Alberta Band Summit
Sessions Presenters
Co-Presented by The Alberta Band Association, Alberta Music Education Foundation, Alberta Registered Music Teacher's Association
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Sean Bumstead
Sean Bumstead is a triple-threat performer, composer, and educator, who is active within the greater Edmonton area. He feels at home playing with all sorts of ensembles: big band, jazz combo, concert band, orchestra, punk band, heavy metal band - you name it. He also is an avid composer, focusing on creating new works for concert band. As an educator, he is in his 4th year at John Maland High School in Devon, Alberta, where his concert and jazz bands play regularly at both school and community events, and have represented both at the provincial and national level. Sean was the recipient of the Keith Mann Young Band Director Award in 2023.
Sean Bumstead is a triple-threat performer, composer, and educator, who is active within the greater Edmonton area. He feels at home playing with all sorts of ensembles: big band, jazz combo, concert band, orchestra, punk band, heavy metal band - you name it. He also is an avid composer, focusing on creating new works for concert band. As an educator, he is in his 4th year at John Maland High School in Devon, Alberta, where his concert and jazz bands play regularly at both school and community events, and have represented both at the provincial and national level. Sean was the recipient of the Keith Mann Young Band Director Award in 2023.
Diana Bushell
Diana received a BMus majoring in clarinet performance from the University of Lethbridge in 2000 and a BEd from the University of Alberta in 2005. She taught private lessons in piano and clarinet for over 10 years, some of those students moving on to become music majors, before beginning her school teaching career. She also received a silver medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music for the highest mark in the province on her Grade 10 clarinet examination. Diana has taught elementary music and middle school band for 20 years at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School in Innisfail and she continues to perform frequently on the clarinet in community and professional ensembles.
Diana received a BMus majoring in clarinet performance from the University of Lethbridge in 2000 and a BEd from the University of Alberta in 2005. She taught private lessons in piano and clarinet for over 10 years, some of those students moving on to become music majors, before beginning her school teaching career. She also received a silver medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music for the highest mark in the province on her Grade 10 clarinet examination. Diana has taught elementary music and middle school band for 20 years at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School in Innisfail and she continues to perform frequently on the clarinet in community and professional ensembles.
Mandart Chan
Mandart Chan (he/him) is a gay/queer, cisgender, neurodivergent, first-generation Chinese/Hong Kong-Canadian. Born and raised on Musqueam lands (Richmond, BC), he holds degrees from the University of Victoria (BMus - Secondary Education & Clarinet, PDPP), Sam Houston State University - American Band College (MMus - Conducting), and University of Western Ontario (MPEd - Equity, Diversity, & Social Justice.)For over 18 years, Mandart taught Band, Leadership, and Social Justice in Calgary and Victoria. Recently, Mandart shifted his career to BC’s Ministry of Education & Child Care, where he led the development of Anti-Racism Education in BC: A Teachers’ Guide (2023). He actively supports EDI through the Canadian Music Educators’ Associations and the Institute for Composer Diversity. A Major in the Canadian Armed Forces (Reserves) since 1999, he works with the Canadian Cadet Organization. Mandart had recently presented at the Saskatchewan & Manitoba Music Educators' Association Conferences. Mandart lives on Lekwungen lands (Victoria, BC) with his partner Jason and their dogs, Tikka & Masala.
Mandart Chan (he/him) is a gay/queer, cisgender, neurodivergent, first-generation Chinese/Hong Kong-Canadian. Born and raised on Musqueam lands (Richmond, BC), he holds degrees from the University of Victoria (BMus - Secondary Education & Clarinet, PDPP), Sam Houston State University - American Band College (MMus - Conducting), and University of Western Ontario (MPEd - Equity, Diversity, & Social Justice.)For over 18 years, Mandart taught Band, Leadership, and Social Justice in Calgary and Victoria. Recently, Mandart shifted his career to BC’s Ministry of Education & Child Care, where he led the development of Anti-Racism Education in BC: A Teachers’ Guide (2023). He actively supports EDI through the Canadian Music Educators’ Associations and the Institute for Composer Diversity. A Major in the Canadian Armed Forces (Reserves) since 1999, he works with the Canadian Cadet Organization. Mandart had recently presented at the Saskatchewan & Manitoba Music Educators' Association Conferences. Mandart lives on Lekwungen lands (Victoria, BC) with his partner Jason and their dogs, Tikka & Masala.
