Adjudicators
Adjudicators
2024 Festival Adjudicators...
Matt Abraham, Winnipeg (Week 1)
A native of Winnipeg Manitoba, Matt leads the Performing Arts Department at Vincent Massey Collegiate where he teaches various instrumental music courses. As an educator and conductor, Matt has worked with honour bands, adjudicated festivals, and presented professional development sessions for many institutions and organizations across North America with recent engagements in Los Angeles, North Carolina, and Vietnam. Prior to his work in public education, Matt started his professional career with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and is a proud Ludwig-Musser performing artist. He is also the recipient of the Canadian Music Educators Association Builder’s Award, the Don Green Award from the Manitoba Band Association, and the Robert Fletcher Prize in Education from the University of Manitoba. Intensely passionate about inspiring the next generation of a musically literate society, Matt is a fervent advocate for the importance of music education, and the continued development of music educators at every level.
A native of Winnipeg Manitoba, Matt leads the Performing Arts Department at Vincent Massey Collegiate where he teaches various instrumental music courses. As an educator and conductor, Matt has worked with honour bands, adjudicated festivals, and presented professional development sessions for many institutions and organizations across North America with recent engagements in Los Angeles, North Carolina, and Vietnam. Prior to his work in public education, Matt started his professional career with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and is a proud Ludwig-Musser performing artist. He is also the recipient of the Canadian Music Educators Association Builder’s Award, the Don Green Award from the Manitoba Band Association, and the Robert Fletcher Prize in Education from the University of Manitoba. Intensely passionate about inspiring the next generation of a musically literate society, Matt is a fervent advocate for the importance of music education, and the continued development of music educators at every level.
Jim Finkbeiner, Calgary (Week 1)
Jim received his Bachelor of Music and Education from the University of Calgary. He spent the last 33 years as Music Director including Henry Wise Wood High School and MidSun Junior High. Jim’s bands have consistently received top awards and honors and have travelled to New York, Disneyland and Hawaii. He was awarded the George Lotzenheiser Band Medal as Most Outstanding Band Director at the Calgary Performing Arts Festival for a three years in a row. In addition, Jim spent 20 years conducting the Westwinds Music Society and as an Adjudicator and Guest Conductor with Banff Music Retreats, in Charles County, Maryland, at Regina’s Optimist Festival, Moose Jaw Lions Band Festival and at the International Music Camp. He continues to perform saxophone with "Penguins on Broadway". Jim has been a steward and advocate for music as member of CADME, AIBF Festival committee, Jazz Education Network and representative on the Fine Arts Standing Committee and Curriculum review committee with the Calgary Board of Education.
Jim received his Bachelor of Music and Education from the University of Calgary. He spent the last 33 years as Music Director including Henry Wise Wood High School and MidSun Junior High. Jim’s bands have consistently received top awards and honors and have travelled to New York, Disneyland and Hawaii. He was awarded the George Lotzenheiser Band Medal as Most Outstanding Band Director at the Calgary Performing Arts Festival for a three years in a row. In addition, Jim spent 20 years conducting the Westwinds Music Society and as an Adjudicator and Guest Conductor with Banff Music Retreats, in Charles County, Maryland, at Regina’s Optimist Festival, Moose Jaw Lions Band Festival and at the International Music Camp. He continues to perform saxophone with "Penguins on Broadway". Jim has been a steward and advocate for music as member of CADME, AIBF Festival committee, Jazz Education Network and representative on the Fine Arts Standing Committee and Curriculum review committee with the Calgary Board of Education.
