Adjudicators
Adjudicators
2025 Festival Adjudicators
Mark Caswell, Markham, ON (Week 1)
Mark recently retired after a lifetime career of teaching music at Markham District High School. Mark is a founding member of the Ontario Band Association, serving as President as well as the OBA Provincial Festival Coordinator for 22 years, receiving an Honorary Lifetime Membership Award. As recognition for his years of leadership and volunteer activities, Mark was privileged to be presented with the Canadian Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by The Chancellery of Honours, Rideau Hall, Ottawa. Mark is now an Artist Educator with Yamaha Music Canada. He has also been an active adjudicator at festivals including Musicfest Canada this past year. In his own community, Mark is the new Music Director with the Northdale Concert Band as well as the Unionville Theatre Company. Mark is a member of the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Association and is excited to be participating in the Alberta Festival of Bands this year.
Mark recently retired after a lifetime career of teaching music at Markham District High School. Mark is a founding member of the Ontario Band Association, serving as President as well as the OBA Provincial Festival Coordinator for 22 years, receiving an Honorary Lifetime Membership Award. As recognition for his years of leadership and volunteer activities, Mark was privileged to be presented with the Canadian Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers by The Chancellery of Honours, Rideau Hall, Ottawa. Mark is now an Artist Educator with Yamaha Music Canada. He has also been an active adjudicator at festivals including Musicfest Canada this past year. In his own community, Mark is the new Music Director with the Northdale Concert Band as well as the Unionville Theatre Company. Mark is a member of the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Association and is excited to be participating in the Alberta Festival of Bands this year.
Colin Clarke, Toronto, ON (Week 1)
A recipient of the Clifford Evans Award for Conducting, Colin Clarke’s credits include collaboration with world-renowned artists and ensembles including the United States Air Force Band of Liberty in Boston, Massachusetts, the Canadian Brass, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States. Colin has led the Provincial Honour Bands of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island, and also served as Conductor of the prestigious National Youth Band of Canada. Abroad, Colin has led performances in the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria, Bulgaria, Spain and China. With a passion for music education and outreach, Colin remains active as a conductor, guest lecturer, clinician, adjudicator and composer/arranger. He received the Lifetime Membership Award from the Ontario Band Association for his contributions to music and music education in Ontario. Colin is Founder and Artistic Director of the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra, Music Director of the Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra, and is the newly-appointed Artistic Director of the Oscar Peterson Program at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
A recipient of the Clifford Evans Award for Conducting, Colin Clarke’s credits include collaboration with world-renowned artists and ensembles including the United States Air Force Band of Liberty in Boston, Massachusetts, the Canadian Brass, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the official fanfare ensemble for the President of the United States. Colin has led the Provincial Honour Bands of Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Prince Edward Island, and also served as Conductor of the prestigious National Youth Band of Canada. Abroad, Colin has led performances in the United States, the United Kingdom, Austria, Bulgaria, Spain and China. With a passion for music education and outreach, Colin remains active as a conductor, guest lecturer, clinician, adjudicator and composer/arranger. He received the Lifetime Membership Award from the Ontario Band Association for his contributions to music and music education in Ontario. Colin is Founder and Artistic Director of the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra, Music Director of the Oakville Symphony Youth Orchestra, and is the newly-appointed Artistic Director of the Oscar Peterson Program at the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Cheryl Ferguson, Winnipeg, MB (Week 2)
Cheryl Ferguson received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance (French horn) and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Mary (Bismarck, ND). She has also done graduate work at Southern Oregon University, and has earned a Master in Curriculum Studies (Music Education) at Acadia University (Nova Scotia). Cheryl has taught music at every level, including K-6 general music classes, ten years running junior high band programs, and has been in her current position as Director of Bands at Fort Richmond Collegiate since 2006. Cheryl has also been the Director of Concert Band at Canadian Mennonite University for the past 8 years. Cheryl has completed the Canadian Wind Conductor’s Development Program Levels I and II. She is active as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor, including conducting the 2010 Manitoba Junior Provincial Honour Band, the 2017 Manitoba Intermediate Honour Band, and many regional Honour Bands across the Prairies. She has adjudicated at band and chamber music festivals across the Prairie Provinces and in North Dakota. She has also been a guest conductor for the Red Deer College Adult Concert Band, the Alberta Youth Wind Symphony, the Regina Catholic Schools Honour Band, and for the Prairielands Jazz Camp. The Fort Richmond Collegiate band program, under Cheryl's direction, was awarded the Don Green Award at the 2011 Optimist Band Festival in Winnipeg. In 2013, Cheryl received the Manitoba Band Association Award of Distinction recognizing an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to music education in Manitoba. In 2014, she received the I. Keith Mann Outstanding Band Director Award, national recognition given to one band director in Canada per year. Cheryl was also awarded the Community Hero Award from the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in 2018. Cheryl serves as French horn instructor at Canadian Mennonite University, and maintains a private studio of private French horn students. She continues to perform with the Winnipeg Wind Ensemble and the Ferguson Family Brass Quartet. She has conducted the Adult Advanced Band at International Music Camp for many years. In 2023, Cheryl was awarded the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to the community and prioritizes volunteerism in her free time.