Sarah Drew
Sarah Drew (B. Mus, Ed Cert, Dip Wind Band Conducting) taught middle school music for 34 years hoping to impact her student’s lives with the love and power of music. Ms. Drew has taught K-9 music at a variety of schools in the Calgary area and her performing groups have consistently achieved high standards but she is most proud of who her students become as caring, creative and confident citizens. She loves starting out young instrumentalists and co-wrote a beginning method, “Kodaly for Band” . Ms. Drew has directed bands at Calgary’s Summer Band Workshop, and MusicCamrose, been involved with the University of Calgary music education students, the ATA Mentorship program and has had roles on the boards of ABA and ABIF, the Arts and Culture board in her hometown and is currently the Co-President of the WBDI-Alberta Chapter. She was the Founder and Artistic Director of the Sher-Wood-Like-To-Play Adult Community Band in Calgary for 17 years, as well as the director of the Cochrane Children’s Choir. In 2020 she was presented with the Elkhorn Band Director of the Year award.
Sarah Drew (B. Mus, Ed Cert, Dip Wind Band Conducting) taught middle school music for 34 years hoping to impact her student’s lives with the love and power of music. Ms. Drew has taught K-9 music at a variety of schools in the Calgary area and her performing groups have consistently achieved high standards but she is most proud of who her students become as caring, creative and confident citizens. She loves starting out young instrumentalists and co-wrote a beginning method, “Kodaly for Band” . Ms. Drew has directed bands at Calgary’s Summer Band Workshop, and MusicCamrose, been involved with the University of Calgary music education students, the ATA Mentorship program and has had roles on the boards of ABA and ABIF, the Arts and Culture board in her hometown and is currently the Co-President of the WBDI-Alberta Chapter. She was the Founder and Artistic Director of the Sher-Wood-Like-To-Play Adult Community Band in Calgary for 17 years, as well as the director of the Cochrane Children’s Choir. In 2020 she was presented with the Elkhorn Band Director of the Year award.
Michael Gouge
Michael is a Classical Guitarist and Band Director living and teaching in the Calgary Area. Born in Brampton, Ontario, Michael began playing guitar at age twelve, and began studying Classical Guitar while in High School, and went on to study Classical Guitar in University. Michael holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from Carleton University, a Masters of Music Performance in Classical Guitar from Memorial University, as well as a Bachelor of Music Education from Memorial University. Michael has experience teaching guitar both in the studio and classroom setting, where he currently teaches a High School Guitar Class and teaches private Classical Guitar lessons. Michael is currently the Musical Director at Hugh Sutherland School in Carstairs, Alberta, where he directs a Grade 5-12 Band Program. Michael is also active in the classical guitar community of Calgary where he performs regularly with various ensembles, and he currently sits on the board of the Classical Guitar Society of Calgary.
Michael is a Classical Guitarist and Band Director living and teaching in the Calgary Area. Born in Brampton, Ontario, Michael began playing guitar at age twelve, and began studying Classical Guitar while in High School, and went on to study Classical Guitar in University. Michael holds a Bachelor of Music in Classical Guitar Performance from Carleton University, a Masters of Music Performance in Classical Guitar from Memorial University, as well as a Bachelor of Music Education from Memorial University. Michael has experience teaching guitar both in the studio and classroom setting, where he currently teaches a High School Guitar Class and teaches private Classical Guitar lessons. Michael is currently the Musical Director at Hugh Sutherland School in Carstairs, Alberta, where he directs a Grade 5-12 Band Program. Michael is also active in the classical guitar community of Calgary where he performs regularly with various ensembles, and he currently sits on the board of the Classical Guitar Society of Calgary.
Jennifer Herzog
Jennifer has been studying and teaching movement since the late 90’s, and has been a certified Feldenkrais teacher since 2007.