Wendy Grasdahl, Edmonton (Week 2)
WENDY J. GRASDAHL, M.Mus., d.MFA Wendy Grasdahl is a conductor, trumpet performer, educator and adjudicator. Her professional work encompasses teaching at university and college levels across Canada, military band work and private instruction. As an officer in the Canadian Naval Reserve, Wendy has conducted military bands in Alberta, B.C., Ontario and Nova Scotia. She is in demand as a clinician and guest conductor for school programs, as well as summer music programs, including 12 years at the International Music Camp at the Peace Garden on the Manitoba/U.S. border where she received the Distinguished Service Award for conducting and promoting band in North America. Other awards include: The Faculty Association Excellence in Teaching Award, University of P.E.I.; 2014 City of Edmonton Salute to Excellence Citation Award in Arts & Culture. In 2019 the Alberta Band Association awarded her the “Vondis Miller Legacy” Award. Having appeared as a trumpet soloist and in professional ensembles across Canada, Wendy is a founding member of the brass quintet “Five of a Kind”. She is the founder, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Festival City Winds Music Society which in 2025 will celebrate its 30th season. Wendy is currently Director of Bands and teaches Instrumental Conducting and Brass Techniques at The King's University, Edmonton. She has adjudicated festivals at local, regional, and national levels in 8 provinces to date. Ms. Grasdahl holds a B.Mus. in Music History from the University of Alberta, an M.Mus. in Trumpet Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Calgary, and a graduate level Fine Arts Diploma in Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Conducting and Literature from the University of Calgary.
WENDY J. GRASDAHL, M.Mus., d.MFA Wendy Grasdahl is a conductor, trumpet performer, educator and adjudicator. Her professional work encompasses teaching at university and college levels across Canada, military band work and private instruction. As an officer in the Canadian Naval Reserve, Wendy has conducted military bands in Alberta, B.C., Ontario and Nova Scotia. She is in demand as a clinician and guest conductor for school programs, as well as summer music programs, including 12 years at the International Music Camp at the Peace Garden on the Manitoba/U.S. border where she received the Distinguished Service Award for conducting and promoting band in North America. Other awards include: The Faculty Association Excellence in Teaching Award, University of P.E.I.; 2014 City of Edmonton Salute to Excellence Citation Award in Arts & Culture. In 2019 the Alberta Band Association awarded her the “Vondis Miller Legacy” Award. Having appeared as a trumpet soloist and in professional ensembles across Canada, Wendy is a founding member of the brass quintet “Five of a Kind”. She is the founder, Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Festival City Winds Music Society which in 2025 will celebrate its 30th season. Wendy is currently Director of Bands and teaches Instrumental Conducting and Brass Techniques at The King's University, Edmonton. She has adjudicated festivals at local, regional, and national levels in 8 provinces to date. Ms. Grasdahl holds a B.Mus. in Music History from the University of Alberta, an M.Mus. in Trumpet Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Calgary, and a graduate level Fine Arts Diploma in Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble Conducting and Literature from the University of Calgary.
Chris Herard, Calgary (Week 2)
Chris Herard is an educator, consultant, performer, director and keynote speaker on servant leadership. He currently is serving as Consultant, Fine and Performing Arts, K-12 CSSD, in Calgary, Canada where he oversees arts education in 118 schools for 50,000+ students. Previous to this position Chris was Director of Bands at Bishop Carroll High School. He has adjudicated and guest conducted in the Netherlands, Thailand, Brazil, Germany, Denmark, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Italy, USA and across Canada. In 2017 Chris conducted the Bishop Carroll High School Virtuosi Strings at the prestigious “Midwest Clinic” in Chicago, IL. In 2022, Chris was awarded the Canadian Band Association’s “Community Builder Award”, recognizing his contributions to the band community in Canada. Chris is a founding member of CADME, as well as SLAM, he founded Band Directors United, is a member of CARAS, the Alberta Band Association, the AIBF, Phi Beta Mu and WAMSB.
