FESTIVAL 2024 ARCHIVES
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Adjudicator for bowed strings classes: Ronelle Schaufele
Canadian violist Ronelle Schaufele is an active solo, chamber, and orchestral musician who performs frequently throughout Western Canada as well as performances in Cuba, Brazil, United States, New Zealand, and Europe.. As an avid lover of new music Ms. Schaufele has been delighted to play works composed for her and looks forward to upcoming collaborations. In addition to performing music being created today, Ronelle greatly enjoys performing on period instruments and exploring the rich baroque tradition. She has recently performed with Early Music Alberta and is a founding member of the Baroque ensemble, Rosa Barocca. In 2022 Rosa Barocca recorded the Early Italian Cello Concertos, a collaboration with Elinor Frey, which received the 2023 Juno Award for Classical Album of the Year (small ensemble). Other solo performances include concerts at the Arts & Letters Club of Toronto, Euro Festival in Leipzig Germany, and the Music by the Sea Festival. As a chamber musician Ms. Schaufele’s performances include the Musaeus String Quartet, the Fort Macleod International Festival, which was recorded for CBC. She performed with Neworks Calgary, Ensemble Resonance, Rubbing Stone Ensemble, the Millennium Music Foundation Series and was a founding member of the Sage String Quartet. In addition she is currently assistant principal violist in the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra. |
Her education includes a Music Performance Diploma from Mount Royal College with William van der Sloot, a Bachelor of Music with distinction from the University of Calgary, with Nicholas Pulos and an Artist Diploma at The Glenn Gould School studying with Steven Dann. Ms. Schaufele also completed an Artist in Residency program at The Banff Centre. An active instructor, Ronelle is currently on faculty at the Amici String Program. Ronelle also enjoys working with talented young chamber musicians and was recently the Artistic Advisor for the Youth Quartet Program in cooperation with the Banff International String Quartet Competition. In the Fall of 2012 Ms. Schaufele founded the Banff String Academy of Music which offers gifted young students in the Banff area advanced musical training and is on faculty at the Amici String Program.
Ronelle loves living in the mountains in Banff, Alberta with her husband Nigel, children Theodore and Frederica and dog Molly! |
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Adjudicator for fretted strings classes: Tyson Oatway
Tyson Oatway has been teaching and performing for over 25 years, playing everything from rock concerts, musicals and solo and duo classical guitar recitals. He has a Masters of Music with Honours with distinction from the University of Alberta and is accredited by both the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Suzuki Association of the Americas as a teacher and is a member of the Alberta Registered Teacher’s Association. He has won numerous awards as a music arranger. Tyson runs the guitar program at Suzuki Charter School while also maintaining a full music studio teaching individuals and groups. Tyson Oatway has been busy performing in musicals, solo and ensemble recitals. Currently he is performing as soloist, with Marek Orszulik in the Double O guitar duo and with Flautist Dorie Gold in the Northern Lights duo. |
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Adjudicator for vocal, musical theatre, choir classes: Elaine Higgin Case
Elaine Higgin Case is a third generation singing teacher who maintains an active private studio and adjudicates throughout Western Canada. Elaine was a charter member of the first Canadian chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She has prepared her students for successful admissions to classical and music theatre programs throughout North America and several of these students are enjoying professional careers. As former Coordinator and Artistic Director of the Vocal Academy at Mount Royal University she arranged for students to benefit from the expertise of renowned international singers. Elaine received the Greg Bond Memorial award for her outstanding contribution to musical theatre as well as the inaugural Royal Conservatory of Music Distinguished Teacher Award. She is married with two daughters and four young grandsons. |
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Adjudicator for piano classes: Lynne Dalcin
Lynne received her ARCT from the Royal Conservatory in 2002 and now operates a busy studio, teaching piano from beginner to ARCT and all levels of Theory, Harmony, and History. She began to play the piano at 7 years old and received her Grade 8 at 13. She did her senior grades and ARCT as an adult –studying in Alberta with Michelle Wheatley-Brown and Linda Kundert. Lynne was honoured in January 2017 with the award of Art Educator of the Year in Airdrie. This award is given for promoting arts and culture in the community through education. Lynne strongly believes that children should be encouraged in art and music. It's so important for all of us to help raise this generation of children in an environment that nurtures creativity, inspires imagination and celebrates beauty. Art and music is our legacy. It's what tells our story. We must all encourage this generation to have a wonderful story to tell! Additionally, Lynne is an active member of Music Coterie in Calgary and also a founding Director of the Airdrie Rotary Festival of Performing Arts. She also sings with the Airdrie Community Choir. One of Lynne’s greatest pleasures in recent years is adjudicating local Festivals in Alberta. In her free time, she especially enjoys volunteering with the Airdrie Foodbank and acting as a Penguin Host at the Calgary Zoo. Of course, Lynne also adores spending time with her six beautiful grandchildren who all live in Alberta! |
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School groups - week 2: choral speech, school music, orff ensemble:
Tina Alexander-Luna Mezzo-soprano, Tina Alexander-Luna, has a Bachelor of Music from the University of Lethbridge, her Masters in Voice Performance from the University of Ottawa, and an Advanced Certificate in Performance from the University of Toronto. She recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Toronto in Voice Performance and Pedagogy studying with renowned countertenor, Daniel Taylor. Equally at home in Opera, Concert, CCM, and Choral settings, Tina has sung with the Carnegie Hall Festival Chorus, Opera Chorus Canada, JUNO nominated Canadian Chamber Choir, and JUNO nominated Theatre of Early Music and can be heard on several of their recordings with Sony. Tina has been a chorus member with Opera Lyra Ottawa and the Canadian Opera Company. Roles include Third Lady in Die Zauberflöte, The Neighbor in Stravinsky’s Mavra, and the Sorceress in Purcell’s Dido and Aeneaus with both the Theatre of Early Music and Tafelmusik Summer Baroque Institute, as well as Musical Theatre Review concerts with orchestra performing the repertoire of Fantine (Les Miserables) and Carlotta (Phantom of the Opera) among others. Tina has adjudicated for music festivals throughout Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, Canada, and most recently was the head of Voice and Choir at Northwestern Polytechnic in Grande Prairie, AB. Tina is in demand as a soloist, adjudicator, workshop facilitator, and voice teacher who specializes in teaching across genres in the voice studio. This summer Tina will be on faculty with the Adirondack Performing Arts Academy in NY State as the Vocal Director. She is also married and a mom of three beautiful kids and loves all things coffee! |
FESTIVAL 2023
Dr Danica Hoffart - adjudicator for vocal, musical theatre classes
Dr Danica Hoffart is a singer, conductor, musical director, educator, and adjudicator. She currently teaches voice in Theatre Arts at MacEwan University and directs the Ross Street Singers. From 2001-2018, Danica was on faculty at Red Deer College, where she taught private voice lessons, choir, singing for the stage, music history, and ear training.
She has performed with the Central Alberta Chamber Players, Kompany! Dance, and has been a soprano soloist with the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra. Select musical directing credits include South Pacific, Footloose, Cabaret, The Sound of Music, and The Wizard of Oz.
Dr Hoffart holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Arts in Music from the University of Alberta, and PhD in Music from the University of Calgary. Her research examines best practices in leadership and the empowerment of individuals through participation in choir.
Marlis Gunderson - adjudicator for piano classes
Marlis loves music. She started playing piano by ear when she was 4. She took lessons and finished her RCM Grade 10 while in high school. After graduating she became an ICU nurse. Missing her music, she completed her ARCT with Jaquie Ryan after nursing graduation, and has been teaching piano since. She continues to do private duty nursing.
Marlis enjoys learning new music by being involved in the Roubakine piano club, where she participates in master classes twice a year.
She also adjudicates across Alberta, and is organist and accompanist for several choirs and vocal groups.
She resides is St. Albert with her husband, close to her 2 grown children and 4 young granddaughters.
Adele Bosse-Morgan - adjudicator for bowed strings classes
Mrs Adele Bosse-Morgan holds a B.Mus, in cello performance from the university of Alberta. As a student she was a principal cellist of the Edmonton Youth Symphony Orchestra, and later co-principal of the University Symphony Orchestra and of Academy Strings. She has spent a 10 year term as a strings and piano examiner for Conservatory Canada. Mrs Bosse-Morgan has been a member of the string quartet "Quartette des Muses" since 1990, and is co-principal cellist of the Edmonton Metropolitan Orchestra. Since 1989, she has been teaching with the society for Talent Education. From 2016 - 2020 she served as the music director for the Society for Talent Education. She has adjudicated festivals in strings, junior piano, and band since 2009. She maintains a small private studio in cello, piano and theory.
Brett Gunther - adjudicator for fretted strings classes
Classical guitarist Brett Gunther has been performing for over 25 years. Brett studied with Ralph Maier at Mount Royal University graduating in 2007 with a Diploma in Music Performance. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in 2010, and his Master of Music degree in classical guitar performance in 2012 both from the University of Calgary.
He has performed in masterclasses for many internationally famous guitarists, and has competed in major competitions including the North West Guitar Festival and Competition, winning 3rd Place in 2009, and 2nd Place in 2010.
Brett has been serving on the board of governors for the Classical Guitar Society of Calgary as the artistic director since June 2010, and director for the Classical GuitarFest West guitar festival since 2015. He is currently on the faculty at Mount Royal University Conservatory teaching private lessons as well as ensemble classes for the Academy program. Brett is in high demand as an adjudicator for festivals across Canada, and has recently become an examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
Crystal Hanson - adjudicator for vocal, speech classes - school groups - March 28-30
Crystal holds a Masters in Vocal Pedagogy through the University of Wales, Trinity St. David. In addition to a Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice Performance.
She teaches private vocal out of her home studio in St. Albert. She is certified in all 3 levels in CCM (Contemporary Commercial Music), Somatic Voicework, the LoVetri Method ®, through Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. She also completed Levels 1 and 2 of the One Voice Program in New York under the tutelage of Dr. Joan Melton.
Crystal has been teaching musical theatre at the Foote Theatre School, Citadel Theatre in Edmonton for over 20 years. She has toured throughout Western Canada in various musical productions and one production based out of Prague, Czech Republic. She toured with the Alberta Opera for 4 seasons and played a large role in creating and directing the Alberta Opera’s Artist in Residency Program.
