陳 文 達 Mandart Chan (he/him) embraces his intersectionality as a gay, cisgender, neurodivergent, first-generation Chinese/Hong Kong-Canadian male. He was born & raised as a visitor on the lands of the Musqueam people, also known as Richmond, BC. He graduated from the University of Victoria (BMus - 2003, PDPP - 2004) and the American Band College of Sam Houston State University (MMus - 2014), and had recently completed the Master of Professional Education program in Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice at the University of Western Ontario. For over 18 years, Mandart taught Band, Leadership, and Social Justice in schools in Alberta (Calgary) and British Columbia (Victoria). In addition to education, Volunteerism, Social Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI), and Community are the main pillars of Mandart’s life. This passion for Social Justice and EDI has led him towards a career path to the Ministry of Education & Child Care in British Columbia, where he held the position of Education Officer. Mandart’s first project was leading the development team for the “Anti-Racism Education in BC : A Teachers’ Guide” which was released in early 2023. Mandart’s work in EDI and Social Justice has now expanded into entrepreneurship with the start of “Mandart Chan Consulting”, where he provides guidance and project management support for organizations, large & small, towards their EDI goals.

Along with his work in Music Education, he has been an active volunteer with the BC Music Educators’ Association and the Canadian Music Educators’ Association. In 2023, Mandart joined the Institute for Composer Diversity as the head of DEI and as a database coordinator. For the past 24 years, Mandart has been an active member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Reserves) working in the Canadian Cadet Organization, where he holds the rank of Major. Mandart lives as an uninvited visitor Liǧʷiłdaxʷ people, the We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum, and Kwikiah First Nations., also known as Campbell River BC with his partner Jason and their dogs Tikka & Masala.

Vancouver born Guyanese, Geeta Das, is a music educator, conductor, and professional multi-instrumentalist who has been, studying, teaching, and performing locally and internationally for over 30 years. Throughout her music career she has had the honour of working with a myriad of local legends as well as world renowned artists spanning countless genres. Geeta has been blessed with an incredibly diverse musical journey with a wonderfully unique perspective.

Tristan Clausen is a Member-At-Large (Independent Schools Representative) with the BC Music Educators' Association. He has taught students from K-12 in general music, band, choir, and orchestra for 15 years, primarily in independent boarding schools on Vancouver Island. As a Cadet Instructor with the Canadian Armed Forces, he also has considerable experience directing concert and marching bands, teaching private lessons, music theory, instructional technique, and leadership to young musicians from across BC and Western Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria and is currently pursuing a Master's of Music at Western University.

Elizabeth Forrest is the Assistant Director of the West Vancouver Youth Band (WVYB) and currently works as a conductor, music educator, and musicologist. She completed her undergraduate studies in music and history at the University of British Columbia and her postgraduate studies in musicology at the University of Oxford under Professor Laura Tunbridge. Her thesis, titled “Operatic Feminine Realness: The Performativity of Gender and Masquerade of Femininity in Giacomo Puccini’s Manon Lescaut” explored the representational stage and how it continues to perpetuate certain notions about gender and femininity. While at Oxford, Elizabeth presented a paper at the Galpin Society's "Materiality and the Meaning of Musical Instruments" Conference titled "Finding Our Path", based on her experience as a member and now instructor at the WVYB during the creation of the Squamish Symphony. The paper discussed the 2018 Gathering of Eagles concert and the Eagle Drum gifted to the WVYB by Squamish Elder Bob Baker. She is currently collaborating with Dr. Wendy Zander of Brandon University to write an article about The Gathering of Eagles, telling the story of its collaboration and how it can be used in educational contexts.

Melissa is an active teacher and freelance clarinetist and bass clarinetist, in Victoria, British Columbia. She performs music for solo clarinet, chamber groups, and music for large ensembles. In 2019 she joined the faculty of the Victoria Conservatory of Music and enjoys teaching students of all ages in private as well as group settings including chamber music, clinics for schools, and adjudicating for music festivals across Canada. She has also been a clarinet instructor for schools such as the Alberta College Conservatory of Music, and at the University of Victoria.

She received her Bachelor of Music from the University of Windsor and also studied at Western University where she earned her Artist Diploma in Clarinet Performance and Master of Music in Performance and Literature.

