Adjudicators
Adjudicators
2026 Festival Adjudicators:
Week 1: May 11-14th, 2026
Dr. Steven Capaldo, Victoria, BC
Dr. Steven Capaldo is currently an Associate Professor of Music Education & Conducting, the Wind Symphony and Concert Band Conductor, Graduate Advisor, and Head of Music Education and Graduate Wind Conducting at the University of Victoria. Dr. Capaldo has previously held conducting positions at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and UNSW Australia. Dr. Capaldo has extensive conducting experience working with symphony orchestras, wind orchestras, and chamber ensembles. As an active writer, he composes, arranges, and transcribes music for wind orchestras, symphony orchestras, festivals, and concerts. His work Invictus Fanfare was performed at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, with other works having been performed by groups in Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States, recorded on Klavier records (US), and published with Brolga Music and Murphy Music Press. Dr. Capaldo is in demand as a conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. Having been a conducting clinician for ABODA Queensland, ABODA NSW, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the BCMEA, he has now established the new UVic Conductor Educator Symposium demonstrating his commitment to providing professional learning opportunities for music educators and conductors.
Dr. Steven Capaldo is currently an Associate Professor of Music Education & Conducting, the Wind Symphony and Concert Band Conductor, Graduate Advisor, and Head of Music Education and Graduate Wind Conducting at the University of Victoria. Dr. Capaldo has previously held conducting positions at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and UNSW Australia. Dr. Capaldo has extensive conducting experience working with symphony orchestras, wind orchestras, and chamber ensembles. As an active writer, he composes, arranges, and transcribes music for wind orchestras, symphony orchestras, festivals, and concerts. His work Invictus Fanfare was performed at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver, with other works having been performed by groups in Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States, recorded on Klavier records (US), and published with Brolga Music and Murphy Music Press. Dr. Capaldo is in demand as a conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. Having been a conducting clinician for ABODA Queensland, ABODA NSW, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the BCMEA, he has now established the new UVic Conductor Educator Symposium demonstrating his commitment to providing professional learning opportunities for music educators and conductors.
Dr. Holly De Caigny, Lethbridge, AB
Dr. Holly De Caigny is a contemporary saxophonist and conductor who strives to collaborate with a variety of artists. She has performed publicly across Canada, the United States, as well as in Slovenia, France, and Thailand. Most recently, she has toured Eastern Canada with Proteus Quartet, performed online and in person with Timepoint Ensemble, performed in free improvisation concerts with Secret Lady Project and Bug Incision, and has collaborated with composers including Colin Labadie, Vincent Ho, Jordan Nobles, and Laurie Radford. Holly is the Wind Orchestra Director and Saxophone Studio Instructor at the University of Lethbridge and serves as Director of Music in the King’s Own Calgary Regiment Band.
Dr. Holly De Caigny is a contemporary saxophonist and conductor who strives to collaborate with a variety of artists. She has performed publicly across Canada, the United States, as well as in Slovenia, France, and Thailand. Most recently, she has toured Eastern Canada with Proteus Quartet, performed online and in person with Timepoint Ensemble, performed in free improvisation concerts with Secret Lady Project and Bug Incision, and has collaborated with composers including Colin Labadie, Vincent Ho, Jordan Nobles, and Laurie Radford. Holly is the Wind Orchestra Director and Saxophone Studio Instructor at the University of Lethbridge and serves as Director of Music in the King’s Own Calgary Regiment Band.
Kim Hastings, Rocky Mountain House, AB
Kim Hastings taught junior high and middle school band for 33 years, spending her last 29 years as director of bands at Pioneer Middle School in Rocky Mountain House, AB. Bands under Kim’s direction received several awards at the regional, provincial, and national level, including ABA Festival Outstanding Grade I Concert Band (1996, 1999, 2000) and Outstanding Junior High Concert Band at AIBF South (1998, 2001, 2013, 2017). Ms. Hastings has been involved with several different boards advancing music education; she was a vice president with the Alberta Band Association and the magazine editor while on the Music Alberta board of directors. She was the inaugural president of the Alberta Chapter of the Women Band Directors International (WBDI). Ms. Hastings, herself, has been recognized with several awards including a JUNO for MusiCounts’ 2019 Teacher of the Year, the Alberta Band Association’s Elkhorn Award (Director of the Year), an Alberta Excellence in Teaching Finalist Award, Kim has also twice received the Rocky Mountain House Mayor’s Award for her contribution to the arts as well as the Wild Rose School Division Award of Merit. Ms. Hastings has just returned from living in Hokkaido, Japan and she is looking forward to adjudicating and guest conducting, as well as remaining involved with the WBDI board, focusing on Mentorship .