A freelance vocal coach, she is proud to have worked on many musical productions withEastglen High School and Austin O’Brien High School in Edmonton.
A busy entertainer, Crystal is a member of the local Edmonton show band The Scoundrels, Dash Rip Rock and the Crystal Hanson Trio.
Most recently, Crystal has been busy with the launch of Voice Body Works, which offers somatic voice work and coaching to singers, actors, and voice professionals.
Dr Danica Hoffart - adjudicator for vocal, musical theatre classes
Dr Danica Hoffart is a singer, conductor, musical director, educator, and adjudicator. She currently teaches voice in Theatre Arts at MacEwan University and directs the Ross Street Singers. From 2001-2018, Danica was on faculty at Red Deer College, where she taught private voice lessons, choir, singing for the stage, music history, and ear training.
She has performed with the Central Alberta Chamber Players, Kompany! Dance, and has been a soprano soloist with the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra. Select musical directing credits include South Pacific, Footloose, Cabaret, The Sound of Music, and The Wizard of Oz.
Dr Hoffart holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Arts in Music from the University of Alberta, and PhD in Music from the University of Calgary. Her research examines best practices in leadership and the empowerment of individuals through participation in choir.
Marlis Gunderson - adjudicator for piano classes
Marlis loves music. She started playing piano by ear when she was 4. She took lessons and finished her RCM Grade 10 while in high school. After graduating she became an ICU nurse. Missing her music, she completed her ARCT with Jaquie Ryan after nursing graduation, and has been teaching piano since. She continues to do private duty nursing.
Marlis enjoys learning new music by being involved in the Roubakine piano club, where she participates in master classes twice a year.
She also adjudicates across Alberta, and is organist and accompanist for several choirs and vocal groups.
She resides is St. Albert with her husband, close to her 2 grown children and 4 young granddaughters.
Adele Bosse-Morgan - adjudicator for bowed strings classes
Mrs Adele Bosse-Morgan holds a B.Mus, in cello performance from the university of Alberta. As a student she was a principal cellist of the Edmonton Youth Symphony Orchestra, and later co-principal of the University Symphony Orchestra and of Academy Strings. She has spent a 10 year term as a strings and piano examiner for Conservatory Canada. Mrs Bosse-Morgan has been a member of the string quartet "Quartette des Muses" since 1990, and is co-principal cellist of the Edmonton Metropolitan Orchestra. Since 1989, she has been teaching with the society for Talent Education. From 2016 - 2020 she served as the music director for the Society for Talent Education. She has adjudicated festivals in strings, junior piano, and band since 2009. She maintains a small private studio in cello, piano and theory.
Brett Gunther - adjudicator for fretted strings classes
Classical guitarist Brett Gunther has been performing for over 25 years. Brett studied with Ralph Maier at Mount Royal University graduating in 2007 with a Diploma in Music Performance. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in 2010, and his Master of Music degree in classical guitar performance in 2012 both from the University of Calgary.
He has performed in masterclasses for many internationally famous guitarists, and has competed in major competitions including the North West Guitar Festival and Competition, winning 3rd Place in 2009, and 2nd Place in 2010.
Brett has been serving on the board of governors for the Classical Guitar Society of Calgary as the artistic director since June 2010, and director for the Classical GuitarFest West guitar festival since 2015. He is currently on the faculty at Mount Royal University Conservatory teaching private lessons as well as ensemble classes for the Academy program. Brett is in high demand as an adjudicator for festivals across Canada, and has recently become an examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.
Crystal Hanson - adjudicator for vocal, speech classes - school groups - March 28-30
Crystal holds a Masters in Vocal Pedagogy through the University of Wales, Trinity St. David. In addition to a Bachelor of Music Degree in Voice Performance.
She teaches private vocal out of her home studio in St. Albert. She is certified in all 3 levels in CCM (Contemporary Commercial Music), Somatic Voicework, the LoVetri Method ®, through Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia. She also completed Levels 1 and 2 of the One Voice Program in New York under the tutelage of Dr. Joan Melton.
Crystal has been teaching musical theatre at the Foote Theatre School, Citadel Theatre in Edmonton for over 20 years. She has toured throughout Western Canada in various musical productions and one production based out of Prague, Czech Republic. She toured with the Alberta Opera for 4 seasons and played a large role in creating and directing the Alberta Opera’s Artist in Residency Program.
A freelance vocal coach, she is proud to have worked on many musical productions withEastglen High School and Austin O’Brien High School in Edmonton.
A busy entertainer, Crystal is a member of the local Edmonton show band The Scoundrels, Dash Rip Rock and the Crystal Hanson Trio.
Most recently, Crystal has been busy with the launch of Voice Body Works, which offers somatic voice work and coaching to singers, actors, and voice professionals.
Festival 2022
Adjudicator for vocal, musical theatre, school groups: Elizabeth Raycroft
Elizabeth Raycroft, soprano, trained in Edmonton, Houston and in Vienna. She has performed with Edmonton Opera and many local symphony orchestras. She has worked with world renowned conductors and directors. For three years, she performed the role of Mother with “edmonton coOPERAtive’ during their Christmas performances of Amahl and the Night Visitors. In 2014, Ms. Raycroft performed in the Edmonton Fringe megahit “Propylene Glycol, Maltodextrin, Retinol Palmitate and Other Words I don't Understand Like Love”, which also toured throughout Alberta in June and July 2015 and in 2019 performed the role of Signora Naccarelli in Walterdale Theatre’s “The Light in the Piazza”. She is an avid performer of new music and recently performed the World Premiere of “Four Songs, Op.15” by Joseph Lai. She regularly shares her experience and knowledge in masterclasses, workshops and through adjudicating festivals throughout Western Canada. Her students consistently excel at local, provincial and national festivals. Many of her students have performed with the Edmonton Youth Orchestra, in local, provincial and national musical theatre productions, with the Edmonton Opera, Opera Pacific and in national and international opera houses. She maintains an active and full studio at MacEwan’s Alberta College Conservatory of Music and is also on the faculty of The King's University College where she teaches voice, diction and vocal pedagogy. During the pandemic, Ms. Raycroft wrote a novel and an on-line “Diction for Kids” course which will be coming out in January of 2022.
Adjudicator for bowed strings classes: Naomi Delafield
Born and raised in Australia, Naomi began lessons at age 3 with the Suzuki method and has been performing and teaching the violin for over 25 years. Naomi holds the Masters in Violin from the University of Calgary and has held the Concertmaster position of Red Deer Symphony Orchestra since 2006.
From 1994 to 2001, Naomi had the opportunity to travel the world as Concertmaster and soloist with the New England Symphonic Ensemble, Solo highlights including the Sydney Opera House, St. Martin in the Fields, Carnegie Hall, Cape Town City Hall and the Winspear. Her time spent playing with NEYE planted a seed in her heart for inspiring youth in an orchestral setting.
After moving to Canada with her husband, Naomi founded a community string orchestra in 2002: 'Rosedale Valley String Orchestra'. Her concerts with RVSO have now raised $120,000 for humanitarian projects around the world, through a partnership with A Better World, Canada.
Naomi is often called upon to adjudicate at festivals and teach at workshops and clinics.
She has produced four CD's, one classical, one Celtic and two Orchestral with RVSO.
In 2010 Naomi made a long time dream come true and began dabbling in Baroque Violin. Since then she has enjoyed collaborating with several organizations, including Rosa Barocca and Early Music Alberta, as interest in period instruments continues to blossom in Alberta.
On the side, Naomi, her husband David and three children are developing a small farm, growing both Russian garlic and hascap berries.
From 1994 to 2001, Naomi had the opportunity to travel the world as Concertmaster and soloist with the New England Symphonic Ensemble, Solo highlights including the Sydney Opera House, St. Martin in the Fields, Carnegie Hall, Cape Town City Hall and the Winspear. Her time spent playing with NEYE planted a seed in her heart for inspiring youth in an orchestral setting.
After moving to Canada with her husband, Naomi founded a community string orchestra in 2002: 'Rosedale Valley String Orchestra'. Her concerts with RVSO have now raised $120,000 for humanitarian projects around the world, through a partnership with A Better World, Canada.
Naomi is often called upon to adjudicate at festivals and teach at workshops and clinics.
She has produced four CD's, one classical, one Celtic and two Orchestral with RVSO.
In 2010 Naomi made a long time dream come true and began dabbling in Baroque Violin. Since then she has enjoyed collaborating with several organizations, including Rosa Barocca and Early Music Alberta, as interest in period instruments continues to blossom in Alberta.
On the side, Naomi, her husband David and three children are developing a small farm, growing both Russian garlic and hascap berries.
Adjudicator for piano classes: Deanna Oye
Pianist Deanna Oye is an Associate Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Lethbridge where she teaches Studio Piano and Collaborative Piano, and also teaches for the U of L Conservatory of Music. She holds a doctorate in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music from the Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY), and has given solo and collaborative performances throughout Canada, the U.S., Scotland, Germany, and Japan.
In addition, her work has been broadcast on CBC Radio Two and National Public Radio in the United States. Recent performances have taken place at the University of Toronto’s Walter Hall, Bemidji State University (Minnesota), Texas Tech University, New Mexico State University, Lakehead University, along with mixed solo and chamber music at the Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature (Sapporo, Japan). As a performing member of the SoWeCa Chamber Music Festival, Deanna has shared the stage with internationally-renowned violist Rivka Golani, Israeli flutist Noam Buchman, and members of the Calgary Philharmonic and Vancouver Symphony Orchestras.
A strong commitment to teaching and innovation led to the development of the unique Collaborative Piano/Guitar course series at the U of L, which gives undergraduate pianists and guitarists the opportunity to learn fundamentals of collaborative music-making, and develop skills of high-level musical partnership in preparation for intensive training at the graduate level.
Deanna’s piano students have achieved success in a variety of endeavours, including performance and musicology studies at masters and doctoral levels, as well as staff pianist positions and competitions. In addition to frequent master class teaching and adjudicating, she is often invited to give career talks to aspiring young musicians.
