The 2023 Guest Conductor will be Verna Ahner
Verna Ahner teaches at Springbank Middle School in the Rocky View School division. She is a clinician, mentor, adjudicator, and guest conductor in the Calgary area. In her 30-year career, she built successful music education programs in Spirit River, Airdrie and Springbank Alberta. Her teaching empowers young people to make music and create lasting communities and her bands have earned top awards at the provincial and national level. She was the recipient of the 2015 Mensa Canada Distinguished Educator Award. Verna has conducted bands and orchestras from elementary to professional. Her passion is creating independent musicians who make quality music together. Verna holds music degrees from USask and UCalgary and a M. Ed in Music Education from UVic. She believes in the power of music to create community and connection in this disconnected age and looks forward to welcoming students to the Alberta Band community.
Past Conductors
Southern Alberta Junior Honour Band
2020 - Rob Speers, Edmonton 2019 - Jennifer Mann, Red Deer 2018 - Jayne Montgomery, Edmonton 2015 - David Grimstead 2014 - Roberta Baril, Edmonton 2013 - Victor Lopez 2012 - Rita Burns, Edmonton 2007 - Bob Bailey, Camrose 2000 - Dennis Beck |
Northern Alberta Junior Honour Band
2020 - Nicole Haycock, Calgary 2019 - Ken Rogers, Lethbridge 2018 - Jane McLauchlin, Calgary 2017 - Sarah Drew, Calgary 2016 - Kevin Willms, Calgary 2013 - Martin Kennedy, Okotoks 2007 - Brian Thorlacius, Calgary 2003 - Gillian MacKay, Toronto 2002 - Robert McLeod 2001 - Barry Valleau |
Alberta Junior Honour Band
2022 - Roberta Baril, Edmonton Central Alberta Junior Honour Band 2020 - Brian Uzick, Okotoks |