Kim Hastings taught junior high and middle school band for 33 years, spending her last 29 years as director of bands at Pioneer Middle School in Rocky Mountain House, AB. Bands under Kim’s direction received several awards at the regional, provincial, and national level, including ABA Festival Outstanding Grade I Concert Band (1996, 1999, 2000) and Outstanding Junior High Concert Band at AIBF South (1998, 2001, 2013, 2017). Ms. Hastings has been involved with several different boards advancing music education; she was a vice president with the Alberta Band Association and the magazine editor while on the Music Alberta board of directors. She was the inaugural president of the Alberta Chapter of the Women Band Directors International (WBDI). Ms. Hastings, herself, has been recognized with several awards including a JUNO for MusiCounts’ 2019 Teacher of the Year, the Alberta Band Association’s Elkhorn Award (Director of the Year), an Alberta Excellence in Teaching Finalist Award, Kim has also twice received the Rocky Mountain House Mayor’s Award for her contribution to the arts as well as the Wild Rose School Division Award of Merit. Ms. Hastings has just returned from living in Hokkaido, Japan and she is looking forward to adjudicating and guest conducting, as well as remaining involved with the WBDI board, focusing on Mentorship .
Gareth Jones, Calgary, AB
Gareth Jones is an instructor at the University of Calgary where he teaches conducting as well as the trumpet studio and directs the University’s Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band in addition to directing the Alberta Winds. He has studied conducting with such renowned pedagogues as Jorma Panula, Gustav Meier, Michael Haithcock, and Michael Jinbo. He has conducted ensembles from across Western Canada as well as Mexico and the United States. Mr. Jones’s musical activities are greatly varied. He has appeared as guest conductor and clinician with over two hundred orchestras and wind ensembles, been a featured trumpet player on Juno nominated blues CDs, appeared on CBC radio as a soloist and chamber musician, been a guest lecturer with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, as well as regularly playing with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and adjudicating and conducting at music festivals across Canada. He was a founding member of the chamber ensemble “Rosa Selvatica” and has been a featured soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra on several occasions. He studied conducting at the Pierre Monteux Institute and Canada’s National Arts Centre and received his Master of Music in conducting from the University of Calgary. He studied trumpet at Northwestern University, where he won the prestigious concerto competition and a scholarship for performing excellence.
Gareth Jones is an instructor at the University of Calgary where he teaches conducting as well as the trumpet studio and directs the University’s Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band in addition to directing the Alberta Winds. He has studied conducting with such renowned pedagogues as Jorma Panula, Gustav Meier, Michael Haithcock, and Michael Jinbo. He has conducted ensembles from across Western Canada as well as Mexico and the United States. Mr. Jones’s musical activities are greatly varied. He has appeared as guest conductor and clinician with over two hundred orchestras and wind ensembles, been a featured trumpet player on Juno nominated blues CDs, appeared on CBC radio as a soloist and chamber musician, been a guest lecturer with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, as well as regularly playing with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and adjudicating and conducting at music festivals across Canada. He was a founding member of the chamber ensemble “Rosa Selvatica” and has been a featured soloist with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra on several occasions. He studied conducting at the Pierre Monteux Institute and Canada’s National Arts Centre and received his Master of Music in conducting from the University of Calgary. He studied trumpet at Northwestern University, where he won the prestigious concerto competition and a scholarship for performing excellence.
Ken Rogers, Lethbridge, AB (Sight Reading)
Ken Rogers retired in 2018 from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute after a 32-year career in music teaching. He taught band, choir, guitar and general music courses at middle, junior and high school levels, as well as some elementary school music. He has taught at the post-secondary level including music studio performance, choir, and music curriculum and instruction courses at the U of L. He has had a keen interest in music curriculum through his teaching career. In 2016 he was appointed as a member of the Alberta Education Arts Curriculum Working Group focusing on grades 9-12 music and served until the group’s suspension in July 2019. Ken has been involved in many community music programs – McKillop United Church, the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, Lethbridge Community band, Lethbridge Big Band, Vox Musica Chorus, and various musical theatre groups. He holds a B. Music and a B. Ed. from the U of L and a graduate diploma in Fine Arts from the U of C.
Ken Rogers retired in 2018 from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute after a 32-year career in music teaching. He taught band, choir, guitar and general music courses at middle, junior and high school levels, as well as some elementary school music. He has taught at the post-secondary level including music studio performance, choir, and music curriculum and instruction courses at the U of L. He has had a keen interest in music curriculum through his teaching career. In 2016 he was appointed as a member of the Alberta Education Arts Curriculum Working Group focusing on grades 9-12 music and served until the group’s suspension in July 2019. Ken has been involved in many community music programs – McKillop United Church, the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, Lethbridge Community band, Lethbridge Big Band, Vox Musica Chorus, and various musical theatre groups. He holds a B. Music and a B. Ed. from the U of L and a graduate diploma in Fine Arts from the U of C.