As part of the wider music community, Deanna is an active member of the Canadian University Music Society, serving as its president from 2008-2010, the Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association, and the Canadian Music Centre Prairie Region. She is an enthusiastic advocate for new music and music in interdisciplinary contexts, with special interest in helping her students make connections between piano performance and their other passions.
In addition, her work has been broadcast on CBC Radio Two and National Public Radio in the United States. Recent performances have taken place at the University of Toronto’s Walter Hall, Bemidji State University (Minnesota), Texas Tech University, New Mexico State University, Lakehead University, along with mixed solo and chamber music at the Watanabe Junichi Museum of Literature (Sapporo, Japan). As a performing member of the SoWeCa Chamber Music Festival, Deanna has shared the stage with internationally-renowned violist Rivka Golani, Israeli flutist Noam Buchman, and members of the Calgary Philharmonic and Vancouver Symphony Orchestras.
A strong commitment to teaching and innovation led to the development of the unique Collaborative Piano/Guitar course series at the U of L, which gives undergraduate pianists and guitarists the opportunity to learn fundamentals of collaborative music-making, and develop skills of high-level musical partnership in preparation for intensive training at the graduate level.
Deanna’s piano students have achieved success in a variety of endeavours, including performance and musicology studies at masters and doctoral levels, as well as staff pianist positions and competitions. In addition to frequent master class teaching and adjudicating, she is often invited to give career talks to aspiring young musicians.
As part of the wider music community, Deanna is an active member of the Canadian University Music Society, serving as its president from 2008-2010, the Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association, and the Canadian Music Centre Prairie Region. She is an enthusiastic advocate for new music and music in interdisciplinary contexts, with special interest in helping her students make connections between piano performance and their other passions.
Adjudicator for fretted strings classes: Brad Mahon
In January 2017, Brad Mahon returned to Calgary to assume the role of Director at Mount Royal University’s Conservatory. In January 2018, he accepted the additional position of Dean, Faculty of Continuing Education. Formerly, Brad was Manager of Visual and Performing Arts at Medicine Hat College, and before that, Head of the Conservatory of Performing Arts at the University of Regina. He also maintains his long-standing affiliation with the Royal Conservatory of Music as a senior member of its College of Examiners.
When not in committee meetings or studying spreadsheets, Brad regularly sneaks off campus to moonlight as a guitarist, adjudicator, clinician, and lecturer. He has released three commercial CDs, has appeared as a guest on several other recordings, and continues to perform live and via live-stream. He has been described as “an outstanding classical guitarist” (20th Century Guitar, New York) and “a very accomplished performer” (CBC Radio, Canada), while his concert performances have been reviewed as “a delightful musical night and great spectacle for the audience” (Baiao Noticia, Portugal).
Brad’s formal education is highlighted by a PhD (musicology) from the University of Calgary, an MBA (executive management – leadership) from Royal Roads University, and an ARCT (guitar) from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
When not in committee meetings or studying spreadsheets, Brad regularly sneaks off campus to moonlight as a guitarist, adjudicator, clinician, and lecturer. He has released three commercial CDs, has appeared as a guest on several other recordings, and continues to perform live and via live-stream. He has been described as “an outstanding classical guitarist” (20th Century Guitar, New York) and “a very accomplished performer” (CBC Radio, Canada), while his concert performances have been reviewed as “a delightful musical night and great spectacle for the audience” (Baiao Noticia, Portugal).
Brad’s formal education is highlighted by a PhD (musicology) from the University of Calgary, an MBA (executive management – leadership) from Royal Roads University, and an ARCT (guitar) from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Festival 2021
ON ZOOM
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Pushing the boundaries of classical opera, Calgary's Michelle Minke has made a career out of inspired disruption. Michelle's recent debut album, Expect the Unexpected, confidently merges genres and invites creative collaborations across the musical spectrum and brings Michelle's years of top training and international experience to new audiences. With her boundless vitality and powerful voice, Michelle performed throughout Europe and North America before returning to her home town of Calgary. As founder and artistic director of Calgary's Cowtown Opera and the Cowtown Opera Summer Academy, Michelle's heartfelt excitement for contributing to the cultural identity of her city has earned her a place among arts champions.
An alumna of the inaugural Calgary Opera Emerging Artist Program, Michelle proudly performs with the company that enabled some of her first steps as a professional artist. Her many standout performances in Calgary include her role as Edith in “Pirates of Penzance” at Opera in the Village and most recently 2nd lady in the “Magic Flute” with Calgary Opera, and as the high-flying soprano on tightwire performing over the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show.
Dedicated to Canadian contemporary composers, she performed in Calgary Opera’s world premiere, What Brought Us Here: A New Community Opera by Calgary composer Arthur Bachmann, and in Ukrainian-Canadian composer Anna Pidgorna’s one-act chamber opera On the Eve of Ivano Kupalo through NewWorks Calgary.
In addition to operatic performances, Michelle has a strong reputation for her oratorio and concert work including ; Brahms’ German Requiem, Bachianas Brasilieras, the Celtic Mass for the Sea by Canadian composer Scott McMillan, Beethovens 9th Symphony, and Mozarts and Verdis Requiems. Michelle has been featured at some of the world’s most esteemed festivals and concert halls such as the Mountainview International Festival of Song, the Charlottetown Music Festival, the New Brunswick International Music Festival, and Toronto’s International Bach Festival. Overseas, she has been acclaimed by international audiences at the Anghiari Festival in Tuscany Italy and at Spitalfields festival in London England as well as other concert performances in Poland, Lithuania, Sweden and France.
She is a Masters graduate in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Toronto and the Opera School at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England as well as the Solti Te Kanawa Accademia in Italy, where she studied with operatic legend, Mirella Freni. Further training includes COSI, Banff Centre for the Arts,St. Andrews by The Sea, and received her first start in operatic training at Opera NUOVA in 2000.
Michelle has been named as one of Calgary’s Top 40-Under-40 by Avenue Magazine, was a recipient of the Mayor's Enbridge Emerging Artist Award and was recently named one of Alberta's 25 Inspiring Artists by Alberta Foundation for the Arts for her commitment to the arts community of Calgary.
She currently is a voice teacher at Mount Royal University Conservatory where she teaches advanced students who have gone on to place in the Metropolitan National Council Auditions, and have been accepted into prestigious schools such as Guild Hall, Julliard, Oberlin, New England Conservatory, Eastman, and all major Canadian Universities for both Bachelor and Masters pursuits.
Upcoming performances include high profile private performances across Canada of "Carmen Remix", an operatic collaboration with Hip Hop Artist, James Noble and the release of an operatic children's album, "M.O.M- Minkee's Opera Music, the first Canadian operatic children's album to be released in over a decade.
An alumna of the inaugural Calgary Opera Emerging Artist Program, Michelle proudly performs with the company that enabled some of her first steps as a professional artist. Her many standout performances in Calgary include her role as Edith in “Pirates of Penzance” at Opera in the Village and most recently 2nd lady in the “Magic Flute” with Calgary Opera, and as the high-flying soprano on tightwire performing over the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show.
Dedicated to Canadian contemporary composers, she performed in Calgary Opera’s world premiere, What Brought Us Here: A New Community Opera by Calgary composer Arthur Bachmann, and in Ukrainian-Canadian composer Anna Pidgorna’s one-act chamber opera On the Eve of Ivano Kupalo through NewWorks Calgary.
In addition to operatic performances, Michelle has a strong reputation for her oratorio and concert work including ; Brahms’ German Requiem, Bachianas Brasilieras, the Celtic Mass for the Sea by Canadian composer Scott McMillan, Beethovens 9th Symphony, and Mozarts and Verdis Requiems. Michelle has been featured at some of the world’s most esteemed festivals and concert halls such as the Mountainview International Festival of Song, the Charlottetown Music Festival, the New Brunswick International Music Festival, and Toronto’s International Bach Festival. Overseas, she has been acclaimed by international audiences at the Anghiari Festival in Tuscany Italy and at Spitalfields festival in London England as well as other concert performances in Poland, Lithuania, Sweden and France.
She is a Masters graduate in Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Toronto and the Opera School at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England as well as the Solti Te Kanawa Accademia in Italy, where she studied with operatic legend, Mirella Freni. Further training includes COSI, Banff Centre for the Arts,St. Andrews by The Sea, and received her first start in operatic training at Opera NUOVA in 2000.
Michelle has been named as one of Calgary’s Top 40-Under-40 by Avenue Magazine, was a recipient of the Mayor's Enbridge Emerging Artist Award and was recently named one of Alberta's 25 Inspiring Artists by Alberta Foundation for the Arts for her commitment to the arts community of Calgary.
She currently is a voice teacher at Mount Royal University Conservatory where she teaches advanced students who have gone on to place in the Metropolitan National Council Auditions, and have been accepted into prestigious schools such as Guild Hall, Julliard, Oberlin, New England Conservatory, Eastman, and all major Canadian Universities for both Bachelor and Masters pursuits.
Upcoming performances include high profile private performances across Canada of "Carmen Remix", an operatic collaboration with Hip Hop Artist, James Noble and the release of an operatic children's album, "M.O.M- Minkee's Opera Music, the first Canadian operatic children's album to be released in over a decade.
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Calgary native Christine Bootland began her love affair of cello with her first teacher, Fay Johnson who instilled in her a love of all music. She later moved to John Kadz at Mount Royal College (now University) Academy of Music and completed a Bachelor of Music Performance degree at the University of British Columbia with Eric Wilson and participated in the Masters Program at the University of Toronto under the tutelage of Shauna Rolston. She has studied with renowned artists Aldo Parisot, Janos Starker, Zara Nelsova, and Lawrence Lesser at the Banff School of Fine Arts and has performed with well known classical musicians David Shifrin, Andrew Dawes, and Kai Gluesteen as well as back up for many rock and roll and country artists. A highlight of her career was touring Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia as a member of the Armadillo String Quartet of Canada.