In 2012 she moved to Saskatoon Saskatchewan where she held the position of Second Clarinet with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra until May 2018. While in Saskatchewan Melissa collaborated with percussionist Kevin Grady, and together they continue to perform repertoire including contemporary works with a special interest in, but not limited to, Canadian compositions. As a duo Kevin and Melissa were artists-in-residence for the Prairie Wind & Silver Sage museum in Val Marie, Saskatchewan and at the Banff Centre for the Arts winter residency in 2018. In July 2018 the Duo performed at ClarinetFest in Ostend, Belgium.

Students in Melissa’s studio enjoy opportunities to perform in festivals, masterclasses, recitals, and ensembles. They are welcomed into a supportive community where learning through curiosity is encouraged.  She established the Clarinet Choir at the Victoria Conservatory of Music in 2022. In fall 2023 she began her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and is exploring the possibilities of relational leadership and supporting learning communities.

Dr. Darren Hamilton is an assistant professor of music education and founding director of the University of Toronto Faculty of Music Gospel Choir. His research interests lie in gospel music, popular music and Hip Hop pedagogy, in addition to equity, diversity and social justice in music education. He is the visionary and lead writer of the #BlackMusicMatters: Hip Hop and Social Justice in Canada MusiCounts Learn resource. He is also the co-editor of the forthcoming edited volume, The Why and How of Popular Music Education: A Canadian Perspective. He has presented at the PODIUM (Choral Canada), Ontario Music Educators’ Association (OMEA), Association of Popular Music Education (APME), and the International Society of Music Education (ISME) conferences. His work has been published in the Canadian Music Educator (CMEA) and Recorder (OMEA) journals. Dr. Darren Hamilton was awarded the 2022 JUNO Award for MusiCounts Teacher of the Year.

Alan Hopkins currently teaches Music and English Language Learning (ELL) at Queen Mary World IB Elementary School in North Vancouver. While classroom Music is part of his work, Alan often does more ELL teaching,  as this has helped him develop social connections across multiple grades that help him to organize the Queen Mary Choir. Through practices, participation in district festivals, and visits to other schools and places in the wider community, the QM Choir offers students a place of belonging and creative collaboration, where they can find the best in themselves and each other.  Dancers and students not into singing publicly in Just Sing have also come to be part of all of this.

Early on in life, Alan’s passion for music begin with composition. Encouraged by his older sister, Valerie, by age 16 he eventually studied music theory with Dr. Douglas Webb at Laurentian University, whose mentorship, following a life changing experience in the waters of the Great Lakes, proved crucial, as the study of harmony and counterpoint helped Alan find stability through music.  After Dr. Webb’s passing a few years later, Alan completed a double major in Music and Philosophy at Laurentian, taught English in Taiwan for 2 ½ years, earned a Master’s degree in Religion and Culture (and Global Justice) at Wilfrid Laurier University, and embraced life as a slightly silly father to a very musical daughter, before entering the public education system. By 2012, he had earned his teaching credentials at Simon Fraser University (SFU) and eventually became a full-time ELL and Music teacher at Queen Mary by 2017.

Alan’s musical journey includes forgoing pop music for Handel, Bach and Beethoven early on, composing a historical drama, writing and improvising contrapuntal fugues or sonatas, creating worship pop songs for Filipino friends in Taiwan, and rediscovering pop music through his daughter’s musical journey of her own and benefitting from her participation in the White Rock Children’s Choir, under the direction of Sarona Mynhardt, one of our BC Choral Federation wonderful conducting teachers. Eventually, Alan from 2019 on started directing the Queen Mary Choir, setting him on a journey of living the delightful ordinariness, wonder, and spontaneity.

After composing “Rainbow in the Sky”,  a primary song and dance video series personifying hope, emphasizing contrapuntal melodic shape over typical harmonic rules for his barely used YouTube channel, Alan started to, not only make personal composition integral to his teaching, but also the expectation that students see themselves as collaborative composers exercising creative agency together.
In 2020, Alan also started applying spreadsheet programming learning to address the data intensive nature of his lifelong favourite game, Dungeons & Dragons, to his teaching, not only to improve his instruction, but also to achieve extraordinary time savings on paperwork, enabling him to give extra extraordinary amounts of extra curricular time to students variously interested in music, while accompanying this shift with a deeper commitment to low tech, yet high-tech, education.

Deeply appreciative to BCMEA music teachers, Alan hopes that what he shares is helpful.

Brenda's exposure to music began at the age of 12 when she took up a flute which her parents had purchased for her in Grade 7.  After struggling initially, she stuck with it and came into her own as a skilled player.  In Grade 8, she developed tendinitis in her shoulder and had to switch instruments.  She chose the tenor saxophone, the instrument that 'called' to her and played it throughout high school, along with the flute, baritone saxophone, piccolo and bells.
Although her original goal was to major in saxophone in university, her unsuccessful application turned out to be a blessing in disguise as she entered the Faculty of Education instead.  She played bass clarinet in the symphony while obtaining her B.Ed in Instrumental Music and English.
Brenda has been teaching concert bands since 1994 at the beginner to senior level.  She believes that music connects people and enhances their lives and that it is never too late to learn to play an instrument.  It is her passion to share music through teaching and performing to all those who are willing.
Brenda is the band teacher at J.N. Burnett Secondary School in Richmond, British Columbia; currently plays French horn for the Delta Music Makers band; teaches and conducts the two community concert bands she founded: Marcato Youth Concert Band (in Richmond) and Brass, Wind and Wire (currently running at the beginner level through Delta Continuing Education with practices on Wednesday nights in Ladner).
Her motto? "It is never too late to toot your own horn".

Nick La Riviere is an accomplished trombonist and singer-songwriter who has garnered international acclaim through his exceptional musical abilities. With an illustrious career that includes touring with renowned bands such as the Juno award-winning Paperboys, Michael Kaeshammer, 54-40, and Adonis Puentes, Nick has also had the privilege of being a special guest with esteemed acts like Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies), The Temptations, and Nikki Yanofsky. As a freelancer, he stands as one of Victoria’s most sought-after musicians, evident in his busy schedule and relentless commitment to his craft.

Drawing inspiration from the vibrant sounds of modern New Orleans music, Nick’s own project, The Best Laid Plans, encapsulates the essence of contemporary horn-driven revelry. Nick’s music is a fusion of infectious energy, piano-based grooves, and melodic vocals. Combining the spirit of Trombone Shorty with the piano-based foundation of Ben Folds, his original compositions are a harmonious blend of wild horn solos and irresistible melodies that ignite audiences, ensuring an unforgettable experience where feet are moved and good times are had.

Beyond his remarkable performances, Nick also offers a range of services including arranging, recording, and teaching. His expertise extends to leading various musical ensembles, including a community rock choir, R&B band, big band, and jazz combo, where he facilitates weekly rehearsals and imparts his wealth of musical knowledge to aspiring musicians.

With a dedication to musical excellence, a charismatic stage presence, and a profound love for creating joyful experiences through his music, Nick La Riviere stands as a true force in the industry, captivating audiences with his undeniable talent and unwavering passion.

Since his first exposure to the horn, Sam McNally, has been on a quest to tame this unruly beast. Occasionally successful, Sam has enjoyed a thus-far fulfilling and rewarding career of performance and education. Along the way Sam’s teachers have included Laurie Matiation (Mount Royal Conservatory), Kurt Kellan (UVic), David Pyatt, Nico Fleury, Sue Dent, and Alec Frank-Gemmill (Guildhall School of Music and Drama). While at UVic, Sam appeared a soloist twice with the UVic symphony and began his professional career in 2015 when he was made Principal Horn of the Kamloops Symphony. After his studies at Guildhall and upon returning to Canada, Sam landed in the Okanagan where he re-joined the Kamloops Symphony and served as Acting-Principal Horn of the Okanagan Symphony. While in the Okanagan, Sam built a robust studio of brass students based at the Penticton Academy of Music and appeared regularly throughout the community in solo and chamber recitals. Since 2022, Sam has been 3rd horn of the Victoria Symphony and Instructor of Horn at the University of Victoria. Sam also teaches at the Victoria Conservatory and continues online with the Penticton Academy. Grateful to be back in Victoria, Sam continues his quest of horn-taming along side his wife, McKaila, and their cat, Spooky. When not playing or teaching the horn, Sam can be found reading, cooking (read: likes to eat), doomscrolling, and ruminating on various topics of the day.

Curtis Mathewson is a percussionist, composer, and educator. He is currently a vice-principal with the Vancouver School Board and taught music, band and choir in elementary schools for over 15 years. He has given workshops on using marimbas in music education and is a Level III certified Orff specialist and a past president of the BC Orff Chapter.