Dr. Jane Saunders, Thunder Bay, ON
Dr. Jane Saunders is retired from Lakehead Public Schools (Thunder Bay, Ontario), where she taught elementary and secondary band. Following her retirement from “school”, Jane instructed and supervised music teacher students at Lakehead University from 2018 to 2025. From 2000 to 2012, she conducted the Thunder Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra, and since 2018, has conducted the Thunder Bay Community Concert Band, a 50-piece adult recreational group. Jane is the Editor of The Recorder, the journal of the Ontario Music Educators Association, and a member of the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators’ Association. She attended the University of Western Ontario – H.B. Music Education (1988), the University of Windsor – B. Ed. (1989), the University of Minnesota – Master of Arts (1994) and Lakehead University – Ph.D in Educational Studies (2004). As an adjudicator, Jane has collaborated with instrumentalists and bands at festivals in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario over the past 15 years.
Dr. Jane Saunders is retired from Lakehead Public Schools (Thunder Bay, Ontario), where she taught elementary and secondary band. Following her retirement from “school”, Jane instructed and supervised music teacher students at Lakehead University from 2018 to 2025. From 2000 to 2012, she conducted the Thunder Bay Symphony Youth Orchestra, and since 2018, has conducted the Thunder Bay Community Concert Band, a 50-piece adult recreational group. Jane is the Editor of The Recorder, the journal of the Ontario Music Educators Association, and a member of the Canadian Music Festival Adjudicators’ Association. She attended the University of Western Ontario – H.B. Music Education (1988), the University of Windsor – B. Ed. (1989), the University of Minnesota – Master of Arts (1994) and Lakehead University – Ph.D in Educational Studies (2004). As an adjudicator, Jane has collaborated with instrumentalists and bands at festivals in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario over the past 15 years.
Week 2: May 19-22, 2026
Dr. Mark Hopkins, Wolfville, NS
Dr. Mark Hopkins is a Professor in the School of Music at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. In addition to leading the Wind Ensemble, Dr. Hopkins teaches undergraduate and graduate Conducting, Instrumental Music Education courses, SoundPainting, and chamber music courses.He is Artistic Director of the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble (2008-2011, 2013-present), and is Past-President of the Nova Scotia Band Association. In May 2019 Dr Hopkins received the National Band Award from the Canadian Band Association, recognizing his contributions “…to the promotion, growth, and development of the musical, educational, and cultural values of band throughout Canada”. In Canada, he has guest-conducted bands and orchestras in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec, and led the National Youth Band of Canada in 2019.
A native of Toronto, Dr. Hopkins graduated from the University of Toronto (B.Mus. Ed.), the University of Western Ontario (B. Ed.), the University of Calgary (M.Mus. Conducting), and the New England Conservatory (D.M.A. Wind Conducting). Dr. Hopkins taught music in high schools for twelve years, including seven years of service as Chair of the Music Department at Upper Canada College in Toronto. His professional work as a Conductor spans the full range of ensembles and genres.
Dr. Mark Hopkins is a Professor in the School of Music at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. In addition to leading the Wind Ensemble, Dr. Hopkins teaches undergraduate and graduate Conducting, Instrumental Music Education courses, SoundPainting, and chamber music courses.He is Artistic Director of the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble (2008-2011, 2013-present), and is Past-President of the Nova Scotia Band Association. In May 2019 Dr Hopkins received the National Band Award from the Canadian Band Association, recognizing his contributions “…to the promotion, growth, and development of the musical, educational, and cultural values of band throughout Canada”. In Canada, he has guest-conducted bands and orchestras in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec, and led the National Youth Band of Canada in 2019.
A native of Toronto, Dr. Hopkins graduated from the University of Toronto (B.Mus. Ed.), the University of Western Ontario (B. Ed.), the University of Calgary (M.Mus. Conducting), and the New England Conservatory (D.M.A. Wind Conducting). Dr. Hopkins taught music in high schools for twelve years, including seven years of service as Chair of the Music Department at Upper Canada College in Toronto. His professional work as a Conductor spans the full range of ensembles and genres.