Christine has been an active performer in various chamber ensembles and orchestras across Canada and was first prize winner in the CIBC National Chamber Music Festival Competition with the JEB Quartet. She is currently an active extra performer with the Lethbridge and Red Deer Symphonies as well as the Symphony of the Kootenays and the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Her passion is to share her love of music through performing and teaching and doing educational outreach performance programs within the community. Christine has adjudicated all over Alberta, B.C and Saskatchewan and her students have won numerous awards at all levels. Her philosophy is to help create future generations of music lovers of all styles whether they be professionals, amateurs, or concert goers. Each student is unique and her goal is to help them develop their own individuality and personality in their playing. |
Adjudicator for bowed strings classes:
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Linda Kundert holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Southern California. She has an Associate Teacher’s Diploma from Mount Royal University and an ARCT Teacher’s Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto (RCM). Her major teachers were: Willard Schultz, Charles Foreman, Priscilla King, Peter Turner, James Bonn, Adam Wibrowski, Donald Bell, Dr. Marienne Uszler and Dr. Jean Barr. Ms. Kundert is a successful independent studio teacher, RCM senior examiner, Frederick Harris editor & reviewer, festival adjudicator, collaborative artist, and she is a master class and workshop clinician. She is the Co-Founder, President & Artistic Director of Cassa Musical Arts, which celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2018. Ms. Kundert was honoured with the Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ARMTA) Recognition Award in 2006, was Chair of the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Association (CFMTA) “Peak Performance” Conference and Celebration held in Calgary in 2005, and in 2011 was presented with the CFMTA Hugheen Ferguson Distinguished Teacher Award. Ms. Kundert was also honoured with the City of Calgary 2015 Community Achievement in the Arts Award, and was awarded Teacher of Distinction by the RCM in 2016. She is currently a piano instructor at Mount Royal University and teaches from her home studio in Okotoks, in-person and online.
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Festival 2020
We would like to welcome back Crowsnest Pass native Kirk Muspratt to CNP Music Festival 2020
Kirk will adjudicate bowed strings & piano classes.
Conductor Kirk Muspratt - Spirited & Daring Visionary
"Conductor Kirk Muspratt of Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonic and DuPage Opera Theatre has a dynamic perspective on how music touches the listener. In his theater, anything is possible.
Recently named a "Chicagoan of the Year" by music critic John von Rhein and the writing staff of the Chicago Tribune, Kirk Muspratt has made "concert-going an interactive experience that was both enlightening and...fun".
He creates a one-to-one relationship with individual symphony audience members through outreach and education efforts including "Just Ask Kirk" and "Cookies With Kirk." Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra and New Philharmonic patrons enjoy personal answers to their questions.
Appreciation begins with the young and he supports young artists by providing important performance opportunities through Young Peoples' Competitions and "Side-by-Sides" with the symphony. Another program he instituted includes a popular Solo Competition for children that results in a child performing at almost every Northwest Indiana Symphony concert.
He enjoys visits to area schools. When school groups visit his auditorium for a performance, he takes time to offer a warm and instructional chat.
Recognized as one of the outstanding figures in the new generation of conductors, Conductor Kirk Muspratt has garnered international critical acclaim as a “born opera conductor” (Rheinische Post), “a knowledgeable musician who delivers superbly controlled, gorgeously shaped readings” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), and “friend to local music” (Midwest Beat Magazine).
"So you go to the gas station, and someone walks up and says hello...it's a chance to bring one more person into the music fold or to share your love for music. I love to be a missionary for music."
introduction and photo courtesy of www.kirkmuspratt.com
Kirk will adjudicate bowed strings & piano classes.
Conductor Kirk Muspratt - Spirited & Daring Visionary
"Conductor Kirk Muspratt of Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonic and DuPage Opera Theatre has a dynamic perspective on how music touches the listener. In his theater, anything is possible.
Recently named a "Chicagoan of the Year" by music critic John von Rhein and the writing staff of the Chicago Tribune, Kirk Muspratt has made "concert-going an interactive experience that was both enlightening and...fun".
He creates a one-to-one relationship with individual symphony audience members through outreach and education efforts including "Just Ask Kirk" and "Cookies With Kirk." Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra and New Philharmonic patrons enjoy personal answers to their questions.
Appreciation begins with the young and he supports young artists by providing important performance opportunities through Young Peoples' Competitions and "Side-by-Sides" with the symphony. Another program he instituted includes a popular Solo Competition for children that results in a child performing at almost every Northwest Indiana Symphony concert.
He enjoys visits to area schools. When school groups visit his auditorium for a performance, he takes time to offer a warm and instructional chat.
Recognized as one of the outstanding figures in the new generation of conductors, Conductor Kirk Muspratt has garnered international critical acclaim as a “born opera conductor” (Rheinische Post), “a knowledgeable musician who delivers superbly controlled, gorgeously shaped readings” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), and “friend to local music” (Midwest Beat Magazine).
"So you go to the gas station, and someone walks up and says hello...it's a chance to bring one more person into the music fold or to share your love for music. I love to be a missionary for music."
introduction and photo courtesy of www.kirkmuspratt.com
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The guitar has become a passport to Trevor Cooper, and it travels with him wherever he goes. Ithas taken him from his upbringing in the cold western Canadian Prairies to the heat of southern Spain.
Large urban centers like Toronto (U of T, BMusPerf ‘13) gave way to mountain towns like Salzburg (Mozarteum, MA ‘19). In Spanish Vistas, he realized a life-long dream and made his orchestral debut performing the Concierto de Aranjuez with the Concordia Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Danielle Lisboa. In 2018 he toured western Canada and Norway with Henry Reitan. He has performed recitals with the Guitar Societies of Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver and has recently given masterclasses at Mount Royal University, the University of British Columbia, and Concordia University of Edmonton. Trevor Cooper was one of 14 internationally selected guitarists to study in the III Master de la Interpretación de la Guitarra Clásica at the Universidad de Alicante in Alicante, Spain. This followed studies in Seville, Spain, where he was invited to study with Spanish guitarist Francisco Bernier. Born and raised in Edmonton, he started playing guitar at a young age. |
Adjudicator for fretted strings classes:
Trevor Cooper 
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Adjudicator for vocal, musical theatre, choral classes: Karen Charlton
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It has been my privilege to adjudicate 18 years of big city festivals, small town festivals, and Provincials. I am happy to use this bio space to commit to applying all my knowledge and experience to the best of my ability while adjudicating your performers - treating each individual with respect and kindness while providing constructive opinions and suggestions that are supported by practical, technical, and artistic applications. Festivals are intended to encourage, grow, and appreciate our performers. We can all strive for creating a festival environment that emboldens exciting performances as these artists strive for the highest level of their own personal achievements. I’d also like to express my gratitude to all the volunteers that make this festival and its invaluable performing opportunities possible. I can’t wait to celebrate this year's festival together! karencharlton.org |
Festival 2019
Adjudicator for vocal, musical theatre, choral and piano classes: Louise Costigan-Kerns
Louise Costigan-Kerns has performed internationally as a concert pianist, accompanist and conductor. Her concerts have been reviewed as “inspiring and technically amazing performances.”
Ms. Costigan-Kerns began studying the piano at age two and a half with her mother, Beatrice Costigan, in Blairmore, Alberta, Canada. At age five she gave her first public recital and began competing in Alberta Music Festivals, where she was a consistent winner through high school. After earning her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees, Pi Kappa Lambda, from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, she taught on the piano faculty of the New England Conservatory of Music Preparatory School and was the Founding Director of the New England Conservatory Extension Division Opera Studio. In Boston she studied piano with Irma Wolpe and Victor Rosenbaum, opera with John Moriarty and Boris Goldovsky and art song repertoire with Allen Rogers. Ms. Costigan-Kerns maintained an active performing career in the Boston area as a solo pianist and accompanist. Over the years she was a member of the Opera Department faculty at Boston University, piano faculty at Phillips Exeter Academy and Artist in Residence at Brandeis University.
In the San Francisco Bay Area Ms. Costigan-Kerns has worked for Opera San Jose, Stanford University, and the San Francisco Symphony. She is a Senior Lecturer in the Musical Arts department at Notre Dame de Namur University and a vocal coach and recital pianist at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Ms. Costigan-Kerns is active as a recital pianist, opera coach and accompanist for singers and instrumentalists. Her Bay Area performances with orchestra include the Lou Harrison piano concerto with the Redwood Symphony, Liszt piano concerto number 1 with the Winchester Orchestra, Shostakovich second piano concerto with the Palo Alto Philharmonic, Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals with the Santa Cruz Symphony and Beethoven’s fourth piano concerto with the New Millennium Chamber orchestra. Ms.Costigan-Kerns recently music directed Ravel’s “L’Heure Espagnole” and Poulenc’s “La Voix Humaine” for Opera Academy of California in San Francisco with whom she has also performed Poulenc’s “Dialogues of the Carmelites” and Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro”.
Ms. Costigan-Kerns’ first solo piano CD “My Favorite Performances,” was released in 2004. “Piano With Passion,” her second CD, was released in 2007 and “Into the Light”, her third CD, was released in 2011. All are available on iTunes and cdbaby.com. She can
be seen performing Chopin, Liszt, Debussy and Harrison on YouTube.
Ms. Costigan-Kerns began studying the piano at age two and a half with her mother, Beatrice Costigan, in Blairmore, Alberta, Canada. At age five she gave her first public recital and began competing in Alberta Music Festivals, where she was a consistent winner through high school. After earning her Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees, Pi Kappa Lambda, from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, she taught on the piano faculty of the New England Conservatory of Music Preparatory School and was the Founding Director of the New England Conservatory Extension Division Opera Studio. In Boston she studied piano with Irma Wolpe and Victor Rosenbaum, opera with John Moriarty and Boris Goldovsky and art song repertoire with Allen Rogers. Ms. Costigan-Kerns maintained an active performing career in the Boston area as a solo pianist and accompanist. Over the years she was a member of the Opera Department faculty at Boston University, piano faculty at Phillips Exeter Academy and Artist in Residence at Brandeis University.