Cheryl Ferguson received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance (French horn) and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Mary (Bismarck, ND). She has also done graduate work at Southern Oregon University, and has earned a Master in Curriculum Studies (Music Education) at Acadia University (Nova Scotia). Cheryl has taught music at every level, including K-6 general music classes, ten years running junior high band programs, and has been in her current position as Director of Bands at Fort Richmond Collegiate since 2006. Cheryl has also been the Director of Concert Band at Canadian Mennonite University for the past 8 years. Cheryl has completed the Canadian Wind Conductor’s Development Program Levels I and II. She is active as a clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor, including conducting the 2010 Manitoba Junior Provincial Honour Band, the 2017 Manitoba Intermediate Honour Band, and many regional Honour Bands across the Prairies. She has adjudicated at band and chamber music festivals across the Prairie Provinces and in North Dakota. She has also been a guest conductor for the Red Deer College Adult Concert Band, the Alberta Youth Wind Symphony, the Regina Catholic Schools Honour Band, and for the Prairielands Jazz Camp. The Fort Richmond Collegiate band program, under Cheryl's direction, was awarded the Don Green Award at the 2011 Optimist Band Festival in Winnipeg. In 2013, Cheryl received the Manitoba Band Association Award of Distinction recognizing an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to music education in Manitoba. In 2014, she received the I. Keith Mann Outstanding Band Director Award, national recognition given to one band director in Canada per year. Cheryl was also awarded the Community Hero Award from the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in 2018. Cheryl serves as French horn instructor at Canadian Mennonite University, and maintains a private studio of private French horn students. She continues to perform with the Winnipeg Wind Ensemble and the Ferguson Family Brass Quartet. She has conducted the Adult Advanced Band at International Music Camp for many years. In 2023, Cheryl was awarded the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to the community and prioritizes volunteerism in her free time.
Nicole Haycock, Rocky View (Week 2)
Nicole proudly holds a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary. She taught secondary music for the Calgary Board of Education for 32 years. School bands under her direction were the recipients of numerous awards including Most Outstanding Performance Awards from various music festivals. Nicole’s dedication and excellence has been recognized with top honors including: the 2024 Elkhorn Music Director of the Year Award, the 2010 Alberta Excellence in Teaching Award, and the 1996 Pan Canadian Teaching Award. Nicole has been the Coordinator of the Calgary Regional Summer Band Workshop since 1990 connecting outstanding music educators with over 6000 young musicians. She believes strongly in supporting our music community and has contributed to Phi Beta Mu, CADME, AIBF and adjudicated the Calgary Stampede Parade for 17 years. Nicole has thoroughly enjoyed performing with the Westwinds Wind Orchestra, Cappy Smart Band and currently the Foothills Music Society. Recently retired, Nicole continues to support her peers and their students by guest conducting, teaching brass masterclasses and adjudicating music festivals. A lifelong learner, she actively seeks professional development opportunities to continuously build her abilities to inspire students.
Nicole proudly holds a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Calgary. She taught secondary music for the Calgary Board of Education for 32 years. School bands under her direction were the recipients of numerous awards including Most Outstanding Performance Awards from various music festivals. Nicole’s dedication and excellence has been recognized with top honors including: the 2024 Elkhorn Music Director of the Year Award, the 2010 Alberta Excellence in Teaching Award, and the 1996 Pan Canadian Teaching Award. Nicole has been the Coordinator of the Calgary Regional Summer Band Workshop since 1990 connecting outstanding music educators with over 6000 young musicians. She believes strongly in supporting our music community and has contributed to Phi Beta Mu, CADME, AIBF and adjudicated the Calgary Stampede Parade for 17 years. Nicole has thoroughly enjoyed performing with the Westwinds Wind Orchestra, Cappy Smart Band and currently the Foothills Music Society. Recently retired, Nicole continues to support her peers and their students by guest conducting, teaching brass masterclasses and adjudicating music festivals. A lifelong learner, she actively seeks professional development opportunities to continuously build her abilities to inspire students.
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.
Brent Pierce, Okotoks, AB (Week 1)
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 (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.
Rob Speers, Edmonton, AB (Week 1 & 2)
Rob Speers, born and raised in Edmonton, recently retired after 44 years of music education. Most of that at Harry Ainlay HS where he conducted the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Concert Choir and Jazz Choir. Ensembles under his direction were consistently successful at local, provincial, national and international levels. Rob is currently the vice-president of the Alberta International Band Festival and has been on the board of Music Alberta, Edmonton Wind Sinfonia and the Alberta Band Association. He is a member of the honorary band fraternity Phi Beta Mu and has received the Elkhorn Award, David Peterkin Award, Vondis Miller Legacy Award, John Phillip Sousa Legion of Honor Award, Alberta Culture Citation Award and the Tommy Banks Award. Rob remains active as a conductor, adjudicator, trumpet player, clinician, and sessional instructor at MacEwan University. Married to Dorothy Speers, they have three children and 6 grandchildren. When Rob and Dot have free time, the family can be found relaxing with a glass of wine at their cottage on Moose Lake, in northern Alberta.