Dr. Dylan Maddix, Mount Pearl, NL
Dr. Dylan Maddix serves as Assistant Professor of Conducting and Community Engagement at Memorial University in St. John’s, NL, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting and serves as Director of Bands. Prior to his current position, Maddix was Head of Wind and Brass Studies at Cambrian College in Sudbury, ON and served on the conducting faculty of Laurentian University. Maddix serves on the board of the NL Band Association and is a past chair of the Canadian Band Association. Additionally, he is the founder and host of The Band Room Podcast with composer Cait Nishimura and hosts the conducting leadership podcast Changing Your Pattern. Maddix holds degrees from Mount Allison University, University of Toronto, and Arizona State University. Maddix has also contributed his expertise as a conducting and music consultant for Netflix’s Umbrella Academy and Global TV’s Private Eyes.
Dr. Dylan Maddix serves as Assistant Professor of Conducting and Community Engagement at Memorial University in St. John’s, NL, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting and serves as Director of Bands. Prior to his current position, Maddix was Head of Wind and Brass Studies at Cambrian College in Sudbury, ON and served on the conducting faculty of Laurentian University. Maddix serves on the board of the NL Band Association and is a past chair of the Canadian Band Association. Additionally, he is the founder and host of The Band Room Podcast with composer Cait Nishimura and hosts the conducting leadership podcast Changing Your Pattern. Maddix holds degrees from Mount Allison University, University of Toronto, and Arizona State University. Maddix has also contributed his expertise as a conducting and music consultant for Netflix’s Umbrella Academy and Global TV’s Private Eyes.
Jennifer McAllister, Saskatoon, SK
Jennifer grew up in Red Deer, Alberta. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Master of Music in Conducting from the University of North Texas where she studied under the guidance of Eugene Migliaro Corporon. As a conductor, Jennifer has worked with groups of all ages and enjoyed many years as a music educator at the secondary and post-secondary level. Jennifer is an active professional flutist and is the creative force behind the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s Time for Toddler’s concert series. In 2015 Jennifer received a Master of Education in School and Counselling Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan with a research focus on the life-long benefits of playing music. She is a Registered Psychologist working in Saskatoon Public Schools, a position she has held for the past decade.
Jennifer grew up in Red Deer, Alberta. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from the University of Alberta, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Master of Music in Conducting from the University of North Texas where she studied under the guidance of Eugene Migliaro Corporon. As a conductor, Jennifer has worked with groups of all ages and enjoyed many years as a music educator at the secondary and post-secondary level. Jennifer is an active professional flutist and is the creative force behind the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra’s Time for Toddler’s concert series. In 2015 Jennifer received a Master of Education in School and Counselling Psychology from the University of Saskatchewan with a research focus on the life-long benefits of playing music. She is a Registered Psychologist working in Saskatoon Public Schools, a position she has held for the past decade.
Brent Pierce, Okotoks, AB (Sight Reading)
Brent Pierce graduated from the University of Alberta in 1982 with a Bachelor Degree in Education. He taught in Camrose and Lloydminster for seven years, directing successful band programs in both cities. Brent went on to attend the University of Lethbridge where he completed a Bachelor of Music in composition and voice and he became a published and commissioned composer. Upon graduation he was awarded the Gold Medal for the Faculty of Fine Arts. He then completed a Master’s Degree in Composition at the University of Alberta. Brent was twice awarded the Violet Archer Graduate Studies Composition Scholarship at the University of Alberta. From 2001-2003 Mr. Pierce served as director of the Mount Royal Youth Choir and was the Director of Music at Webber Academy, a private university preparatory school in Calgary, Alberta from 2001 to 2018. In 2017, he received the Elkhorn Award for the Most Outstanding Band Teacher in Alberta. Mr. Pierce retired from teaching in 2024 and now spends his time guest conducting, adjudicating and composing.
Brent Pierce graduated from the University of Alberta in 1982 with a Bachelor Degree in Education. He taught in Camrose and Lloydminster for seven years, directing successful band programs in both cities. Brent went on to attend the University of Lethbridge where he completed a Bachelor of Music in composition and voice and he became a published and commissioned composer. Upon graduation he was awarded the Gold Medal for the Faculty of Fine Arts. He then completed a Master’s Degree in Composition at the University of Alberta. Brent was twice awarded the Violet Archer Graduate Studies Composition Scholarship at the University of Alberta. From 2001-2003 Mr. Pierce served as director of the Mount Royal Youth Choir and was the Director of Music at Webber Academy, a private university preparatory school in Calgary, Alberta from 2001 to 2018. In 2017, he received the Elkhorn Award for the Most Outstanding Band Teacher in Alberta. Mr. Pierce retired from teaching in 2024 and now spends his time guest conducting, adjudicating and composing.