In the San Francisco Bay Area Ms. Costigan-Kerns has worked for Opera San Jose, Stanford University, and the San Francisco Symphony. She is a Senior Lecturer in the Musical Arts department at Notre Dame de Namur University and a vocal coach and recital pianist at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Ms. Costigan-Kerns is active as a recital pianist, opera coach and accompanist for singers and instrumentalists. Her Bay Area performances with orchestra include the Lou Harrison piano concerto with the Redwood Symphony, Liszt piano concerto number 1 with the Winchester Orchestra, Shostakovich second piano concerto with the Palo Alto Philharmonic, Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals with the Santa Cruz Symphony and Beethoven’s fourth piano concerto with the New Millennium Chamber orchestra. Ms.Costigan-Kerns recently music directed Ravel’s “L’Heure Espagnole” and Poulenc’s “La Voix Humaine” for Opera Academy of California in San Francisco with whom she has also performed Poulenc’s “Dialogues of the Carmelites” and Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro”.
Ms. Costigan-Kerns’ first solo piano CD “My Favorite Performances,” was released in 2004. “Piano With Passion,” her second CD, was released in 2007 and “Into the Light”, her third CD, was released in 2011. All are available on iTunes and cdbaby.com. She can
be seen performing Chopin, Liszt, Debussy and Harrison on YouTube.
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Adjudicator for bowed strings classes: Gabe Kastelic
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A native of Lethbridge, Alberta, Gabriel Kastelic began his music studies with Norbert Boehm at an early age. As he grew older, Gabriel became very active in the Lethbridge strings community, playing in the Lethbridge Youth Strings Association orchestra program, the University of Lethbridge Conservatory Orchestra, and the Coulee Fiddlers. At the age of 12, Gabriel joined the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and remained a member of the orchestra for 5 seasons.
Upon graduating high school, Gabriel began studying at Mount Royal University where he completed both their Diploma Program in Music Performance as well as the acclaimed Advanced Performance Program offered by the Mount Royal Conservatory. Following this, Gabriel moved to Montreal where he completed another degree in music performance at McGill University. During this time as a student Gabriel studied with many world-class teachers including Axel Strauss, Bill van der Sloot, Michael van der Sloot, and Andrée Azar.
Throughout the course of his career Gabriel has performed and competed in many music festivals, culminating in winning first place in the chamber music category of the Canadian National Music Festival with his ensemble, the MRU String Trio. Gabriel has also remained an active orchestral player, having performed in concert with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Red Deer Symphony, and the Symphony of the Kootenays as well as returning to play solo with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra in 2015.
Along with performance, Gabriel’s greatest passion in music is teaching. He began teaching privately at the age of 16 and instantly fell in love with the joy of working with students of all ages. From 2010-2012, he was professor of violin and viola for the Calgary Multicultural Orchestra, a group dedicated to providing music education for low-income families in southeast Calgary. From 2014-2018, Gabriel acted as String Academy Director at the Medicine Hat College Conservatory of Music and Dance. During this time he also provided music education for under-privileged children with the Bring Back the Music Program in the Medicine Hat Public School system and maintained a private studio of violin and viola students.
In 2018, Gabriel was thrilled to return to his hometown of Lethbridge to serve as the Principal Violist of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and take on an instructor position at CASA.
Upon graduating high school, Gabriel began studying at Mount Royal University where he completed both their Diploma Program in Music Performance as well as the acclaimed Advanced Performance Program offered by the Mount Royal Conservatory. Following this, Gabriel moved to Montreal where he completed another degree in music performance at McGill University. During this time as a student Gabriel studied with many world-class teachers including Axel Strauss, Bill van der Sloot, Michael van der Sloot, and Andrée Azar.
Throughout the course of his career Gabriel has performed and competed in many music festivals, culminating in winning first place in the chamber music category of the Canadian National Music Festival with his ensemble, the MRU String Trio. Gabriel has also remained an active orchestral player, having performed in concert with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, the Red Deer Symphony, and the Symphony of the Kootenays as well as returning to play solo with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra in 2015.
Along with performance, Gabriel’s greatest passion in music is teaching. He began teaching privately at the age of 16 and instantly fell in love with the joy of working with students of all ages. From 2010-2012, he was professor of violin and viola for the Calgary Multicultural Orchestra, a group dedicated to providing music education for low-income families in southeast Calgary. From 2014-2018, Gabriel acted as String Academy Director at the Medicine Hat College Conservatory of Music and Dance. During this time he also provided music education for under-privileged children with the Bring Back the Music Program in the Medicine Hat Public School system and maintained a private studio of violin and viola students.
In 2018, Gabriel was thrilled to return to his hometown of Lethbridge to serve as the Principal Violist of the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and take on an instructor position at CASA.
Adjudicator for fretted strings classes: Jay Scraba
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Jay Scraba has been a career musician since he was a teenager. Starting on guitar at 14 it has been a lifelong passion to study the guitar and music. He studied composition and arranging with Gord Nicholson PhD, jazz guitar performance with Bobby Cairns and studied privately with studio musician and Supertramp guitarist Carl Verheyen. He lives and works in Calgary, and is comfortable in a wide variety of styles and has shared the stage with artists like Colin James, Tom Cochran and Julie brown to name a few. He released an album of solo guitar entitled Reasons, Seasons and Lifetimes and is currently working on its follow up. As an educator he has been teaching for 22 years as a private instructor and clinician and is pleased to be returning as an adjudicator for the festival.
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Festival 2018
Adjudicator for piano classes: Eric Nyland
A pianist (LRCM, ARCT) and actor (BFA), Eric is the musical director for the long-form theatre improvisation duo One Lions (winner, Best Show at Vancouver International Improv Festival). This past July/August he participated in the Cremona International Music Academy and Competition in Cremona, Italy where he studied solo piano with the renowned Dr. Irena Kofman, and chamber and piano ensemble with Ansel Gerber and Derek Chiu. In 2016, Eric served as composer, music director, and starred in Armin Wiebe’s The Moonlight Sonata of Beethoven Blatz for the Station Arts Centre. He has held solo concerts in Edmonton and Calgary, performing through the National Music Centre’s Street Sounds series and the Pro Arts Society, as well as appearing as soloist in Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto for the inaugural concert of the Calgary Arts Orchestra.
In addition to running a private teaching studio, Eric works as a piano adjudicator for student festivals, and has developed two courses for the Conservatory at Mount Royal University: Introductory Keyboard for Adults: Play-by-Ear/Improvisation, and Reading Standard Notation. He is the winner of the 2013 Jack Friedenberg Memorial Scholarship for pianists, and in 2015 was nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Play by the Calgary Theatre Critics’ Awards for his work in the world premiere of Butcher by Governor-General award-winning playwright Nicolas Billon.
To learn more about Eric’s work, you can find him online at ericnyland.com and on Facebook as Eric Nyland, pianist.
In addition to running a private teaching studio, Eric works as a piano adjudicator for student festivals, and has developed two courses for the Conservatory at Mount Royal University: Introductory Keyboard for Adults: Play-by-Ear/Improvisation, and Reading Standard Notation. He is the winner of the 2013 Jack Friedenberg Memorial Scholarship for pianists, and in 2015 was nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Play by the Calgary Theatre Critics’ Awards for his work in the world premiere of Butcher by Governor-General award-winning playwright Nicolas Billon.
To learn more about Eric’s work, you can find him online at ericnyland.com and on Facebook as Eric Nyland, pianist.
Adjudicator for vocal, musical theatre, speech and school choral classes: Bill Hamm
Bill Hamm grew up in Southern Ontario, and was known (musically) as a trumpeter. He studied music at University of Winnipeg (B.A.) and at a Mennonite College (B.R.S.), followed by University of Illinois (M.Mus.) where he majored in Choral Conducting.
Bill currently lives in the small hamlet of Rosebud, Alberta where he has been Rosebud School of the Arts’ and Rosebud Theatre’s Music Director since 1989. He conducts choirs, teaches voice and speech classes, and has directed the music for many shows including Cotton Patch Gospel, Quilters, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Godspell and Fiddler on the Roof. Bill is the composer and music director of The Canadian Badlands Passion Play and sings with the Canadian Chamber Choir.
Bill and his wife Renita have four children and two grandchildren. Bill enjoys running, mountain biking, hockey and home renovations.
Bill currently lives in the small hamlet of Rosebud, Alberta where he has been Rosebud School of the Arts’ and Rosebud Theatre’s Music Director since 1989. He conducts choirs, teaches voice and speech classes, and has directed the music for many shows including Cotton Patch Gospel, Quilters, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Godspell and Fiddler on the Roof. Bill is the composer and music director of The Canadian Badlands Passion Play and sings with the Canadian Chamber Choir.
Bill and his wife Renita have four children and two grandchildren. Bill enjoys running, mountain biking, hockey and home renovations.
Adjudicator for fretted strings classes: Scott Mezei
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A native of Southern Alberta, Scott Mezei is an active guitarist and bassist in the Alberta music scene performing 60-90 shows a year. He obtained a performance diploma at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles and continued his education at the University of Lethbridge (Bachelor of Music). For the past ten years he has performed with New West Theatre and now holds the position of co-Music Director. Scott currently teaches for the University of Lethbridge Music Conservatory as a clinician and continues his focus on teaching guitar. When he is not performing, Scott works as a trained luthier who repairs stringed instruments for music stores and schools in Southern Alberta.
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Adjudicator for bowed strings, band and composition classes: Theresa Plotnick
Theresa Plotnick combines an array of performance experience with a dedication to furthering young students. A native of Dayton, Ohio, Ms. Plotnick earned a music degree at the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She played professionally in orchestras in Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio; Caracas, Venezuela; and Erie, Pennsylvania before moving to Calgary.
Ms. Plotnick has performed frequently as a freelance violist with such groups as the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Bach Society, Calgary Festival Chorus, Royal Winnipeg Ballet Orchestra, and Red Deer Symphony. She has performed with many local chamber groups and is a founding and current member of the Allegra String Quartet.
Theresa spent over a decade as faculty member of the Suzuki Talent Education Society of Calgary and then served as coordinator of the junior academy program at Mount Royal College. She is a frequent clinician and adjudicator at workshops, summer programs, and festivals. Ten years ago, she co-founded the Amici String Program, where she coaches and teaches. She also maintains a large private studio of violin and viola students.
Ms. Plotnick has performed frequently as a freelance violist with such groups as the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Bach Society, Calgary Festival Chorus, Royal Winnipeg Ballet Orchestra, and Red Deer Symphony. She has performed with many local chamber groups and is a founding and current member of the Allegra String Quartet.
Theresa spent over a decade as faculty member of the Suzuki Talent Education Society of Calgary and then served as coordinator of the junior academy program at Mount Royal College. She is a frequent clinician and adjudicator at workshops, summer programs, and festivals. Ten years ago, she co-founded the Amici String Program, where she coaches and teaches. She also maintains a large private studio of violin and viola students.
Festival 2017
Adjudicator for piano classes: Michele Wheatley Brown
Michèle Wheatley Brown is an accomplished pianist, teacher, examiner and adjudicator. She holds a M.A. (Music) and a Graduate Certificate in Piano Pedagogy Research from the University of Ottawa. She also holds a B.Mus. and B. Ed from the University of Toronto and is a licensed Andover Educator – an international organization dedicated to teaching the principles of good biomechanical technique to musicians. As an Andover Educator, Michèle’s interest is in the physiology of proper technique. She teaches musicians to play with ease and freedom and stresses how healthy playing technique will help to prevent injuries and improve performance. She presents workshops and master-classes to professional and amateur musicians throughout Western Canada. A member of the RCM College of Examiners and Canadian Adjudicators’ Association, Michèle examines and adjudicates throughout Canada and the United States. She also is the Founding Artistic Director of a highly successful classical concert series in High River AB. Michèle has a passion for making music a vital part of community life and believes in nurturing musical success in all her students.
Adjudicator for fretted strings classes: Jason Barron
Jason Barron is a professional classical guitarist based out of Lethbridge, Alberta. He has a Bachelor of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Manitoba. Jason has performed in master classes hosted by international artists such as Marcin Dylla (Poland), Daniel Bolshoy (Israel), Dimitri Illarionov (Moscow), and Jerome Ducharme (Montreal). Jason is an active performer, adjudicator, instructor, and clinician.
Adjudicator for vocal, musical theatre, speech and school choral classes: Kimerica Parr
Kimerica Parr is a versatile artist and a sought after, performer in many operas, oratorios, musicals and concerts in Canada, the USA, Europe and most recently Asia. She has been seen performing on the Cable Network feature Time Out for Opera and on the YTV series Deke Wilson’s Mini-Mysteries. As a young artist apprentice at the Michigan Opera Theatre, she performed in Faust, The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni, Rigoletto, and The Gala Opening Concert of the Detroit Opera House featuring Luciano Pavarotti. Kim has also performed with the Michigan Opera Theatre Community Outreach Program, the Windsor Symphony Orchestra, the Windsor Community Orchestra, the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, and the AIMS Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Edoardo Müller.
Kim completed her Bachelor Degree in Music (Voice) and then a Bachelor Degree in Education (Drama and Music) at the University of Windsor. Winning many awards in the local Kiwanis Music Festivals, she represented Windsor at the Provincial Competition. She has performed the lead role in many musical productions including Mame, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, Showboat, The Secret Garden, Les Misérables, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and Annie Get Your Gun (in both English and German). Kim is also featured on over sixteen recordings of the works of Victor Herbert, Jerome Kern, Louis Hirsch, Karl Hoschna, Rudolf Friml and is featured on the Barbara Gail Parry CD Carla Can Sing.
Kim completed her Bachelor Degree in Music (Voice) and then a Bachelor Degree in Education (Drama and Music) at the University of Windsor. Winning many awards in the local Kiwanis Music Festivals, she represented Windsor at the Provincial Competition. She has performed the lead role in many musical productions including Mame, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, Showboat, The Secret Garden, Les Misérables, Cinderella, The Wizard of Oz, Annie, and Annie Get Your Gun (in both English and German). Kim is also featured on over sixteen recordings of the works of Victor Herbert, Jerome Kern, Louis Hirsch, Karl Hoschna, Rudolf Friml and is featured on the Barbara Gail Parry CD Carla Can Sing.
Adjudicator for bowed strings, band and composition classes: Maria Medlow
Originally from Argentina, Maria grew up playing the violin and piano. Upon moving to Canada, she was accepted at the Senior Academy at Mount Royal Conservatory and studied with prominent teachers including Lise Elson, Cenek Vbra and John Lowry. Maria completed her ARCT certification in both violin and piano and moved to complete her music performance studies at the University of Calgary under the direction of Edmond Agopian.
Maria is currently an active member of the Calgary Musicians Association and is also the Registration Chair for the Cochrane Youth Talent Festival and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Alberta Music Education Foundation. She has performed and recorded solo and chamber concerts with members of the Calgary Opera, Calgary Cowtown Opera, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Red Deer Symphony, Metropolitan Opera of New York, Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra, Cirque De Soleil and played alongside Michael Buble for his 2014 Canada Tour. She was invited to record for the Canadian Country Music Awards and was featured in the CBC Television special for the CCMA awards. Maria runs a thriving private studio in Calgary. Her students have been finalists in the Canadian Music Competition, placed in provincials at the Kiwanis Music Festival, and won medals and scholarships for RCM exams. She has prepared her students for successful admission to classical string programs throughout North America. Maria continues her active role as a teacher, adjudicator and performer hosting and playing numerous concerts and fundraisers in support of different charities. Maria resides in Calgary with her husband and 6 year old son Lucas.
Maria is currently an active member of the Calgary Musicians Association and is also the Registration Chair for the Cochrane Youth Talent Festival and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Alberta Music Education Foundation. She has performed and recorded solo and chamber concerts with members of the Calgary Opera, Calgary Cowtown Opera, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Red Deer Symphony, Metropolitan Opera of New York, Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra, Cirque De Soleil and played alongside Michael Buble for his 2014 Canada Tour. She was invited to record for the Canadian Country Music Awards and was featured in the CBC Television special for the CCMA awards. Maria runs a thriving private studio in Calgary. Her students have been finalists in the Canadian Music Competition, placed in provincials at the Kiwanis Music Festival, and won medals and scholarships for RCM exams. She has prepared her students for successful admission to classical string programs throughout North America. Maria continues her active role as a teacher, adjudicator and performer hosting and playing numerous concerts and fundraisers in support of different charities. Maria resides in Calgary with her husband and 6 year old son Lucas.
FESTIVAL 2016
Adjudicator for vocal, musical theatre, speech and choral classes: Diane Llewelyn-Jones
Diane Llewelyn-Jones began singing in festivals at the ripe age of 7. A love of performing laid the foundation of a life long musical and theatrical career. It has been her privilege to write, produce, direct, act and choreograph in over 75 productions throughout Western United States and Alberta. She is the owner and artistic director of the Waterton Teenie Weenie Theatre Company in Waterton, AB, which specializes in family friendly productions. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Theatre Arts from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Although her directing and writing duties are many, she continues to perform and in sharing the stage with the Lethbridge Symphony here in Alberta. It has been her privilege to take on the roles of Ruth Sherwood in Wonderful Town, Margaret Johnson in Light in the Piazza, Anna Leonowens in The King and I, Cleo in The Most Happy Fella, and as a guest soloist in the symphony's Sonatra and Sondheim concert. Lethbridge Musical Theatre gave her the opportunity to play Baroness Schroeder in The Sound of Music and Rose Alvarez in Bye Bye Birdie. She has performed throughout the western United States at the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone, MT, Pink Garter Theatre in Jackson Hole, WY, toured with the Whittlin' Whistlin' Brigade children's theatre company and Equipoise modern dance company, and co-founded the Playwrights Workshop Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. She has taught musical theatre privately and has been a dedicated community and church choir member wherever she has lived, including her recent new venture as a member of the Kiwanis Hand Bell choir in her home town of Taber, AB. In her "off season", Diane has been focusing her time directing and choreographing middle school and high school musical theatre productions, where she finds working with "insatiable" appetites for the arts at that age, an immense joy.
Diane Llewelyn-Jones began singing in festivals at the ripe age of 7. A love of performing laid the foundation of a life long musical and theatrical career. It has been her privilege to write, produce, direct, act and choreograph in over 75 productions throughout Western United States and Alberta. She is the owner and artistic director of the Waterton Teenie Weenie Theatre Company in Waterton, AB, which specializes in family friendly productions. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Theatre Arts from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Although her directing and writing duties are many, she continues to perform and in sharing the stage with the Lethbridge Symphony here in Alberta. It has been her privilege to take on the roles of Ruth Sherwood in Wonderful Town, Margaret Johnson in Light in the Piazza, Anna Leonowens in The King and I, Cleo in The Most Happy Fella, and as a guest soloist in the symphony's Sonatra and Sondheim concert. Lethbridge Musical Theatre gave her the opportunity to play Baroness Schroeder in The Sound of Music and Rose Alvarez in Bye Bye Birdie. She has performed throughout the western United States at the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone, MT, Pink Garter Theatre in Jackson Hole, WY, toured with the Whittlin' Whistlin' Brigade children's theatre company and Equipoise modern dance company, and co-founded the Playwrights Workshop Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona. She has taught musical theatre privately and has been a dedicated community and church choir member wherever she has lived, including her recent new venture as a member of the Kiwanis Hand Bell choir in her home town of Taber, AB. In her "off season", Diane has been focusing her time directing and choreographing middle school and high school musical theatre productions, where she finds working with "insatiable" appetites for the arts at that age, an immense joy.
Adjudicator for piano classes: Lana Henchell
Calgary native, Lana Henchell, graduated with her Doctoral degree in piano performance from McGill University. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in piano performance at the University of Calgary. She has been the recipient of several awards and grants from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Max Stern Foundation and the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival (Rose Bowl, 1994).
Lana has received top prizes in competitions such as the International Stepping Stone of the Canadian Music Competitions, the Stravinsky Awards International Piano Competition and the Shean Piano Competition. Her First Prize win at the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Piano Competition (for contemporary Canadian music) lead to a six-week concert tour across Canada.
Some performance highlights include concerts at the Alberta Scene Festival (Ottawa; featured on CBC Radio Two) and L’Académie Musicale Internationale (Vaison La Romaine, France). In recent years, her penchant for contemporary music has been shown by numerous performances at the New Works and Happening New Music Festivals in Calgary.
In addition to performing, Lana teaches privately and sessionally at the University of Calgary, adjudicates music festivals and gives masterclasses. Most recently, she served as a juror for the Honens ProAm Piano Competition and the Canadian Music Competitions, held across Canada.
Calgary native, Lana Henchell, graduated with her Doctoral degree in piano performance from McGill University. She received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in piano performance at the University of Calgary. She has been the recipient of several awards and grants from the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Max Stern Foundation and the Calgary Kiwanis Music Festival (Rose Bowl, 1994).
Lana has received top prizes in competitions such as the International Stepping Stone of the Canadian Music Competitions, the Stravinsky Awards International Piano Competition and the Shean Piano Competition. Her First Prize win at the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Piano Competition (for contemporary Canadian music) lead to a six-week concert tour across Canada.
Some performance highlights include concerts at the Alberta Scene Festival (Ottawa; featured on CBC Radio Two) and L’Académie Musicale Internationale (Vaison La Romaine, France). In recent years, her penchant for contemporary music has been shown by numerous performances at the New Works and Happening New Music Festivals in Calgary.
In addition to performing, Lana teaches privately and sessionally at the University of Calgary, adjudicates music festivals and gives masterclasses. Most recently, she served as a juror for the Honens ProAm Piano Competition and the Canadian Music Competitions, held across Canada.
djudicator for bowed strings and fretted strings classes: Olena Kilchyk
Olena Kilchyk, native of Odessa, Ukraine, graduated from the Odessa State Music College and the Odessa State Conservatory. Since the age 14 Olena was the winner of numerous concerto competitions. While in Ukraine, she was a principal cellist and soloist of the Acedemia Odessa Chamber Orchestra and Virtuosi of Odessa Chamber Orchestra. She also worked for the Odessa State Philharmonic and Odessa Opera.
After immigrating to Canada, Olena received Master of Music Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Calgary. In 2000 she was the winner of the Department of Music Concerto Competition and performed with the U of C String Quartet. She had the opportunity to study with such renowned cellist as Shauna Rolston, George Nikrug, Tania Prochazka, Raphael Wollfish, Aldo Parisot and Amanda Forsyth. Olena was invited to perform at the Banff Summer Festival, Resound Festival, Enbridge Festival, Orford Summer Festival, U of C Chamber Music Festival, Mountain View Festival and Bach Festival.
Olena has been a member of the Prince George, Okanagan, Red Deer and Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra as well as Sinfonia Alberta Chamber Orchestra, Baroque Modern Chamber Orchestra, Players Chamber Ensemble and Saint Crispinis Chamber Ensemble.
Ms. Kilchyk toured extensively throughout Russia, Ukraine, Europe, Canada and China. She is a co-founder of Sempre la Musica Chamber Ensemble, Helia Chamber Ensemble, Denali Duo and Bel Canto Strings. Many of her performances have been broadcast on CBC and other radio and television networks.
Presently Olena is the principal cellist for the Calgary Bach Festival Society. Over the past three years, she has performed the complete cycle of Bach's Cello Suites for the Bach Society. In addition to her performing schedule, Olena has a very busy teaching studio. She is a Branch instructor and faculty member of the Conservatory at Mount Royal University.
Olena Kilchyk, native of Odessa, Ukraine, graduated from the Odessa State Music College and the Odessa State Conservatory. Since the age 14 Olena was the winner of numerous concerto competitions. While in Ukraine, she was a principal cellist and soloist of the Acedemia Odessa Chamber Orchestra and Virtuosi of Odessa Chamber Orchestra. She also worked for the Odessa State Philharmonic and Odessa Opera.
After immigrating to Canada, Olena received Master of Music Degree in Cello Performance from the University of Calgary. In 2000 she was the winner of the Department of Music Concerto Competition and performed with the U of C String Quartet. She had the opportunity to study with such renowned cellist as Shauna Rolston, George Nikrug, Tania Prochazka, Raphael Wollfish, Aldo Parisot and Amanda Forsyth. Olena was invited to perform at the Banff Summer Festival, Resound Festival, Enbridge Festival, Orford Summer Festival, U of C Chamber Music Festival, Mountain View Festival and Bach Festival.
Olena has been a member of the Prince George, Okanagan, Red Deer and Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra as well as Sinfonia Alberta Chamber Orchestra, Baroque Modern Chamber Orchestra, Players Chamber Ensemble and Saint Crispinis Chamber Ensemble.
Ms. Kilchyk toured extensively throughout Russia, Ukraine, Europe, Canada and China. She is a co-founder of Sempre la Musica Chamber Ensemble, Helia Chamber Ensemble, Denali Duo and Bel Canto Strings. Many of her performances have been broadcast on CBC and other radio and television networks.
Presently Olena is the principal cellist for the Calgary Bach Festival Society. Over the past three years, she has performed the complete cycle of Bach's Cello Suites for the Bach Society. In addition to her performing schedule, Olena has a very busy teaching studio. She is a Branch instructor and faculty member of the Conservatory at Mount Royal University.
FESTIVAL 2015
We would like to welcome back Crowsnest Pass native Kirk Muspratt to CNP Music Festival 2015
Kirk will adjudicate piano, bowed strings, orchestra, vocal and musical theatre classes.
Conductor Kirk Muspratt
Spirited & Daring Visionary
"Conductor Kirk Muspratt of Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonic and DuPage Opera Theatre has a dynamic perspective on how music touches the listener. In his theater, anything is possible.
Recently named a "Chicagoan of the Year" by music critic John von Rhein and the writing staff of the Chicago Tribune, Kirk Muspratt has made "concert-going an interactive experience that was both enlightening and...fun".
He creates a one-to-one relationship with individual symphony audience members through outreach and education efforts including "Just Ask Kirk" and "Cookies With Kirk." Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra and New Philharmonic patrons enjoy personal answers to their questions.
Appreciation begins with the young and he supports young artists by providing important performance opportunities through Young Peoples' Competitions and "Side-by-Sides" with the symphony. Another program he instituted includes a popular Solo Competition for children that results in a child performing at almost every Northwest Indiana Symphony concert.
He enjoys visits to area schools. When school groups visit his auditorium for a performance, he takes time to offer a warm and instructional chat.
Recognized as one of the outstanding figures in the new generation of conductors, Conductor Kirk Muspratt has garnered international critical acclaim as a “born opera conductor” (Rheinische Post), “a knowledgeable musician who delivers superbly controlled, gorgeously shaped readings” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), and “friend to local music” (Midwest Beat Magazine). The Los Angeles Times declared, “Watch him!”
Muspratt is a native of Crowsnest Pass, Alberta and became a U.S. citizen in 2010.
"So you go to the gas station, and someone walks up and says hello...it's a chance to bring one more person into the music fold or to share your love for music. I love to be a missionary for music." introduction and photo courtesy of www.kirkmuspratt.com
Kirk will adjudicate piano, bowed strings, orchestra, vocal and musical theatre classes.
Conductor Kirk Muspratt
Spirited & Daring Visionary
"Conductor Kirk Muspratt of Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, New Philharmonic and DuPage Opera Theatre has a dynamic perspective on how music touches the listener. In his theater, anything is possible.
Recently named a "Chicagoan of the Year" by music critic John von Rhein and the writing staff of the Chicago Tribune, Kirk Muspratt has made "concert-going an interactive experience that was both enlightening and...fun".
He creates a one-to-one relationship with individual symphony audience members through outreach and education efforts including "Just Ask Kirk" and "Cookies With Kirk." Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra and New Philharmonic patrons enjoy personal answers to their questions.
Appreciation begins with the young and he supports young artists by providing important performance opportunities through Young Peoples' Competitions and "Side-by-Sides" with the symphony. Another program he instituted includes a popular Solo Competition for children that results in a child performing at almost every Northwest Indiana Symphony concert.
He enjoys visits to area schools. When school groups visit his auditorium for a performance, he takes time to offer a warm and instructional chat.
Recognized as one of the outstanding figures in the new generation of conductors, Conductor Kirk Muspratt has garnered international critical acclaim as a “born opera conductor” (Rheinische Post), “a knowledgeable musician who delivers superbly controlled, gorgeously shaped readings” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), and “friend to local music” (Midwest Beat Magazine). The Los Angeles Times declared, “Watch him!”
Muspratt is a native of Crowsnest Pass, Alberta and became a U.S. citizen in 2010.
"So you go to the gas station, and someone walks up and says hello...it's a chance to bring one more person into the music fold or to share your love for music. I love to be a missionary for music." introduction and photo courtesy of www.kirkmuspratt.com
Adjudicator for fretted strings classes ADAM LEFAIVRE
"Adam Lefaivre has been playing guitar for over a decade, he received his Bachelor of Music with Great Distinction from the University of Lethbridge, and has played in several cover bands, as well as writing original material. Adam Lefaivre is an experienced live performer and recording artist.
As a classical guitarist Adam has competed in several classical guitar competitions, and studies under the guitar professor Dale Ketcheson at the University of Lethbridge. Adam's repertoire spans all periods of western classical music, from renaissance to modern music. He has played classical guitar at restaurants, and for many social functions, including award events, weddings, and auctions. Adam has also appeared in multiple interviews on Global television and in various newspapers. Adam is able to perform and teach several styles of music including: classical, jazz, flamenco, blues, fingerstyle, rock and funk. Adam also teaches music theory, sight-reading, and classical guitar technique. Adam has been teaching guitar for four years, privately and in group settings."
"Adam Lefaivre has been playing guitar for over a decade, he received his Bachelor of Music with Great Distinction from the University of Lethbridge, and has played in several cover bands, as well as writing original material. Adam Lefaivre is an experienced live performer and recording artist.
As a classical guitarist Adam has competed in several classical guitar competitions, and studies under the guitar professor Dale Ketcheson at the University of Lethbridge. Adam's repertoire spans all periods of western classical music, from renaissance to modern music. He has played classical guitar at restaurants, and for many social functions, including award events, weddings, and auctions. Adam has also appeared in multiple interviews on Global television and in various newspapers. Adam is able to perform and teach several styles of music including: classical, jazz, flamenco, blues, fingerstyle, rock and funk. Adam also teaches music theory, sight-reading, and classical guitar technique. Adam has been teaching guitar for four years, privately and in group settings."
Crowsnest Pass Music Festival 2014
Adjudicator for bowed strings classes
Calgary native, Christine Bootland began her studies at the Mount Royal College Academy of Music with John Kadz and completed a Bachelor of Music Performance degree at the University of British Columbia under the direction of Eric Wilson. She later participated in the Masters Program at the University of Toronto under the tutelage of Shauna Rolston. She has studied with renowned artists Aldo Parisot, Janos Starker, Zara Nelsova, and Lawrence Lesser at the Banff School of Fine Arts and has performed with well known classical musicians David Shifrin, Andrew Dawes, Kai Gleusteen and country artist Lyle Lovett.
Christine is an active extra performer with both Lethbridge and Red Deer Symphonies, as well as the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. She has toured Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia as a member of the Armadillo String Quartet of Canada and enjoys doing educational outreach performance programs within the community. Her philosophy is to help create future generations of music lovers of all styles whether they be professionals, amateurs or concert goers.
Christine has been on the faculty at Medicine Hat College Conservatory since 2001. Her duties include her primary function as cello instructor, but also includes; Academy Instructor, ensemble coach and conductor/ program coordinator for both the Community and Junior Orchestras and Bring Back the Music program in the public schools. In 2010, she was invited to be a cello instructor at the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music and is currently the strings department co-ordinator.
Calgary native, Christine Bootland began her studies at the Mount Royal College Academy of Music with John Kadz and completed a Bachelor of Music Performance degree at the University of British Columbia under the direction of Eric Wilson. She later participated in the Masters Program at the University of Toronto under the tutelage of Shauna Rolston. She has studied with renowned artists Aldo Parisot, Janos Starker, Zara Nelsova, and Lawrence Lesser at the Banff School of Fine Arts and has performed with well known classical musicians David Shifrin, Andrew Dawes, Kai Gleusteen and country artist Lyle Lovett.
Christine is an active extra performer with both Lethbridge and Red Deer Symphonies, as well as the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. She has toured Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia as a member of the Armadillo String Quartet of Canada and enjoys doing educational outreach performance programs within the community. Her philosophy is to help create future generations of music lovers of all styles whether they be professionals, amateurs or concert goers.
Christine has been on the faculty at Medicine Hat College Conservatory since 2001. Her duties include her primary function as cello instructor, but also includes; Academy Instructor, ensemble coach and conductor/ program coordinator for both the Community and Junior Orchestras and Bring Back the Music program in the public schools. In 2010, she was invited to be a cello instructor at the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music and is currently the strings department co-ordinator.
Adjudicator for voice, choir, speech and musical theatre classes
Heather Bedford-Clooney has a B. Mus.Ed, ARCT ( voice), ATCL, and a Licentiate in Speech and Drama. She has done graduate work at the University of Alberta, Dartmouth College, and the Westminister Choir School. She taught high school music, drama and English for 35 years.
Mrs. Bedford-Clooney has maintained a voice studio in Edmonton for thirty-six years. She has had students compete at the local, provincial and national level of the festival movement. She has adjudicated both local and provincial music festivals in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Sask. She is the Artistic Director of the Edmonton Columbian Choirs, and conducts Chanteuses. This choir has been finalists twice in the CBC Amateur Choir Competition. As well, she conducts the Festival Singers of Sherwood Park.
Heather Bedford-Clooney has directed and been Musical Director for productions of Oliver!, The Fantastiks, West Side Story, The Music Man, Grease, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Cabaret. She has adjudicated Musical Theatre, Voice, Choirs and Speech throughout Canada.
Heather Bedford Clooney is the past president of the Association of Canadian Choral Communities (ACCC), past president of Music Alberta and the Alberta Choral Federation (ACF). She is the Executive Director of the Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival and is past president of Opera Nuova. As well, she is the Executive Director
to the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals.
Mrs. Bedford-Clooney is a past winner of the Alberta Choral Federations Con Spiritu Award (2003), Richard Eaton Award for Distinguished Service to Alberta Choral Music (2007) and an Alberta Centennial medal in 2005.
Heather Bedford-Clooney has a B. Mus.Ed, ARCT ( voice), ATCL, and a Licentiate in Speech and Drama. She has done graduate work at the University of Alberta, Dartmouth College, and the Westminister Choir School. She taught high school music, drama and English for 35 years.
Mrs. Bedford-Clooney has maintained a voice studio in Edmonton for thirty-six years. She has had students compete at the local, provincial and national level of the festival movement. She has adjudicated both local and provincial music festivals in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Sask. She is the Artistic Director of the Edmonton Columbian Choirs, and conducts Chanteuses. This choir has been finalists twice in the CBC Amateur Choir Competition. As well, she conducts the Festival Singers of Sherwood Park.
Heather Bedford-Clooney has directed and been Musical Director for productions of Oliver!, The Fantastiks, West Side Story, The Music Man, Grease, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Cabaret. She has adjudicated Musical Theatre, Voice, Choirs and Speech throughout Canada.
Heather Bedford Clooney is the past president of the Association of Canadian Choral Communities (ACCC), past president of Music Alberta and the Alberta Choral Federation (ACF). She is the Executive Director of the Edmonton Kiwanis Music Festival and is past president of Opera Nuova. As well, she is the Executive Director
to the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals.
Mrs. Bedford-Clooney is a past winner of the Alberta Choral Federations Con Spiritu Award (2003), Richard Eaton Award for Distinguished Service to Alberta Choral Music (2007) and an Alberta Centennial medal in 2005.
Adjudicator for piano classes
Derek Zhi Guang Chiu, pianist (b. July 24, 1977) Canadian pianist Derek Zhi Guang Chiu began formal music training with Brian Cross in Calgary, Alberta. Mr. Chiu continued his studies with Dr. E. Gregory Butler and Joel Hastings at the University of Windsor, where he graduated with Bachelor of Music Therapy. He attended the Manhattan School of Music, graduating with a Master of Music degree in May 2003 under the guidance of Solomon Mikowsky (featured in Benjamin Saver's book The Most Wanted Piano Teachers in the USA) and Donn-Alexander Feder. Mr. Chiu has also worked with notable chamber musician Daniel Epstein of the Raphael Trio and has performed in master classes with Janina Fialkowska, Robin Harrison, James Howsmon, Lorrin Hollander, Ramzi Yassa, Cecilio Tieles and Jesus Angel Rodriquez.
Notable recitals have taken place in New York City, Toronto, Calgary, Windsor, and Connecticut. He has performed with the Windsor Community Orchestra on three occasions, the Rockland Symphony Orchestra and most recently with the Briercrest College Orchestra. In the summer of 2002, Mr. Chiu was invited to perform at Solomon Mikowsky's International Piano Festivals with performances in Tenerife (Canary Islands), Vila Seca (Spain), and Paris (France). He continues to perform actively throughout the United States and Canada. Mr. Chiu has presented lectures on topics such as the Piano Sonatas and Piano Concertos of W.A. Mozart. Performances of Mr. Chiu have been heard on Fairchild Radio in Canada.
Derek Zhi Guang Chiu, pianist (b. July 24, 1977) Canadian pianist Derek Zhi Guang Chiu began formal music training with Brian Cross in Calgary, Alberta. Mr. Chiu continued his studies with Dr. E. Gregory Butler and Joel Hastings at the University of Windsor, where he graduated with Bachelor of Music Therapy. He attended the Manhattan School of Music, graduating with a Master of Music degree in May 2003 under the guidance of Solomon Mikowsky (featured in Benjamin Saver's book The Most Wanted Piano Teachers in the USA) and Donn-Alexander Feder. Mr. Chiu has also worked with notable chamber musician Daniel Epstein of the Raphael Trio and has performed in master classes with Janina Fialkowska, Robin Harrison, James Howsmon, Lorrin Hollander, Ramzi Yassa, Cecilio Tieles and Jesus Angel Rodriquez.
Notable recitals have taken place in New York City, Toronto, Calgary, Windsor, and Connecticut. He has performed with the Windsor Community Orchestra on three occasions, the Rockland Symphony Orchestra and most recently with the Briercrest College Orchestra. In the summer of 2002, Mr. Chiu was invited to perform at Solomon Mikowsky's International Piano Festivals with performances in Tenerife (Canary Islands), Vila Seca (Spain), and Paris (France). He continues to perform actively throughout the United States and Canada. Mr. Chiu has presented lectures on topics such as the Piano Sonatas and Piano Concertos of W.A. Mozart. Performances of Mr. Chiu have been heard on Fairchild Radio in Canada.
Adjudicator for fretted strings classes
Jay Scraba is dynamic performer, songwriter & music educator based in Calgary Alberta. During his twenty plus year career, he has studied privately with Carl Verhheyen & Kevin Marsh. Jay has shared the stage with musical icons such as Cool and the Gang, Colin James, Tom Cochrane, Jully Black & Maya Angeloo.
After studying for several years and completing degrees in jazz performance & composition, Jay spent time traveling worldwide while entertaining thousands aboard Holland America Cruise lines. In 2002 he settled in Calgary and began a thriving freelance career with several bands, jazz combos & solo work.
Currently you can find Jay preforming with local artist Kyemara, and providing personal instruction from beginner to expert levels. Combining his classic style, along with his vast knowledge and years of experience, Jay specializes in jazz, rock, country and finger style guitar.
Jay Scraba is dynamic performer, songwriter & music educator based in Calgary Alberta. During his twenty plus year career, he has studied privately with Carl Verhheyen & Kevin Marsh. Jay has shared the stage with musical icons such as Cool and the Gang, Colin James, Tom Cochrane, Jully Black & Maya Angeloo.
After studying for several years and completing degrees in jazz performance & composition, Jay spent time traveling worldwide while entertaining thousands aboard Holland America Cruise lines. In 2002 he settled in Calgary and began a thriving freelance career with several bands, jazz combos & solo work.
Currently you can find Jay preforming with local artist Kyemara, and providing personal instruction from beginner to expert levels. Combining his classic style, along with his vast knowledge and years of experience, Jay specializes in jazz, rock, country and finger style guitar.