Chris Herard is an educator, consultant, performer, director and keynote speaker on servant leadership. He currently is serving as Consultant, Fine and Performing Arts, K-12 CSSD, in Calgary, Canada where he oversees arts education in 118 schools for 50,000+ students. Previous to this position Chris was Director of Bands at Bishop Carroll High School. He has adjudicated and guest conducted in the Netherlands, Thailand, Brazil, Germany, Denmark, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Italy, USA and across Canada. In 2017 Chris conducted the Bishop Carroll High School Virtuosi Strings at the prestigious “Midwest Clinic” in Chicago, IL. In 2022, Chris was awarded the Canadian Band Association’s “Community Builder Award”, recognizing his contributions to the band community in Canada. Chris is a founding member of CADME, as well as SLAM, he founded Band Directors United, is a member of CARAS, the Alberta Band Association, the AIBF, Phi Beta Mu and WAMSB.
Dr. Gerald King, Victoria (Week 2)
Dr. Gerald King is Professor Emeritus of Music in the School of Music at the University of Victoria. Internationally recognized as one of Canada’s most respected conductors, adjudicators, educators and keynote speakers, Dr. King is the recipient of numerous prestigious honours and awards. King’s background is varied—he is equally comfortable conducting Wind Ensembles, Orchestras, and Choirs. He is a former student of internationally renowned conductor, Maestro Kazuyoshi Akiyama. His conducting appearances with Regional, National, International Honour, and Professional Ensembles have been praised for performance quality, artistry, and creativity. In addition to conducting, King has many years experience performing as a professional clarinetist. His professional career has taken him throughout Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Hong Kong, Australia, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Dr. King is a Yamaha Artist Educator/Conductor. “As a conductor/educator, I strive to guide each individual and ensemble to reach their own best creative potential.” G. King
Dr. Gerald King is Professor Emeritus of Music in the School of Music at the University of Victoria. Internationally recognized as one of Canada’s most respected conductors, adjudicators, educators and keynote speakers, Dr. King is the recipient of numerous prestigious honours and awards. King’s background is varied—he is equally comfortable conducting Wind Ensembles, Orchestras, and Choirs. He is a former student of internationally renowned conductor, Maestro Kazuyoshi Akiyama. His conducting appearances with Regional, National, International Honour, and Professional Ensembles have been praised for performance quality, artistry, and creativity. In addition to conducting, King has many years experience performing as a professional clarinetist. His professional career has taken him throughout Canada, the United States, Great Britain, Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Hong Kong, Australia, Switzerland, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Dr. King is a Yamaha Artist Educator/Conductor. “As a conductor/educator, I strive to guide each individual and ensemble to reach their own best creative potential.” G. King
Kathie Van Lare, Okotoks (Week 1)
Kathie Van Lare, born and raised in Calgary, has been teaching music in the Calgary area for 35 years. Active as a guest conductor and adjudicator throughout much of Western Canada Kathie also directs two area community bands: Foothills Music Society Concert Band and the Westwinds Music Society Gold Jazz South Big Band. Kathie is currently Co-President of Women Band Directors International – Alberta Chapter and is also Director of the newly formed Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra. Bands under Kathie’s direction have been the recipients of several awards and she has been the recipient of various personal awards. From the Alberta Band Association: the “Elkhorn Award” as the Band Director of the Year, the “Vondis Miller Legacy Award” and an ABA Honorary Lifetime Membership. She’s a Laureate in John Philip Sousa Legion of Honor and also received the “Scroll of Excellence” from Women Band Directors International“. Besides music, Kathie enjoys woodworking, golf and is an avid baseball fan. Go Cardinals!
Kathie Van Lare, born and raised in Calgary, has been teaching music in the Calgary area for 35 years. Active as a guest conductor and adjudicator throughout much of Western Canada Kathie also directs two area community bands: Foothills Music Society Concert Band and the Westwinds Music Society Gold Jazz South Big Band. Kathie is currently Co-President of Women Band Directors International – Alberta Chapter and is also Director of the newly formed Calgary Women’s Jazz Orchestra. Bands under Kathie’s direction have been the recipients of several awards and she has been the recipient of various personal awards. From the Alberta Band Association: the “Elkhorn Award” as the Band Director of the Year, the “Vondis Miller Legacy Award” and an ABA Honorary Lifetime Membership. She’s a Laureate in John Philip Sousa Legion of Honor and also received the “Scroll of Excellence” from Women Band Directors International“. Besides music, Kathie enjoys woodworking, golf and is an avid baseball fan. Go Cardinals!
Taina Lorenz, Edmonton (Week 1)
Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, this self-proclaimed “band geek” earned her PhD in Music Education and Cognition, and Wind Conducting from the University of Washington in Seattle. Taina also holds a Master of Music in Wind Conducting and Music History and a Bachelor of Education in Music Education from the University of Alberta.
As Executive Director of the Cosmopolitan Music Society, Taina oversees all aspects of music performance and programming. She has introduced unique and innovative adult music education programs that include a levelled Beginner band program, modern and classic jazz ensembles, handbells, and multi-disciplinary collaborations.
With her personable manner, strong communication skills, and over 25 years of classroom experience teaching music from kindergarten to adult levels, Taina is a consummate educator. She consistently applies her skills and experience as a conductor and brass player, and is a frequent clinician and guest conductor in Canada and the United States.
Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, this self-proclaimed “band geek” earned her PhD in Music Education and Cognition, and Wind Conducting from the University of Washington in Seattle. Taina also holds a Master of Music in Wind Conducting and Music History and a Bachelor of Education in Music Education from the University of Alberta.
As Executive Director of the Cosmopolitan Music Society, Taina oversees all aspects of music performance and programming. She has introduced unique and innovative adult music education programs that include a levelled Beginner band program, modern and classic jazz ensembles, handbells, and multi-disciplinary collaborations.
With her personable manner, strong communication skills, and over 25 years of classroom experience teaching music from kindergarten to adult levels, Taina is a consummate educator. She consistently applies her skills and experience as a conductor and brass player, and is a frequent clinician and guest conductor in Canada and the United States.
Chee Men Low, Lethbridge/Malaysia (Week 1)
Chee Meng LOW has a multifaceted career spanning conducting, education, administration, and saxophone performance in orchestral, chamber, and solo settings. Presently serving as an Associate Professor of Music at UCSI University Malaysia, Chee Meng holds a tenured position as a faculty member and Wind Orchestra Director at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta. In this role, he conducted the Wind Orchestra, instructed saxophone performance, conducting, and musicianship skills, and collaborated with ensembles such as the Edmonton Saxophone Quartet and U of L Faculty Wind Sextet. A passionate advocate for music education, Chee Meng has been actively involved as an executive director and programs chair of the Alberta Band Association and as one of the founding members of the Alberta Music Advocacy Alliance. Chee Meng LOW is an artist-educator for Yamaha Music Ltd.
Chee Meng LOW has a multifaceted career spanning conducting, education, administration, and saxophone performance in orchestral, chamber, and solo settings. Presently serving as an Associate Professor of Music at UCSI University Malaysia, Chee Meng holds a tenured position as a faculty member and Wind Orchestra Director at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta. In this role, he conducted the Wind Orchestra, instructed saxophone performance, conducting, and musicianship skills, and collaborated with ensembles such as the Edmonton Saxophone Quartet and U of L Faculty Wind Sextet. A passionate advocate for music education, Chee Meng has been actively involved as an executive director and programs chair of the Alberta Band Association and as one of the founding members of the Alberta Music Advocacy Alliance. Chee Meng LOW is an artist-educator for Yamaha Music Ltd.
Ross McIntyre, Calgary (Week 2)
Ross McIntyre has been a conductor/educator within the Westwinds Music Society adult band organization in Calgary since 1992. He retired from The Calgary Board of Education in 2019 after thirty years of teaching both junior and senior high school music and is currently teaching for Mount Royal University, (Custom Music Workshops) as teacher mentor, guest conductor and trumpet clinician. Ross continues to be active throughout western Canada adjudicating music festivals.