Ken Rogers, Lethbridge, AB
Ken Rogers retired in 2018 from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute after a 32-year career in music teaching. He taught band, choir, guitar and general music courses at middle, junior and high school levels, as well as some elementary school music. He has taught at the post-secondary level including music studio performance, choir, and music curriculum and instruction courses at the U of L. He has had a keen interest in music curriculum through his teaching career. In 2016 he was appointed as a member of the Alberta Education Arts Curriculum Working Group focusing on grades 9-12 music and served until the group’s suspension in July 2019. Ken has been involved in many community music programs – McKillop United Church, the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, Lethbridge Community band, Lethbridge Big Band, Vox Musica Chorus, and various musical theatre groups. He holds a B. Music and a B. Ed. from the U of L and a graduate diploma in Fine Arts from the U of C.
Ken Rogers retired in 2018 from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute after a 32-year career in music teaching. He taught band, choir, guitar and general music courses at middle, junior and high school levels, as well as some elementary school music. He has taught at the post-secondary level including music studio performance, choir, and music curriculum and instruction courses at the U of L. He has had a keen interest in music curriculum through his teaching career. In 2016 he was appointed as a member of the Alberta Education Arts Curriculum Working Group focusing on grades 9-12 music and served until the group’s suspension in July 2019. Ken has been involved in many community music programs – McKillop United Church, the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra, Lethbridge Community band, Lethbridge Big Band, Vox Musica Chorus, and various musical theatre groups. He holds a B. Music and a B. Ed. from the U of L and a graduate diploma in Fine Arts from the U of C.
Kirk Wassmer, Didsbury, AB
Kirk Wassmer has just retired after a 35 year career teaching band across western Canada. For the past 23 years he was at Didsbury High School in Didsbury, Alberta, a rural community north of Calgary where more than half of the school’s population was involved in the Music Program. In addition to numerous local and regional performances, groups from Didsbury High School travelled across Canada and internationally to Scotland, England and Spain. Ensembles from DHS consistently received high accolades for their concert and festival performances. Prior to Didsbury Kirk taught at G.P. Vanier Secondary School in Courtenay, BC and at Revelstoke Secondary School. Students from all of Kirk’s programs can be found across Western Canada performing and teaching music.
Kirk received his undergraduate degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and he has a Master of Music from the University of Missouri – Columbia. He has served on the Boards of the Alberta Band Association, the Canadian Band Association and the Coalition for Music Education in Canada. Kirk remains active as a clinician and adjudicator, and has been a part of the Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music, a three-week K-12 summer music program, since 2015.
In 2008, he was honoured to be recognized as a semi-finalist in Alberta Education’s Excellence in Teaching Awards. In 2017 Kirk received the David Peterkin Award in recognition of exemplary and consistent contribution to bands and band education from the Mu Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Mu. In 2019 he was presented with the Elkhorn Band Director of the Year award by the Alberta Band Association, and in 2022 received the Vondis Miller Legacy Award. In 2024, Kirk was awarded the Keith Mann/National Arts Centre Outstanding Band Director Award from MusicFest – The Nationals, and was also honoured to receive a Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence.
Kirk Wassmer has just retired after a 35 year career teaching band across western Canada. For the past 23 years he was at Didsbury High School in Didsbury, Alberta, a rural community north of Calgary where more than half of the school’s population was involved in the Music Program. In addition to numerous local and regional performances, groups from Didsbury High School travelled across Canada and internationally to Scotland, England and Spain. Ensembles from DHS consistently received high accolades for their concert and festival performances. Prior to Didsbury Kirk taught at G.P. Vanier Secondary School in Courtenay, BC and at Revelstoke Secondary School. Students from all of Kirk’s programs can be found across Western Canada performing and teaching music.
Kirk received his undergraduate degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and he has a Master of Music from the University of Missouri – Columbia. He has served on the Boards of the Alberta Band Association, the Canadian Band Association and the Coalition for Music Education in Canada. Kirk remains active as a clinician and adjudicator, and has been a part of the Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music, a three-week K-12 summer music program, since 2015.
In 2008, he was honoured to be recognized as a semi-finalist in Alberta Education’s Excellence in Teaching Awards. In 2017 Kirk received the David Peterkin Award in recognition of exemplary and consistent contribution to bands and band education from the Mu Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Mu. In 2019 he was presented with the Elkhorn Band Director of the Year award by the Alberta Band Association, and in 2022 received the Vondis Miller Legacy Award. In 2024, Kirk was awarded the Keith Mann/National Arts Centre Outstanding Band Director Award from MusicFest – The Nationals, and was also honoured to receive a Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence.