Adjudicator for fretted strings classes & high school band: Dave McCann
Born in Toronto and raised in Peterborough, Ontario, McCann headed West to Calgary, Alberta, where he formed Dave McCann and the Ten Toed Frogs during the first Alt-Country inclination of the late 90s. The band released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including Woodland Tea, Country Medicine, and Shoot the Horse, a live album recorded at Edmonton’s beloved Sidetrack Café. In 2009, McCann traveled to East Nashville to work with Lij Shaw and Americana guitar icon and Producer Will Kimbrough. The result, Dixiebluebird, marked a sonic evolution with a pivotal release that redefined his sound under the new name Dave McCann and the Firehearts. 2014’s Circle of Light, produced in collaboration with West Coast alt-rocker Leeroy Stagger, continued McCann’s journey of reinvention. That path led to 2019’s Westbound ’til Light, a stirring collection rooted in folk traditions and backed by his longtime band The Firehearts, alongside Peterborough’s own Mayhemingways. Over the years, McCann’s music has found its way into films, television, and compilation albums - always guided by a connection to the human experience.
Adjudicator for piano classes: Dr Elizabeth Clarke
Calgary-based pianist Dr. Elizabeth Clarke is active as a performer, collaborator, and teacher. She has performed numerous solo and chamber recitals in Canada and the United States, and has been a concerto soloist with the University of Victoria orchestra. She is an in-demand accompanist and frequently works with singers and instrumentalists of all levels. Elizabeth is also a founding member of the violin and piano duo, There is Room, an exciting new chamber group that exists to share music and hospitality across Canada.
As a teacher, Elizabeth previously held the position of Assistant Professor in Residence at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where she taught piano, aural skills, and music history. She has also held teaching assistantships at the University of Victoria and Michigan State University. Currently, she is a sessional instructor at Ambrose University in Calgary, and maintains a private studio at Calgary Music Academy, where she teaches students from young children to adults.
As a teacher, Elizabeth previously held the position of Assistant Professor in Residence at Bradley University in Peoria, IL, where she taught piano, aural skills, and music history. She has also held teaching assistantships at the University of Victoria and Michigan State University. Currently, she is a sessional instructor at Ambrose University in Calgary, and maintains a private studio at Calgary Music Academy, where she teaches students from young children to adults.
WEEK 2 - school groups and MYC
Adjudicator for vocal, choral & speech classes: Verna Ahner
Verna Ahner is the music educator at Springbank Middle School in the Rocky View School Division. She has built successful music programs in three chools over her 35 year career, working with young bands, general music classes and choirs. Additionally, she appears regularly as a guest conductor and clinician for bands and ensembles around the Calgary area. Her passion is making music with as many people as possible and she strives to make the world a better place one musician at a time. Originally from rural Saskatchewan, she understands the challenges of small communities and the power of music to transform lives. Ms. Ahner holds degrees in Music Education from the University of Saskatchewan (B. Mus/Mus Ed), the University of Calgary and the University of Victoria (M.Ed Music Education). She continues to perform as a community choir member and freelance clarinetist.
