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.
Alex Andronache Metalworks Institute Education Counsellor. In his 30 years in the Music industry, Alex Andronache (an-dro-naki) has pursued a diverse career path, having at various times been an artist manager, talent agent, concert promoter, production manager, sound mixer, tour manager, tour accountant, record producer, and studio manager.
(MARKHAM, ON)
Dennis Beck holds degrees in music and in education from the University of Western Ontario, as well as a graduate diploma in conducting from the University of Calgary. In addition to teaching experience at the junior and senior high school levels, he is a sessional lecturer in the Faculty of Education of the University of Toronto
(TORONTO, ON)
Mr. Blyden-Taylor is also in constant demand as a Clinician, Adjudicator and Lecturer both nationally and internationally, working extensively across Canada and the United States of America, as well as in Cuba and France. He has also been invited to deliver workshops in Japan, Turkey and Israel. In addition Mr. Blyden-Taylor is an active church musician, serving currently as Music Director of St Timothy's Anglican Church, North Toronto.
(MONTREAL, QC)
Alain is currently a professor at McGill University where, in addition to conducting the wind band, he also teaches chamber music and conducting.
(ETOBICOKE, ON)
John is a music educator who has worked with musicians of all ages, from preschool children to senior citizens. He is currently Vice-Principal at Central Peel Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario. Prior to this appointment John was the Head of the Visual and Performing Arts Department at The Humberview School in Bolton, Ontario. He is musical director at Heart Lake United Church, is on the Advisory Committee of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Festival and is on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Vocal Festival. John is active as an adjudicator and clinician throughout North America. John has also taught at Humber College, Mayfield Secondary School and the University of Toronto Jazz Performance Program where his groups received national and international recognition, performing at conferences and festivals throughout Canada and the United States and winning nine DOWN BEAT Magazine Student Music Awards. John has received the I.A.J.E. "Outstanding Jazz Director Award" for Canada, the Jazz Report Award for "Best Secondary School Jazz Program" and was inducted into the MusicFest Canada "Hall of Fame" for outstanding service to young Canadian musicians.
(SASKATOON, SK)
George Charpentier conducts the Saskatoon Concert Band and the Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra. He is retired from the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools, where he was the Coordinator of Arts Education and Social Studies. He has taught instrumental, choral and classroom music from Kindergarten through Grade 12, and has lectured at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Alberta. He was the Associate Conductor of the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra for many years.
(ETOBICOKE, ON)
Prior to his 2001 appointment as Humber's Director of Music, Christianson taught at McGill University, Concordia University, the University de Montreal, John Abbott College, and Centennial Academy. His jazz portfolio is no less impressive. His credits include performance and recording sessions with jazz greats J.J. Johnson, Kai Winding, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughn, Tony Bennett, Michel Legrand, and many others
(OAKVILLE, ON)
With a passion for music education and outreach, Colin maintains a commitment to working with young people and the community. He has conducted numerous bands, orchestras and choirs throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Colin has lead the Provincial Honour Bands of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island, and in 2008 served as conductor of the prestigious National Youth Band of Canada. Though best known for his work with the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra, Colin also is also the newly-appointed Music Director of the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra, and is on staff at McMaster University as conductor of the McMaster Chamber Orchestra.
(MONTREAL, QC)
Dagenais Jonathan holds a Masters in wind orchestra of the McGill University he completed under the supervision of Mr. Alain Cazes , and a BA in technical writing from the University of Montreal . For the 2010-2011 academic year, Jonathan was appointed musical and artistic director of the McGill Wind Symphony (Orchestra Winds of McGill University)
(TORONTO, ON)
Alex Dean curently works at Humber. He has played and recorded with: Gil Evans,Kenny Wheeler,Mel Torme, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Harry Connick Jr., Ray Charles, and the Toronto Symphony.
Alex Dean is sponsored by Conn-Selmer.
(TORONTO, ON)
Now head of the keyboard department at Toronto's Humber College, Dickinson is a graduate of the Humber Music Program and holds a Masters in Music (with distinction) degree from the New England Conservatory in Boston. He is the author of a respected book on ear training, entitled The Ears Have Walls (published by Advance Music of Germany.
(MCDOUGALL, ON)
Jim Ferris from Mcdougall has adjudicated bands at various music festivals across the country at both regional and national levels. He is presently responsible for the sight-reading segment of MusicFest Canada?s Concert Band Division.
(MIDHURST, ON)
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 has received numerous teaching, professional development and leadership awards. In November 2006, Sharon received the highest award from the OMEA, an Honorary Life Membership. Sharon is proud to have taught for thirty years at Barrie North Collegiate where she conducted award winning bands and choirs. She has written three teacher resources and is working on a fourth. Sharon was Chair of PRIMO 11, the OMEA annual conference.
(TORONTO, ON)
Gordon Foote recently accepted a position at the University of Toronto as a Professor in the Jazz Studies Program of the Faculty of Music. The most important element of this portfolio will be to direct the University of Toronto Jazz Orchestra (UTJO). Previous to that, Gordon spent 26 years as a Professor in the Jazz Studies Program at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University, in Montreal, Quebec. As a saxophonist and clinician for Conn-Selmer, Gordon has performed in Canada, Europe and the United States. 38 years of performing and teaching experience, leave him as requested adjudicator, conductor, clinician and jazz educator/performer in Canada.
(TORONTO, ON)
Biography not available.
(REGINA, SK)
Mr. Ghiglione has been involved with instrumental music his entire life. After building the program at Campbell Collegiate and maintaining for 17 years, he moved to the University of Regina where he is responsible for theWind Ensemble and Concert Band. He continues to coordinate the U of R Honor Band and the Prairielands Jazz Camp.
(TORONTO, ON)
Peter Grant is Counsel and past chair of our Technology, Communications and Intellectual Property Group in Toronto. He has pioneered the field of communications law in Canada, and his practice is substantially devoted to this field, including broadcasting and cable television licensing, satellite services, copyright negotiations, mass media and press law, cultural industries and telecommunications regulation. Mr. Grant appears in the 2013 edition of Chambers Global: The World's Leading Lawyers for Business as a leading lawyer in the area of telecommunications and broadcasting law as well as appearing in the 2007 edition in the area of technology, media and telecommunications. He is also listed as one of The Best Lawyers in Canada in the field of Communications Law and Entertainment Law in 2013. He received his BA in 1964 and his LLB in 1967, both from the University of Toronto. Mr. Grant was called to the Ontario bar in 1969.
(EDMONTON, AB)
Marcel Hamel is currently the Coordinator of Music Technology and Instructional Assistant with the Music Program at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where he also received his Diploma in Piano Performance and Recording Arts in 1983. Marcel has also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Synthesis/Production from the prestigous Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Marcel is active in music production in the Edmonton area, and conducts various clinics and workshops across the country in the field of music technology. He is also a Product Specialist for Steinberg and Music Marketing, and is a Level Two Certified Pro for Apple's Logic Studio program.
(WOLFVILLE, NS)
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.
(LOS ANGELES, CA)
Greg Jasperse is a world-renowned composer and arranger based in Los Angeles, CA. He is sought after internationally as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor
Nancy Kidd is Head of the Music Department at Bluevale Collegiate Institute in Waterloo, Ontario. She received an Honours Bachelor of Music from the University of Western Ontario and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto as well as studying Kodaly Pedagogy and Musicianship at the University of Calgary. Nancy has been a music educator for the Waterloo Region District School Board for over 28 years where she has taught students from Kindergarten to O.A.C. in both vocal and instrumental programs.
(OAKVILLE, ON)
Dr. Keith Kinder is currently Professor of Music and Director of the School of the Arts at McMaster University, where he conducts the McMaster Chamber Orchestra and the McMaster Concert Band. He holds degrees from The University of Western Ontario (B. Mus.- Music Education), Northwestern University (M. Mus, - Trombone Performance), The University of Colorado (Doctor of Musical Arts - Instrumental Conducting). An active researcher in the area of wind band music, he is the author of three books and numerous journal articles, and appears regularly at international conferences. A fourth book "This Awareness of Beauty: The Orchestral and Wind Band Music of Healey Willan" is presently in press.
(EDMONTON, AB)
Mr. Leithead is the founder and artistic director of Edmonton's Kokopelli Choir Association,the T.I.M.E. Vocal Jazz Assoc., his choirs have traveled to Africa, Asia and Europe. He recently returned from a year-long trip to Namibi and other parts of southern Africa.
(BRAMPTON, ON)
Brian Lillos is one of Canada's leading jazz pedagogues. The scope of his teaching ranges from 5th grade beginning band to Doctoral Dissertation advisement in jazz studies. He was Director of the Internationally acclaimed Jazz Studies Program at Humber College in Toronto from 1992 - 2001 where he has since held the position of Professor of Jazz Studies.
(TORONTO, ON)
Kirk has been active as an educator for 25 years at leading jazz studies programs such as at the University of Toronto and McGill University. Kirk is presently a full time professor at Humber College in Toronto, where he holds a cross appointment in the Music Degree Program and the Community Music School.
(TORONTO, ON)
Gillian 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.
(MONTREAL, QC)
Tim Malloch currently teaches and plays in Montreal, he has shared his talents with over 60 musical groups, throughtout Canada and United States, he has been in over a thousand concerts with nearly seventy recordings for CBC and SRC radio and tv networks.
(CAMROSE, AB)
Biography not available.
(TORONTO, ON)
As an educator, Terry is active presenting seminars and clinics at the Ontario Band Association (OBA), the Ontario Music Educators Association (OMEA) and Musicfest where Terry continues as the conductor of The Yamaha Allstar Big Band.
Terry Promane is sponsored by U of T.
Ted Quinlan is the long-time head of Guitar Humber at Humber College.Throughtout his career he has performed with Freddie Baker, Chet Baker, Eddie Harris, Jimmy Smith, and Joey DeFancesco.
Ted Quinlan is sponsored by Humber College.
(MAPLE RIDGE, BC)
Bob Rebagliati currently directs the senior concert band level of the North Vancouver Youth Band, coach's precussion sectionals. Bob is a freelance music educator, pianist, and percussionist/drummer.
Jeffrey Reynolds is Co-ordinator of Performance at the Faculty of Music, University of Toronto and conductor of the Wind Symphony as well as instructor of trumpet and conducting. As a trumpeter he has performed and recorded with the Calgary, Hamilton Philharmonic, Stratford, Hannaford festivals, as well as playing many theatre and commercial engagements. He regularly conducts student, community and professional ensembles, including the York Region Honour Band, and the Durham Schools Honour Band, as well as the Southampton Festival Winds and the Toronto Wind Orchestra. Jeff Reynolds received his Ph. D. from the University of Toronto, York University, University of Calgary, and University of Victoria. Dr. Reynolds is a founding member of the Canadian Wind Band Repertoire Project, and is active as a guest conductor, clinician, journal contributor and adjudicator across the country.
(LONDON, ON)
Dr. Colleen Richardson is Coordinator of Bands, directs the Wind Ensemble, and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in conducting, rehearsal techniques, and wind literature at Western University (London, ON). Besides being active as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, professor Richardson has been asked to guest conduct or present in Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Indonesia, and Taiwan. Publications include articles for the Canadian Winds, the Canadian Music Educator Journal, and the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. as well as a CD with the Western Wind Ensemble, entitled Apparitions (Albany Records), and the Hunsberger DVD within GIA?s DVD set entitled Three Icons: Frank Battisti, Donald Hunsberger, and H. Robert Reynolds.
Dave earned his Bachelor of Music Performance at the University of Western Ontario and proceeded to complete his Master of Music Performance at Oklahoma City University. Dave is currently an active freelance performer, clinician and educator in Southwestern Ontario. He is Principal Timpanist with both the International Symphony Orchestra and the Stratford Symphony Orchestra, in addition to performing regularly as a percussionist with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra London Canada and the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra. As an educator, Dave is Special Instructor of Percussion at the University of Windsor, maintains a private studio, co-directs the national award-winning South Huron District High School Percussion Ensemble, and is in high demand as a guest clinician in Southwestern Ontario. Dave is a regional education artist with Pearl Drums and Concert Percussion, Adams Musical Instruments and Sabian Cymbals.
Chase Sanborn is a mainstay of the music scene in Toronto and a member of the jazz faculty at the University of Toronto. Chase has released five CDs under his own name; the latest, Double Double, features duo performances with pianist Mark Eisenman.
Chase Sanborn is sponsored by U of T.
Kent Sangster is currently the Acting Head of Winds and Brass at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Kent is also a Juno nominated jazz saxophonist and the Executive Director of the Edmonton International Jazz Festival.
Kent Sangster is sponsored by Grant MacEwan University.
(NANAIMO, BC)
Bryan is the former Chairman of the West Coast Festival and teaches bass and ensembles at Malaspina University-College. For the past 38 years, MusicFest Canada "Hall of Famer" Bryan Stovell has taught music and guided some of Canada's best young musicians including Ingrid Jensen and Diana Krall
(OTTAWA, ON)
Mr. Sturdevant is currently the Manager of Artist Training and Outreach at the National Arts Centre. Doug spends hours teaching and coaching young musicians throughout Canada and United States via broadband videoconferencing technology.
(SASKATOON, SK)
Wayne Toews is retired from teaching for the Saskatoon Public Board of Education and as director of the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra. Wayne remains active as a clinician, adjudicator, guest conductor, composer, arranger and teacher of conducting through his ConductorSchool.
(CAMBRIDGE, ON)
Brenda Uchimaru is a retired music educator of thirty-seven years as music teacher, department head and consultant. She is an instructor for the Vocal Additional Qualification courses for OISE/UT and currently is artistic director of the Cambridge Male Chorus, Kokoro and Bell'Arte Singers.
Stephen Wick-Musician - Ophicleide and Tuba at Anima Eterna, Director at Denis Wick Products Ltd., Teacher at The Purcell School, Trustee at Golsoncott Founda. Tuba player Stephen Wick has played with all the great London orchestras and many European orchestras. In the jazz field he has played in bands led by such greats as John Dankworth and Kenny Wheeler and has also worked with some of the top arrangers such as Nelson Riddle and Henry Mancini. Stephen also teaches at the Royal Academy of Music.
(MANOTICK, ON)
Neil Yorke-Slader is a Superintendent of Instruction with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board in Ottawa, Ontario. He has composed numerous works at various levels for jazz ensemble, several of which are available through UNC Jazz Press and Burnihla Music Publishing. He taught music at the elementary and secondary levels for 17 years.
© MusicFest Canada, 2006. All Rights Reserved.
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