In addition to her public classes, workshops, and private clients, Jennifer has especially enjoyed working with performing artists. She has been a guest teacher at the U of C Drama Department, Dance Department and the Faculty of Music. In January 2025 Jennifer collaborated with Michele Wheatley Brown in this block week class: Body Mapping Wellness & Performance W25 MUSI 525/625
She has also taught at ACAD (now AU Arts) and Rosebud School of the Arts as well as presenting at the Body Mind Centering conference at UC Santa Barbara. In her experience, creativity curiosity and awareness are essential to growing healthy sustainable movement- for performance and for life.
Jennifer is also a Registered Craniosacral Therapist and practices from her homes in Calgary, and Rosebud, AB.
Jennifer has been studying and teaching movement since the late 90’s, and has been a certified Feldenkrais teacher since 2007.
In addition to her public classes, workshops, and private clients, Jennifer has especially enjoyed working with performing artists. She has been a guest teacher at the U of C Drama Department, Dance Department and the Faculty of Music. In January 2025 Jennifer collaborated with Michele Wheatley Brown in this block week class: Body Mapping Wellness & Performance W25 MUSI 525/625
She has also taught at ACAD (now AU Arts) and Rosebud School of the Arts as well as presenting at the Body Mind Centering conference at UC Santa Barbara. In her experience, creativity curiosity and awareness are essential to growing healthy sustainable movement- for performance and for life.
Jennifer is also a Registered Craniosacral Therapist and practices from her homes in Calgary, and Rosebud, AB.
Ryan Heseltine
Ryan Heseltine has lived and worked in Southern Alberta his entire life. He began playing the saxophone at the age of 13 and developed a lifelong love of music. In his second year of studies, he began to show an interest in education when he was asked to give the beginner band students clinics on the saxophone (he was in grade 9); that taste of teaching took hold and never left as he dedicated his energy to the pursuit of a career in music education. Currently, Ryan plays in several local Jazz and Pop bands and is an in-demand saxophonist around Southern Alberta. For the past several years, he has also been conducting and programming the Lethbridge Community Silver Band (part of the Lethbridge Community Bands Society), where his infectious love of Music spreads to the community. Ryan teaches band grades 7-12 in Raymond, where he has been for 21 years, building the program up from a few dozen students to over two hundred (in two schools with a combined population of around 600 students). He was nominated for the Edwin Parr award in 2005 and was a recipient of the Keith Mann Young Band Director Award in 2007.
Ryan Heseltine has lived and worked in Southern Alberta his entire life. He began playing the saxophone at the age of 13 and developed a lifelong love of music. In his second year of studies, he began to show an interest in education when he was asked to give the beginner band students clinics on the saxophone (he was in grade 9); that taste of teaching took hold and never left as he dedicated his energy to the pursuit of a career in music education. Currently, Ryan plays in several local Jazz and Pop bands and is an in-demand saxophonist around Southern Alberta. For the past several years, he has also been conducting and programming the Lethbridge Community Silver Band (part of the Lethbridge Community Bands Society), where his infectious love of Music spreads to the community. Ryan teaches band grades 7-12 in Raymond, where he has been for 21 years, building the program up from a few dozen students to over two hundred (in two schools with a combined population of around 600 students). He was nominated for the Edwin Parr award in 2005 and was a recipient of the Keith Mann Young Band Director Award in 2007.
Linda Kundert
Linda Kundert holds a Master and Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, and she has Teachers’ Diplomas from MRU and the RCM. Her education was guided by these mentors: Willard Schultz, Charles Foreman, Priscilla King, Peter Turner, James Bonn, Adam Wibrowski, Donald Bell, Dr. Marienne Uszler and Dr. Jean Barr. Linda is a successful independent studio teacher, RCM senior examiner, Frederick Harris editor, festival adjudicator, and collaborative artist. She is Co-Founder & Creative Director of Cassa Musical Arts.
Linda was honoured with the ARMTA Service and CFMTA Hugheen Ferguson Distinguished Teacher Awards, and was Chair of the CFMTA Peak Performance Conference. She received a Calgary Community Achievement Arts Award, and is a RCM Teacher of Distinction. Linda is an instructor at MRU and in Okotoks. She has nurtured students of all ages and levels, and her students continue to achieve performance and composition awards. More than fifty have achieved their ARCT and LRCM diplomas.
Linda Kundert holds a Master and Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance, and she has Teachers’ Diplomas from MRU and the RCM. Her education was guided by these mentors: Willard Schultz, Charles Foreman, Priscilla King, Peter Turner, James Bonn, Adam Wibrowski, Donald Bell, Dr. Marienne Uszler and Dr. Jean Barr. Linda is a successful independent studio teacher, RCM senior examiner, Frederick Harris editor, festival adjudicator, and collaborative artist. She is Co-Founder & Creative Director of Cassa Musical Arts.
Linda was honoured with the ARMTA Service and CFMTA Hugheen Ferguson Distinguished Teacher Awards, and was Chair of the CFMTA Peak Performance Conference. She received a Calgary Community Achievement Arts Award, and is a RCM Teacher of Distinction. Linda is an instructor at MRU and in Okotoks. She has nurtured students of all ages and levels, and her students continue to achieve performance and composition awards. More than fifty have achieved their ARCT and LRCM diplomas.
Kathie Van Lare
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!
Chelsea Pederson
Chelsea Pederson has been involved in Concert Band as a conductor since 2009. Chelsea holds a Bachelor Degree in Music Education from the University of Lethbridge and has experience from Grade 5 to Grade 12 concert band. Chelsea also conducts the school choir and a Marching Drumline Club. Percussion is a passion of hers and she is excited to run the session alongside band director Jonathan Thornton.
Chelsea Pederson has been involved in Concert Band as a conductor since 2009. Chelsea holds a Bachelor Degree in Music Education from the University of Lethbridge and has experience from Grade 5 to Grade 12 concert band. Chelsea also conducts the school choir and a Marching Drumline Club. Percussion is a passion of hers and she is excited to run the session alongside band director Jonathan Thornton.
Brent Pierce
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.
Kristin Stearn
Music has surrounded Kristin her entire life. She began singing and taking private lessons at nine years old, studying voice, piano, and later, the French horn. Her passion for music led her to the University of Victoria, where she earned a Bachelor of Music (Performance) with a major in French horn and a minor in voice. She furthered her studies with a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Instrumental and Choral Education at UVic and is currently engaged in graduate educational research at the University of Alberta, exploring the relationship between school leadership and the success of secondary music programs. A dedicated performer, Kristin has played as a freelance French horn musician with numerous ensembles across British Columbia and Alberta, including the Victoria Symphony, Vancouver Island Symphony, Kelowna Symphony, and more. She is currently an active member of Alitus Brass and the Rocky Mountain Symphony in Calgary.With over 20 years of experience as a music educator, Kristin has directed high school and junior high bands in the Foothills School Division for 16 years, and currently, she teaches at St. Francis Assisi Academy (Foothills). She has also worked as a conductor with the Foothills Children’s Choir and the Foothills Music Society Adult Concert Band. Passionate about mentoring musicians of all ages, Kristin provides French horn clinics for both youth and adults and has been a faculty member at the Vic Lewis Band Festival in Canmore since 2002. When she’s not immersed in music, Kristin enjoys sipping a great cup of coffee, watching the sunset from her beautiful rural home, travelling, and creating cherished memories with her husband—also a musician and band director—their two amazing children, and beloved pets.
Music has surrounded Kristin her entire life. She began singing and taking private lessons at nine years old, studying voice, piano, and later, the French horn. Her passion for music led her to the University of Victoria, where she earned a Bachelor of Music (Performance) with a major in French horn and a minor in voice. She furthered her studies with a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Instrumental and Choral Education at UVic and is currently engaged in graduate educational research at the University of Alberta, exploring the relationship between school leadership and the success of secondary music programs. A dedicated performer, Kristin has played as a freelance French horn musician with numerous ensembles across British Columbia and Alberta, including the Victoria Symphony, Vancouver Island Symphony, Kelowna Symphony, and more. She is currently an active member of Alitus Brass and the Rocky Mountain Symphony in Calgary.With over 20 years of experience as a music educator, Kristin has directed high school and junior high bands in the Foothills School Division for 16 years, and currently, she teaches at St. Francis Assisi Academy (Foothills). She has also worked as a conductor with the Foothills Children’s Choir and the Foothills Music Society Adult Concert Band. Passionate about mentoring musicians of all ages, Kristin provides French horn clinics for both youth and adults and has been a faculty member at the Vic Lewis Band Festival in Canmore since 2002. When she’s not immersed in music, Kristin enjoys sipping a great cup of coffee, watching the sunset from her beautiful rural home, travelling, and creating cherished memories with her husband—also a musician and band director—their two amazing children, and beloved pets.
