the music faculty of York University as Associate Professor of Jazz. His work can be seen and heard at www.sundarmusic.com
Learn more about Sundar at Sundar Viswanathan
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
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
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.
Learn more about Dean at Dean McNeill
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.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about Linda at Linda Wharton
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
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
Yuhan Zhou
Yuhan is a Chinese-born composer and pianist based in Toronto. She recently won the Ann H Atkinson Prize in 2023 and currently serves as the composer-in-residence at the University of Toronto Wind Symphony and Chamber Choir. Her winning composition, performed with the Bedford piano trio, titled “The Not-yet,” premiered at the 2023 UofT New Music Festival. Yuhan’s work has been showcased across East Asia and North America, including soundtracks for visual media like Hulu’s 2021 id Artists showcase advertisement, as well as award-winning films such as “Oop” and “Gamble”. Yuhan is presently pursuing a composition doctorate at the University of Toronto.”
Renata Cardoso
Renata Cardoso was born and raised in Coimbra, Portugal. In 2023, Renata became the newest member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s trumpet section. Renata received her bachelor’s degree from the Escola Superior de Música in Lisbon, Portugal and completed a year of master’s studies with Barbara Butler and Charlie Geyer at Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. While in Houston, Renata was soloist for Wynton Marsalis’ “A Fiddler’s Tale.” Renata has twice won auditions for the prestigious European Union Youth Orchestra. In 2021, she won first prize in the World Trumpet Society’s, “Daniel Patrylak Memorial Solo Competition.”
Learn more about Renata at Renata Cardoso
Meijun Chen
Meijun Chen is the Director of Concert Winds at the University of British Columbia while finishing her final year of Doctor of Music degree in Wind Band Conducting at the University of Alberta under the supervision of Dr. Angela Schroeder. An active conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, Meijun has worked with collegiate and school bands across Canada, held conducting roles with Edmonton Opera and the Edmonton Youth Orchestra, and guest-conducted the United States “Pershing’s Own” Army Band in 2023. She has received numerous awards and scholarships to further her conducting studies in Austria and the U.S., including winning the Absolute First Prize in Conducting at the 2023 UK International Music Competition. Selected as a Conducting Fellow at prestigious masterclasses including Domaine Forget and the University of Cincinnati CCM International Wind Festival, in conjunction with “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, Meijun’s conducting mentors include Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Travis Cross, Jerry Junkin, Emily Threinen, Bruce Pulver, Kevin Holzman, and Jason Fettig. Meijun holds dual Master of Music degrees in Wind Band Conducting and Clarinet Performance from the University of Alberta and is the guest clarinetist with the Royal Canadian Artillery Band.
Learn more about Meijun at Meijun Chan
Tanya Charles
Tanya holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Toronto and an Artist Diploma in Orchestral Performance from the Glenn Gould School at the Royal Conservatory of Music. Tanya serves as the concertmaster of Montreal-based, Ensemble Obiora, a role she has embraced since its inception in 2021. Noteworthy is her performance as soloist, marking the Canadian premiere of Florence Price’s Violin Concerto #1 with this ensemble, under the baton of Samy Rachid, Assistant Conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in October 2023. For over two decades, Tanya has been instrumental in aiding with the implementation of string-education training in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. She is actively involved in various educational initiatives, including the Education Outreach Team for Ensemble du Monde in Guadeloupe and the All Caribbean Youth Orchestra program in St. Martin/Sint Maarten. Tanya has also shared her expertise as a guest instructor at the Centro Regional de Estudios Musicales in Mexico. Tanya is based in Toronto, where she shares her passion and expertise as a faculty member at both the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music and the Oscar Peterson Program at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Learn more about Tanya at Tanya Charles
Bryan Holt
Bryan has appeared with many of the leading ensembles in the Greater Toronto Area including Continuum Contemporary Music, Art of Time Ensemble, Against the Grain Theatre, Soundstreams, Thin Edge New Music Collective, Tapestry Opera, and more. He has also appeared in the cello sections of the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Esprit Orchestra, Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra and many other professional orchestras and ensembles. Bryan holds a Doctorate of Music in Cello Performance from the University of Toronto where his thesis focused on the efficacy of online cello lessons. He holds a masters degree from the Schulich School of Music at McGill University in Solo Cello Performance and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, where he was a two-time recipient of the Felix Galimir Award in Chamber Music Performance. Bryan is a Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Certified Teacher and is also a member of the RCM College of Examiners.
Learn more about Bryan at Bryan Holt
Trish Howells
Trish Howells is a violinist and music educator in Toronto. Beginning at the age of 11, Trish studied violin privately with Professor Ivan Kowaliw, the director of the Mykola Lysenko Ukrainian Music Institute, in Toronto. She continued her studies with both David Zafer and Andrew Dawes at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto. Trish has enjoyed many years performing in a variety of ensembles including the Lysenko Music Institute String Orchestra, the Trinity Chamber Ensemble, and the Trinity String Quartet. As well, she sang with the Bell’Arte Singers for many years. Trish was a music educator for 38 years, teaching string classes from grades 4 to 12. Most of her career has been focussed on teaching strings and choral music at the middle school level.
Learn more about Trish at Trish Howells