Rob Speers, born and raised in Edmonton, recently retired after 44 years of music education. Most of that at Harry Ainlay HS where he conducted the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Bands, Concert Choir and Jazz Choir. Ensembles under his direction were consistently successful at local, provincial, national and international levels. Rob is currently the vice-president of the Alberta International Band Festival and has been on the board of Music Alberta, Edmonton Wind Sinfonia and the Alberta Band Association. He is a member of the honorary band fraternity Phi Beta Mu and has received the Elkhorn Award, David Peterkin Award, Vondis Miller Legacy Award, John Phillip Sousa Legion of Honor Award, Alberta Culture Citation Award and the Tommy Banks Award. Rob remains active as a conductor, adjudicator, trumpet player, clinician, and sessional instructor at MacEwan University. Married to Dorothy Speers, they have three children and 6 grandchildren. When Rob and Dot have free time, the family can be found relaxing with a glass of wine at their cottage on Moose Lake, in northern Alberta.
Carol Thurgood, Edmonton, AB (Week 2)
Carol Thurgood has been a music educator for over 30 years, teaching students ranging in age from elementary to post-secondary. Her school bands regularly received Superior ratings at provincial and regional festivals, and she is a proud member of Phi Beta Mu, the Alberta Chapter of the International Fraternity of Bandmasters. After 26 years in the classroom, Carol was seconded to Alberta Education where she contributed to the development of the updated secondary music curriculum. She has been teaching the Brass Techniques course at the University of Alberta for 15 years, and since retiring, Carol provides support to pre-service music teachers during their field experience practicums in her role as University Facilitator at the U of A. Carol also guest conducts and works as a French horn clinician, in addition to her work at the U of A and owning and operating Brandenburg Music with her husband Brian. She has played horn with the Edmonton Winds for over 30 years, and has performed with many other groups, including the Edmonton Symphony, St. Alberta Children’s Theatre, MacEwan University theatre, Opera Nuova, Alberta Philharmonic, Concordia Orchestra and The Mill Creek Colliery Band.
Carol Thurgood has been a music educator for over 30 years, teaching students ranging in age from elementary to post-secondary. Her school bands regularly received Superior ratings at provincial and regional festivals, and she is a proud member of Phi Beta Mu, the Alberta Chapter of the International Fraternity of Bandmasters. After 26 years in the classroom, Carol was seconded to Alberta Education where she contributed to the development of the updated secondary music curriculum. She has been teaching the Brass Techniques course at the University of Alberta for 15 years, and since retiring, Carol provides support to pre-service music teachers during their field experience practicums in her role as University Facilitator at the U of A. Carol also guest conducts and works as a French horn clinician, in addition to her work at the U of A and owning and operating Brandenburg Music with her husband Brian. She has played horn with the Edmonton Winds for over 30 years, and has performed with many other groups, including the Edmonton Symphony, St. Alberta Children’s Theatre, MacEwan University theatre, Opera Nuova, Alberta Philharmonic, Concordia Orchestra and The Mill Creek Colliery Band.
Dr. Wendy Zander, Brandon, MB (Week 2)
Dr. Wendy Zander is the Instrumental Music Education Specialist and conductor of the Symphonic Band at Brandon University where she teaches courses in music education and conducting. Work as an adjudicator and clinician for concert and jazz ensembles has taken her across Canada and the United States. She serves as conductor for university, community, and military ensembles, and has conducted junior high and high school regional, provincial, and state honor bands as well as the National Youth Band of Canada. Wendy is the advisor of the Brandon University Student Music Educators Association (BUSMEA). She was Lead Writer of the Manitoba Grade 9-12 Music Curriculum Framework, has published in Canadian Winds, and is a regular contributor to the Teaching Music Through Performance series. A former President of the MBA and CBA, she is an Educational Clinician for the Conn-Selmer Division of Education and recipient of the CBA’s National Band Award. Zander, active as a conductor and clinician, investigates areas related to teaching and learning, conducting, and instrumental literature as curriculum in the music classroom.
Dr. Wendy Zander is the Instrumental Music Education Specialist and conductor of the Symphonic Band at Brandon University where she teaches courses in music education and conducting. Work as an adjudicator and clinician for concert and jazz ensembles has taken her across Canada and the United States. She serves as conductor for university, community, and military ensembles, and has conducted junior high and high school regional, provincial, and state honor bands as well as the National Youth Band of Canada. Wendy is the advisor of the Brandon University Student Music Educators Association (BUSMEA). She was Lead Writer of the Manitoba Grade 9-12 Music Curriculum Framework, has published in Canadian Winds, and is a regular contributor to the Teaching Music Through Performance series. A former President of the MBA and CBA, she is an Educational Clinician for the Conn-Selmer Division of Education and recipient of the CBA’s National Band Award. Zander, active as a conductor and clinician, investigates areas related to teaching and learning, conducting, and instrumental literature as curriculum in the music classroom.