Merlin Thompson
Merlin B. Thompson (PhD, MA, BMus) is a dynamic force in music studio teaching and the visionary behind Teach Music 21C, a thriving community of forward-thinking music teachers. With nearly five decades of experience and a global reach—including Canada, U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, China, and Finland—Merlin has inspired hundreds of students, parents, and teachers. His passions? Empowering music teachers with tools and strategies that work in today’s evolving teaching landscape. And helping students to develop lifelong musical connections right from their first music lesson. An award-winning educator, author of “More than Music Lessons”, podcast host, and keynote speaker, Merlin blends rigorous scholarship with heartfelt insight. His work is grounded in the everyday realities of music studio teaching and pointed toward what truly matters: authentic, human connection through music.
Merlin B. Thompson (PhD, MA, BMus) is a dynamic force in music studio teaching and the visionary behind Teach Music 21C, a thriving community of forward-thinking music teachers. With nearly five decades of experience and a global reach—including Canada, U.S.A., Australia, New Zealand, China, and Finland—Merlin has inspired hundreds of students, parents, and teachers. His passions? Empowering music teachers with tools and strategies that work in today’s evolving teaching landscape. And helping students to develop lifelong musical connections right from their first music lesson. An award-winning educator, author of “More than Music Lessons”, podcast host, and keynote speaker, Merlin blends rigorous scholarship with heartfelt insight. His work is grounded in the everyday realities of music studio teaching and pointed toward what truly matters: authentic, human connection through music.
Brian Thurgood
Brian Thurgood obtained a Masters of Music Education in Jazz Studies from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Alberta. He has developed both a successful teaching and a varied performance career.
He was the Percussion/Drumset department head at MacEwan University from 1980 to 2020 where he designed, developed and implemented a successful program curriculum. Many of his students have continued to have careers in music either as educators or performers including drummers for such acts as Social Code, Nickleback, Jann Arden, Kathleen Edwards, Gord Bamford and K-OS.
He has also taught at SummerJazz and MusicAlberta summer camps and has presented numerous clinics for Cantando, UniFest and Musicfest Canada.
Brian’s has performed as both a classical/pop percussionist and as a drum set artist. He has performed with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Edmonton Opera, Alberta and Winnipeg Ballet Companies, Tommy Banks, Frank Sinatra Jr., Ian Tyson, Ashley MacIssac, Bela Fleck and Stewart Copeland. He has performed over 60 musicals including those at the Citadel Theatre as well as traveling musicals including Mary Poppins, Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Ain’t so Proud and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Donny Osmond.
Brian has also had several articles published in Downbeat and MusicCom magazines. He is also co-writer of “Percussion Clinic” published by First Stroke Publishing. Brian and his wife, Carol own “Brandenburg Music” and “Handbells etc.”.
Brian Thurgood obtained a Masters of Music Education in Jazz Studies from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Alberta. He has developed both a successful teaching and a varied performance career.
He was the Percussion/Drumset department head at MacEwan University from 1980 to 2020 where he designed, developed and implemented a successful program curriculum. Many of his students have continued to have careers in music either as educators or performers including drummers for such acts as Social Code, Nickleback, Jann Arden, Kathleen Edwards, Gord Bamford and K-OS.
He has also taught at SummerJazz and MusicAlberta summer camps and has presented numerous clinics for Cantando, UniFest and Musicfest Canada.
Brian’s has performed as both a classical/pop percussionist and as a drum set artist. He has performed with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Edmonton Opera, Alberta and Winnipeg Ballet Companies, Tommy Banks, Frank Sinatra Jr., Ian Tyson, Ashley MacIssac, Bela Fleck and Stewart Copeland. He has performed over 60 musicals including those at the Citadel Theatre as well as traveling musicals including Mary Poppins, Phantom of the Opera, Evita, Ain’t so Proud and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat with Donny Osmond.
