Alberta Music Educators Summit
Sessions Presenters
Co-Presented by The Alberta Band Association, Alberta Music Education Foundation, Alberta Registered Music Teachers' Association
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Sarah Batchelor, Airdrie, AB
Sarah Batchelor graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education in 2000. She has taught Band, Choir, Jazz Band, and Elementary Music in 3 different school divisions, currently calling Rocky View Schools home. She considers herself a conductor, pianist, 2nd soprano, percussionist and brass musician and embraces her neuro-spicey-ness in all aspects of her life. Sarah is open about her journey to find a diagnosis of ADHD and Autism, and her mental health struggles because she has learned that “living out loud “ gives others permission to be open and honest as well. Music is a powerful tool for making the world a better place and Ms. Seymour is blessed to be living her best life making music with musicians of all ages.
Sarah Batchelor graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education in 2000. She has taught Band, Choir, Jazz Band, and Elementary Music in 3 different school divisions, currently calling Rocky View Schools home. She considers herself a conductor, pianist, 2nd soprano, percussionist and brass musician and embraces her neuro-spicey-ness in all aspects of her life. Sarah is open about her journey to find a diagnosis of ADHD and Autism, and her mental health struggles because she has learned that “living out loud “ gives others permission to be open and honest as well. Music is a powerful tool for making the world a better place and Ms. Seymour is blessed to be living her best life making music with musicians of all ages.
Leah Callao
Leah Callao is a voice and piano teacher with over 10 years of experience and has worked as a music therapist for the past 7 years, supporting individuals with mental health, neurodiverse, developmental, and dementia-related needs. She is currently completing her Master of Counselling and works as an associate at Core Psychology, where she supports individuals navigating anxiety, depression, grief, and interpersonal and intergenerational challenges. She also hopes to expand her work to support first responders and their families, as this is something dear to her heart.A growing passion in Leah’s work is supporting musicians experiencing performance anxiety. Having experienced significant performance anxiety herself, she understands the emotional and physiological impact it can have on performers. Drawing from her background in music, therapy, and counselling, Leah brings a compassionate and practical approach focused on emotional resilience, nervous system regulation, self-awareness, and sustainable wellbeing for musicians both on and off the stage.
Leah Callao is a voice and piano teacher with over 10 years of experience and has worked as a music therapist for the past 7 years, supporting individuals with mental health, neurodiverse, developmental, and dementia-related needs. She is currently completing her Master of Counselling and works as an associate at Core Psychology, where she supports individuals navigating anxiety, depression, grief, and interpersonal and intergenerational challenges. She also hopes to expand her work to support first responders and their families, as this is something dear to her heart.A growing passion in Leah’s work is supporting musicians experiencing performance anxiety. Having experienced significant performance anxiety herself, she understands the emotional and physiological impact it can have on performers. Drawing from her background in music, therapy, and counselling, Leah brings a compassionate and practical approach focused on emotional resilience, nervous system regulation, self-awareness, and sustainable wellbeing for musicians both on and off the stage.
Charles E. Charles
Charles E. Charles taught elementary, junior high and senior high band in schools in Ottawa and Calgary for over 36 years. Concurrently, as a member of the Canadian Forces reserves, he served as a musician in and bandmaster of Ottawa’s H.M.C.S. Carleton Band and the King’s Own Calgary Regiment Band. It was his experience with both the school and military band traditions that led, in the 1990s, to the discovery, study and collection of historical Canadian literature for band dating from 1791 to the present. He has contributed articles to the CBA (Ontario) Fanfare magazine, the Canadian Band Journal and Canadian Winds magazine. He was a contributor to the Canadian Musical Heritage Society’s Music for Winds: Bands volume and was briefly contracted by the Department of National Defence to provide critical editions of historical Canadian band music to the CF band branch. He has been a speaker at the Calgary City Teacher’s Convention and a participant in the University of Calgary’s Wind Conducting Diploma Program.
Charles E. Charles taught elementary, junior high and senior high band in schools in Ottawa and Calgary for over 36 years. Concurrently, as a member of the Canadian Forces reserves, he served as a musician in and bandmaster of Ottawa’s H.M.C.S. Carleton Band and the King’s Own Calgary Regiment Band. It was his experience with both the school and military band traditions that led, in the 1990s, to the discovery, study and collection of historical Canadian literature for band dating from 1791 to the present. He has contributed articles to the CBA (Ontario) Fanfare magazine, the Canadian Band Journal and Canadian Winds magazine. He was a contributor to the Canadian Musical Heritage Society’s Music for Winds: Bands volume and was briefly contracted by the Department of National Defence to provide critical editions of historical Canadian band music to the CF band branch. He has been a speaker at the Calgary City Teacher’s Convention and a participant in the University of Calgary’s Wind Conducting Diploma Program.
Jerrold Dubyk, Edmonton, AB
Jerrold Dubyk, an Edmonton-based jazz saxophonist and composer, balances a vibrant performance career with a dedication to music education. His distinct, warm tone marks his playing. Dubyk's pursuit of musical depth led him to currently study with Branford Marsalis, who emphasizes the importance of mastering tradition for innovative sound.Dubyk directs music at Strathcona High School and teaches jazz saxophone at MacEwan University, shaping the next generation of musicians. His commitment to education is as strong as his artistry. He’s proud to be the 2025 ABA Jazz Educator of the Year and very proud that the Scona Jazz Ensemble has won the AIBF Rose Bowl four times since 2017.His recordings have earned him a Western Canadian Music Award for "Best Jazz Recording," along with additional nominations. He was also recognized by Edify Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 for his significant contributions to Edmonton's jazz and music education scenes.
Jerrold Dubyk, an Edmonton-based jazz saxophonist and composer, balances a vibrant performance career with a dedication to music education. His distinct, warm tone marks his playing. Dubyk's pursuit of musical depth led him to currently study with Branford Marsalis, who emphasizes the importance of mastering tradition for innovative sound.Dubyk directs music at Strathcona High School and teaches jazz saxophone at MacEwan University, shaping the next generation of musicians. His commitment to education is as strong as his artistry. He’s proud to be the 2025 ABA Jazz Educator of the Year and very proud that the Scona Jazz Ensemble has won the AIBF Rose Bowl four times since 2017.His recordings have earned him a Western Canadian Music Award for "Best Jazz Recording," along with additional nominations. He was also recognized by Edify Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 for his significant contributions to Edmonton's jazz and music education scenes.
Ina Dykstra
Ina Dykstra received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Alberta, where she studied with Ernesto Lejano, Dr. Helmut Brauss and Isobel Rolston. She then went on to complete Graduate Degree courses in Art Song, Collaborative Piano, Chamber Music and Solo Performance.
Ina also holds a degree in Music Therapy from Capilano College in Vancouver, and has worked with a wide variety of students of all ages and abilities. She is a composer of many solo piano works, which can be found in the “Let’s Play” series of books, Preparatory to Advanced levels. She has more than 50 years of experience as a performer, clinician, RCM examiner, adjudicator and teacher.
Ina is happy to have recently been certified as an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques, or “Tapping”) practitioner, which gives her another powerful tool to work with in the studio and in her own life.
Ms. Dykstra has a deep commitment to furthering musical education and creativity while also working with subconscious beliefs that might prevent us from being our best selves.
Ina Dykstra received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Alberta, where she studied with Ernesto Lejano, Dr. Helmut Brauss and Isobel Rolston. She then went on to complete Graduate Degree courses in Art Song, Collaborative Piano, Chamber Music and Solo Performance.
Ina also holds a degree in Music Therapy from Capilano College in Vancouver, and has worked with a wide variety of students of all ages and abilities. She is a composer of many solo piano works, which can be found in the “Let’s Play” series of books, Preparatory to Advanced levels. She has more than 50 years of experience as a performer, clinician, RCM examiner, adjudicator and teacher.
Ina is happy to have recently been certified as an EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques, or “Tapping”) practitioner, which gives her another powerful tool to work with in the studio and in her own life.
Ms. Dykstra has a deep commitment to furthering musical education and creativity while also working with subconscious beliefs that might prevent us from being our best selves.
Cheryl Emery-Karapita
Canadian Pianist Cheryl Emery-Karapita specializes in the field of song in recital with Canadian vocal and instrumental talent. After completing a M.Mus in Vocal Operatic Coaching at McGill, Cheryl moved to Europe to pursue a Post-Graduate degree in Concert Collaborative Piano with Julius Drake at the Kunst Universität in Graz, Austria. In addition to studies in Graz, Cheryl spent two summers in Baden bei Wien working with Helmut Deutsch, Roger Vignoles, Rudolph Jansen and Wolfram Rieger at the Franz Schubert-Institut. Current activities include recital and recording projects, teaching students at Lethbridge Piano Intensive and CASA Art Centre, collaborating with Mezzo Soprano Liesel Fedkenheuer (Calgary), Ventus Women’s Choir (Lethbridge), Juno nominated Luminous Voices (Calgary), and Fourtitude (Lethbridge).
Canadian Pianist Cheryl Emery-Karapita specializes in the field of song in recital with Canadian vocal and instrumental talent. After completing a M.Mus in Vocal Operatic Coaching at McGill, Cheryl moved to Europe to pursue a Post-Graduate degree in Concert Collaborative Piano with Julius Drake at the Kunst Universität in Graz, Austria. In addition to studies in Graz, Cheryl spent two summers in Baden bei Wien working with Helmut Deutsch, Roger Vignoles, Rudolph Jansen and Wolfram Rieger at the Franz Schubert-Institut. Current activities include recital and recording projects, teaching students at Lethbridge Piano Intensive and CASA Art Centre, collaborating with Mezzo Soprano Liesel Fedkenheuer (Calgary), Ventus Women’s Choir (Lethbridge), Juno nominated Luminous Voices (Calgary), and Fourtitude (Lethbridge).
Anton Lindenblatt, Calgary, AB
Anton Lindenblatt (he/they) is a Canadian multidisciplinary composer based in Calgary, Alberta, with a BMus (2023) from the University of Lethbridge. As an educator with a background in concert band, Anton is passionate about all things music education, and believes music can be a tool to build and strengthen community ties while fostering relationships through shared emotional connections.Anton’s music has been performed both locally and internationally. His work for band, “Western Skies” was the winner of the 2025 Howard Cable Memorial Prize in Composition, and work for solo euphonium and electronics, "Unidentified Funky Object (UFO)” was performed as a contest piece for the National American Brass Band Association’s (NABBA) Solo Contest. Anton currently works at the Canadian Music Centre - Prairie Region office, where he serves as a library and administrative assistant, and is the engraver/digitizer of the Violet Archer musical catalogue.
Anton Lindenblatt (he/they) is a Canadian multidisciplinary composer based in Calgary, Alberta, with a BMus (2023) from the University of Lethbridge. As an educator with a background in concert band, Anton is passionate about all things music education, and believes music can be a tool to build and strengthen community ties while fostering relationships through shared emotional connections.Anton’s music has been performed both locally and internationally. His work for band, “Western Skies” was the winner of the 2025 Howard Cable Memorial Prize in Composition, and work for solo euphonium and electronics, "Unidentified Funky Object (UFO)” was performed as a contest piece for the National American Brass Band Association’s (NABBA) Solo Contest. Anton currently works at the Canadian Music Centre - Prairie Region office, where he serves as a library and administrative assistant, and is the engraver/digitizer of the Violet Archer musical catalogue.
Meg Ferguson, Nova Scotia
Meg Ferguson is an East Coast Canadian band director with over 25 years of experience in public school music education. She currently teaches Grades 6–8 Band and Grade 6 General Music in Nova Scotia, where she is known for building vibrant, student-centered rehearsal spaces rooted in leadership and engagement. This educational leader has held active roles in the Nova Scotia Band Association (created the first website, published 4 issues of The Fanfare, co-founder of NSBA Student Recognition Award, Executive Member), the Nova Scotia Music Educators Association (Communications, Conference Committee), and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (Local Executive, Provincial Executive, NSTU staff) over the last 25 years. With a focus on sharing practical tools, ideas, and resources that educators can use the next day, Meg’s workshops range from practical rehearsal strategies, musicianship and leadership development, to gamified approaches that energize the modern musician’s classroom experience. Leadership workshops include Women in Educational Leadership, Using Your Teacher Voice, and Unleashing Unity
Meg Ferguson is an East Coast Canadian band director with over 25 years of experience in public school music education. She currently teaches Grades 6–8 Band and Grade 6 General Music in Nova Scotia, where she is known for building vibrant, student-centered rehearsal spaces rooted in leadership and engagement. This educational leader has held active roles in the Nova Scotia Band Association (created the first website, published 4 issues of The Fanfare, co-founder of NSBA Student Recognition Award, Executive Member), the Nova Scotia Music Educators Association (Communications, Conference Committee), and the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (Local Executive, Provincial Executive, NSTU staff) over the last 25 years. With a focus on sharing practical tools, ideas, and resources that educators can use the next day, Meg’s workshops range from practical rehearsal strategies, musicianship and leadership development, to gamified approaches that energize the modern musician’s classroom experience. Leadership workshops include Women in Educational Leadership, Using Your Teacher Voice, and Unleashing Unity
Sarah Molenaar
Sarah Molenaar is a pianist, teacher, composer, and author. She holds Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT) and Associate of the Canadian Conservatory of Music (ACCM) diplomas in Piano Performance, as well as a Bachelor of Music from McMaster University. Recognized for her students’ success in examinations and competitions, Sarah has been a Royal Conservatory of Music Certified Teacher since 2019 and a member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association since 2017.
Website: www.sarahmolenaar.com
Sarah Molenaar is a pianist, teacher, composer, and author. She holds Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT) and Associate of the Canadian Conservatory of Music (ACCM) diplomas in Piano Performance, as well as a Bachelor of Music from McMaster University. Recognized for her students’ success in examinations and competitions, Sarah has been a Royal Conservatory of Music Certified Teacher since 2019 and a member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association since 2017.
Website: www.sarahmolenaar.com
Reneé Pérez, Edmonton, AB
Reneé is a classical guitarist, graduated from the UofA. He holds a Performance Certificate from the Kings University of Edmonton. He is an active pedagogue, solo, and chamber musician. His interests include early music with the archlute and baroque guitar. Reneé toured Spain, and Portugal with the violin/guitar group called Classical Duet. He has also played with several orchestras in Venezuela. He was featured as an emerging artist by the Calgary Classical Guitar Society. He has two released albums with the Classical Duet. He is the President of the Edmonton Classical Guitar Society and Vice-President of the Alberta String Association.
Reneé is a classical guitarist, graduated from the UofA. He holds a Performance Certificate from the Kings University of Edmonton. He is an active pedagogue, solo, and chamber musician. His interests include early music with the archlute and baroque guitar. Reneé toured Spain, and Portugal with the violin/guitar group called Classical Duet. He has also played with several orchestras in Venezuela. He was featured as an emerging artist by the Calgary Classical Guitar Society. He has two released albums with the Classical Duet. He is the President of the Edmonton Classical Guitar Society and Vice-President of the Alberta String Association.
Brent Pierce, Okotoks, AB
Brent Pierce graduated from the University of Alberta in 1982 with a Bachelor of Education in secondary music. He taught in Camrose and Lloydminster for seven years, leading successful band programs. Brent then earned a Bachelor of Music in composition and voice from the University of Lethbridge, where he was awarded the Gold Medal for the highest academic standing. He pursued a Master’s in composition at the University of Alberta, studying under Malcolm Forsyth and Violet Archer, and received the Violet Archer Graduate Studies Composition Scholarship twice. Brent has spent most of his career teaching in both private and public school settings and has lead many award-winning bands. He is passionate in his belief that solid fundamentals are the key to success for young musicians. He received the Elkhorn Award in 2017 and first prize in the 2025 Brandon University National Beginning Band Composition Competition. Brent retired in 2024 and now focuses on guest conducting, adjudicating, and composing.
Brent Pierce graduated from the University of Alberta in 1982 with a Bachelor of Education in secondary music. He taught in Camrose and Lloydminster for seven years, leading successful band programs. Brent then earned a Bachelor of Music in composition and voice from the University of Lethbridge, where he was awarded the Gold Medal for the highest academic standing. He pursued a Master’s in composition at the University of Alberta, studying under Malcolm Forsyth and Violet Archer, and received the Violet Archer Graduate Studies Composition Scholarship twice. Brent has spent most of his career teaching in both private and public school settings and has lead many award-winning bands. He is passionate in his belief that solid fundamentals are the key to success for young musicians. He received the Elkhorn Award in 2017 and first prize in the 2025 Brandon University National Beginning Band Composition Competition. Brent retired in 2024 and now focuses on guest conducting, adjudicating, and composing.
Janna Sailor, Calgary, AB
Janna Sailor is an award winning conductor, music innovator, and the Director of the Canadian Music Centre: Prairie Region, where she supports composers, performers, educators, and arts organizations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories. Through the Prairie Region office, where she has expanded CMC’s library and membership services, publishing and distribution supports, and professional resources that advance Canadian music in performance and education.
Janna Sailor is an award winning conductor, music innovator, and the Director of the Canadian Music Centre: Prairie Region, where she supports composers, performers, educators, and arts organizations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories. Through the Prairie Region office, where she has expanded CMC’s library and membership services, publishing and distribution supports, and professional resources that advance Canadian music in performance and education.
Jace Stearn, High River, AB
Jace is a freelance bassoonist and contrabassoonist in the Calgary area. He is a regular performer with many orchestras in the area, including the Calgary Philharmonic, Red Deer Symphony and the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra. Prior to moving to the Calgary area, Jace was the regular contrabassoonist for the Victoria Symphony, in addition to serving as the principal bassoonist of the Vancouver Island Symphony for a number of years.
Jace is also an experienced bassoon teacher and clinician, and has instructed at a variety of band camps and festivals, including the Vic Lewis Band Festival and the Courtenay Youth Music Centre. In addition to all of his regular bassooning, Jace has been a music director of the award winning Highwood High School band program (High River) since 2006. The bands from Highwood have consistently earned Gold Awards for Superior performance from music festivals across the country.
Jace is a freelance bassoonist and contrabassoonist in the Calgary area. He is a regular performer with many orchestras in the area, including the Calgary Philharmonic, Red Deer Symphony and the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra. Prior to moving to the Calgary area, Jace was the regular contrabassoonist for the Victoria Symphony, in addition to serving as the principal bassoonist of the Vancouver Island Symphony for a number of years.
Jace is also an experienced bassoon teacher and clinician, and has instructed at a variety of band camps and festivals, including the Vic Lewis Band Festival and the Courtenay Youth Music Centre. In addition to all of his regular bassooning, Jace has been a music director of the award winning Highwood High School band program (High River) since 2006. The bands from Highwood have consistently earned Gold Awards for Superior performance from music festivals across the country.
Neil Yorke-Slader
Neil taught music from grades 7-12 for 17 years, and is active as a jazz composer, adjudicator and clinician throughout North America. Many of his jazz compositions are available through UNC Jazz Press and/or Burnihla Music Publishing; several are preserved in the National Library of Canada’s archives. He has directed the acclaimed Nepean All-City Jazz Band since its inception in 1987. In 2017, through a grant from the Government of Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage, he was commissioned to write an arrangement of "O Canada" for jazz ensemble. In 2018, he was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Tommy Banks/National Arts Centre Outstanding Canadian Jazz Director Award. In 2020, Neil was named an Honorary Life Member of the Ontario Music Educators’ Association. He was a contributor to “Jazz Pedagogy, A Canadian Perspective” (available through ArtistShare). Neil is the Executive Director of MusicFest Canada.
Neil taught music from grades 7-12 for 17 years, and is active as a jazz composer, adjudicator and clinician throughout North America. Many of his jazz compositions are available through UNC Jazz Press and/or Burnihla Music Publishing; several are preserved in the National Library of Canada’s archives. He has directed the acclaimed Nepean All-City Jazz Band since its inception in 1987. In 2017, through a grant from the Government of Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage, he was commissioned to write an arrangement of "O Canada" for jazz ensemble. In 2018, he was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Tommy Banks/National Arts Centre Outstanding Canadian Jazz Director Award. In 2020, Neil was named an Honorary Life Member of the Ontario Music Educators’ Association. He was a contributor to “Jazz Pedagogy, A Canadian Perspective” (available through ArtistShare). Neil is the Executive Director of MusicFest Canada.
Dylan Wiest, Okotoks, AB
Dylan Wiest is a music educator and multi-instrumentalist originally from Regina, Saskatchewan. He graduated from the University of Regina in 2013 with great distinction and taught junior high band with Regina Public Schools before relocating to Calgary to direct the senior high music program at Webber Academy. In 2019, Mr. Wiest was awarded the Keith Mann Young Band Director’s Award by the Alberta Band Association. Dylan is currently a band director at Highwood High School in High River which has consistently been awarded top accolades at provincial and national festivals. Dylan is also the director of JazzYYC’s Lab Band II program based out of the Mount Royal University Conservatory and regularly performs with both jazz and classical ensembles in Calgary.
Dylan Wiest is a music educator and multi-instrumentalist originally from Regina, Saskatchewan. He graduated from the University of Regina in 2013 with great distinction and taught junior high band with Regina Public Schools before relocating to Calgary to direct the senior high music program at Webber Academy. In 2019, Mr. Wiest was awarded the Keith Mann Young Band Director’s Award by the Alberta Band Association. Dylan is currently a band director at Highwood High School in High River which has consistently been awarded top accolades at provincial and national festivals. Dylan is also the director of JazzYYC’s Lab Band II program based out of the Mount Royal University Conservatory and regularly performs with both jazz and classical ensembles in Calgary.
Max Wood, Calgary, AB
Max Wood is a Calgary-based psychologist and performance consultant specializing in helping young performers manage anxiety and strengthen mental resilience. As part of the Core Psychology team, he contributes to the Mindset Mastery program, supporting high-performing youth in building confidence and focus under pressure. His clinical work also includes supporting professionals experiencing burnout, giving him a broad perspective on stress, performance, and recovery. Max brings a grounded, accessible approach to emotional regulation and performance readiness, joining this session as a co-facilitator to offer psychological insight into performance anxiety and cultivating confidence and resilience in students.
Max Wood is a Calgary-based psychologist and performance consultant specializing in helping young performers manage anxiety and strengthen mental resilience. As part of the Core Psychology team, he contributes to the Mindset Mastery program, supporting high-performing youth in building confidence and focus under pressure. His clinical work also includes supporting professionals experiencing burnout, giving him a broad perspective on stress, performance, and recovery. Max brings a grounded, accessible approach to emotional regulation and performance readiness, joining this session as a co-facilitator to offer psychological insight into performance anxiety and cultivating confidence and resilience in students.