In 1993, Ross received the "Excellence in Teaching Award" from the Alberta government and in 2001 received the "Tommy Banks Award" for his contribution to Jazz education. Ross was honoured in 2006 as one of the University of Calgary's "Top Forty Alumni”. In 2013, Ross was awarded by the Canadian Government with the Prime Minister’s Award for teaching excellence.
Along with friend and co-producer, Samantha Whelan Kotkas, Ross received funding from the Canadian Space Agency to create and produce "From Blue To Red" - a hard cover children's book and interactive online e-book. The book was written and illustrated by Lord Beaverbrook High School students whom were inspired by several professional mentors from across Canada. "From Blue To Red" features the narration of Jazz legend, Diana Krall and three Canadian astronauts: Dr. Robert Thirsk, Julie Payette and David Saint- Jacques. The e-book continues to live online in both English and French at: www.frombluetored.net or www.dubleuaurouge.net. "From Blue to Red" was chosen as the recipient of the 2013 Award for "Best Children's and Young Adult Book of the Year" among Alberta Publishers.
Ross McIntyre has been a conductor/educator within the Westwinds Music Society adult band organization in Calgary since 1992. He retired from The Calgary Board of Education in 2019 after thirty years of teaching both junior and senior high school music and is currently teaching for Mount Royal University, (Custom Music Workshops) as teacher mentor, guest conductor and trumpet clinician. Ross continues to be active throughout western Canada adjudicating music festivals.
In 1993, Ross received the "Excellence in Teaching Award" from the Alberta government and in 2001 received the "Tommy Banks Award" for his contribution to Jazz education. Ross was honoured in 2006 as one of the University of Calgary's "Top Forty Alumni”. In 2013, Ross was awarded by the Canadian Government with the Prime Minister’s Award for teaching excellence.
Along with friend and co-producer, Samantha Whelan Kotkas, Ross received funding from the Canadian Space Agency to create and produce "From Blue To Red" - a hard cover children's book and interactive online e-book. The book was written and illustrated by Lord Beaverbrook High School students whom were inspired by several professional mentors from across Canada. "From Blue To Red" features the narration of Jazz legend, Diana Krall and three Canadian astronauts: Dr. Robert Thirsk, Julie Payette and David Saint- Jacques. The e-book continues to live online in both English and French at: www.frombluetored.net or www.dubleuaurouge.net. "From Blue to Red" was chosen as the recipient of the 2013 Award for "Best Children's and Young Adult Book of the Year" among Alberta Publishers.
Ken Rogers, Lethbridge (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. Mark Tse, Saskatoon (Week 2)
Dr. Mark Tse is a Canadian conductor and educator, serving as Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education at the University of Saskatchewan, and settler living on the Treaty Six Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. He conducts the University’s Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra and is an instructor of conducting, instrumental music teaching in secondary schools, and guitar pedagogy. Dr. Tse holds a doctorate in Wind Ensemble Conducting from the University of Washington, a Master of Music (Wind Ensemble Conducting) from the New England Conservatory, a Master of Music (Music Education) from the University of Western Ontario, as well as a Bachelor of Music (Music Education) and a Bachelor of Education (Instrumental Music) from the University of Toronto.
Dr. Mark Tse is a Canadian conductor and educator, serving as Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education at the University of Saskatchewan, and settler living on the Treaty Six Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. He conducts the University’s Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra and is an instructor of conducting, instrumental music teaching in secondary schools, and guitar pedagogy. Dr. Tse holds a doctorate in Wind Ensemble Conducting from the University of Washington, a Master of Music (Wind Ensemble Conducting) from the New England Conservatory, a Master of Music (Music Education) from the University of Western Ontario, as well as a Bachelor of Music (Music Education) and a Bachelor of Education (Instrumental Music) from the University of Toronto.