Brian has also had several articles published in Downbeat and MusicCom magazines. He is also co-writer of “Percussion Clinic” published by First Stroke Publishing. Brian and his wife, Carol own “Brandenburg Music” and “Handbells etc.”.
Blair Wilkie
The most prolific performer, and educator in Edmonton! Since returning to the city in 2017, Blair has helped the live music industry of the area in many ways. With the founding of an 8 piece brass band called “Brasstactics” Blair has contributed to bringing Live Brass Band Music to events and festivals within western Canada. With over 400 performances in the last 5 years, and employing more than 20 of the city's best musicians to bring brass band energy to the public. Brasstactics also has done Jr. and High School clinics to showcase the possibilities of performance.
Supporting our NHL hockey team with in-game entertainment through the creation of “The Oilers Drum and Brass Crew” performing at all the Edmonton Oilers home games. Blair grew up in Edmonton as a Marching Band lover. Dedicating his focus to becoming a powerhouse of marching abilities. Currently director of the 16 piece Edmonton Elks Drumline at the top of northern Alberta’s drumline programs.
Blair has also taken on the caption head position with Northern Empire Performing Arts Marching Band percussion section. The NEPA program is for kids 14-21 years old that have a passion for music, summer travel, and performance.
With an amazing number of school drumlines in the province, Blair is looking forward to supporting teachers, and their drumline program by sharing the knowledge and skills he has cultivated in the last 36 years.
The most prolific performer, and educator in Edmonton! Since returning to the city in 2017, Blair has helped the live music industry of the area in many ways. With the founding of an 8 piece brass band called “Brasstactics” Blair has contributed to bringing Live Brass Band Music to events and festivals within western Canada. With over 400 performances in the last 5 years, and employing more than 20 of the city's best musicians to bring brass band energy to the public. Brasstactics also has done Jr. and High School clinics to showcase the possibilities of performance.
Supporting our NHL hockey team with in-game entertainment through the creation of “The Oilers Drum and Brass Crew” performing at all the Edmonton Oilers home games. Blair grew up in Edmonton as a Marching Band lover. Dedicating his focus to becoming a powerhouse of marching abilities. Currently director of the 16 piece Edmonton Elks Drumline at the top of northern Alberta’s drumline programs.
Blair has also taken on the caption head position with Northern Empire Performing Arts Marching Band percussion section. The NEPA program is for kids 14-21 years old that have a passion for music, summer travel, and performance.
With an amazing number of school drumlines in the province, Blair is looking forward to supporting teachers, and their drumline program by sharing the knowledge and skills he has cultivated in the last 36 years.
Jolene Wong
Jolene Wong, a native of Edmonton, holds a Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Education, and a Master in Education with a focus in Secondary Music from the University of Alberta. She completed a Post Master Artist Certificate in Wind Band Conducting from Georgia State University under the direction of Dr. Robert Ambrose. Jolene enjoys a successful teaching career with Edmonton Catholic Schools, having taught middle and high school, where programs under her direction have won numerous awards. She was appointed Curriculum Consultant of Secondary Music, a role in which she served for three years. Jolene is currently the director of Edmonton Catholic School’s Junior All City Band and is the founder and artistic director of the Wild Rose Wind Ensemble. She has been involved with many workshops, clinics, masterclasses, and professional development activities all over the world and continues to be an in-demand guest conductor, teacher, guest speaker, and clinician.
Jolene Wong, a native of Edmonton, holds a Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Education, and a Master in Education with a focus in Secondary Music from the University of Alberta. She completed a Post Master Artist Certificate in Wind Band Conducting from Georgia State University under the direction of Dr. Robert Ambrose. Jolene enjoys a successful teaching career with Edmonton Catholic Schools, having taught middle and high school, where programs under her direction have won numerous awards. She was appointed Curriculum Consultant of Secondary Music, a role in which she served for three years. Jolene is currently the director of Edmonton Catholic School’s Junior All City Band and is the founder and artistic director of the Wild Rose Wind Ensemble. She has been involved with many workshops, clinics, masterclasses, and professional development activities all over the world and continues to be an in-demand guest conductor, teacher, guest speaker, and clinician.