Michael Meroniuk is a dedicated music educator at Nookta Elementary in Vancouver, BC, and the founder of "The New Sound," a music education company committed to keeping music education thriving in schools.

With a professional music career spanning over a decade and a Master's in Educational Technology, he integrates practical musicianship with innovative teaching. Michael's curriculum at Nookta Elementary focuses on technical skill-building while fostering a creative passion for music, aligning with his vision to ensure music remains an essential part of every child's education

Gena is an Education Champion from the Peel District School Board in Mississauga, ON, where she taught K-8 music for 32 years. Gena is the President of the Kodály Society of Ontario and currently serves as Secretary for the Kodály Society of Canada. She is a Past President of the Ontario Music Educators’ Association and spent six years as the membership coordinator for the Canadian Music Educators’ Association. In her spare time, Gena is the volunteer librarian at Birds Canada, teaches private piano lessons, and began the Con Brio Music Program in Simcoe, ON to give families a class-based music program for their children. This program is financially supported by Trinity Anglican, where she is also the choir director. She lives with her composer husband, Kevin, their new puppy Rondo and three cats Crotchet, Macavity and Jellicle on the shores of Lake Erie in Port Rowan.

Christina's passion for engaging and accessible music education shines through in her classroom lessons and work as a clinician. As a graduate of the James Hill Ukulele Initiative in 2020, she developed the popular "Ukulele for Children" method, benefiting from James Hill's mentorship and editorial guidance. Christina believes in the power of music to build both music literacy skills and community (ask her about CommUKEity!). Christina has taught clinics and workshops in Western Canada, Arizona, Texas, and Hawaii. Her ukulele clinics regularly draw repeat attendees because of her relatable experiences, hands-on interactive approach, and unique way of simplifying ukulele instruction. Plus, she always has exciting new arrangements to share with teachers! Outside of music, Christina enjoys running, paddleboarding, and a strong latte.

Alanna Pearce is a drummer and music educator from Squamish, BC. As a graduate from Capliano University's Jazz Studies program, she has a strong background in aspects of performance, music theory, history, composition, and arranging. Along with her Bachelor of Music in Jazz, she also holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of British Columbia. Alanna is a secondary school music teacher and founder of King George Secondary's Contemporary Music program in downtown Vancouver. Alanna’s teaching is grounded in inclusion and a low barrier approach to music education. She believes that the Music classroom is a place for community and connection with ourselves and others, and that this should be at the centre of music education. In addition to classroom teaching, Alanna is an active musician in the Vancouver and Squamish scene, performing and recording with various artists and groups on drums and vocals.

Elliot Polsky began his drumming journey at 12. By the time he was 18, he was subbing for the Edmonton Symphony and playing for various bands in Edmonton, Alberta. Elliot has a Licentiate of Music in Percussion Performance and a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from McGill University

During his studies at McGill, Elliot performed with various ensembles and freelanced on both percussion and drum set in the Montreal area. A lifelong learner, Elliot has had opportunities to perform and learn many African, Afro-Cuban and African musical styles. Since 1996, Elliot has been teaching Drum set and African and Afro Cuban hand drumming.

After Elliot set upon a path as a performer and educator, he wandered into the Retail and Wholesale Music Industry, having worked at and managed several businesses. During this time, he honed his world percussion and drum set skills, performing with many top groups and artists, and as an accompanist for Modern Dance. During this time, he earned 3 Juno Awards for his work on various recordings. In 2016, Elliot began working and mentoring under Milton Randall, who was well known as a drumming educator and ambassador. Since then, Elliot has been conducing workshops for schools, institutions, corporate and community events.

Dr. Mark Tse is a 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 and instrumental music teaching in secondary schools.

Dr. Tse values kindness, collectivism, and continuouslearning. He is dedicated to co-creating opportunities for everyone to access and cultivate the joy of music, which includes musicians, conductors, composers and audiences, as well as people and genres who have historically been marginalized from orchestral music.

In the 2016 American Prize competition, he won 3rd place forCommunity Band Wind Ensemble Conducting and an Honourable Mention for College/University Wind Ensemble Conducting. In 2015, he won 2nd place for
College/University Wind Ensemble Conducting.

Dr. Tse holds a doctorate in Wind Ensemble Conducting fromthe 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. Tse has guest conducted the North Saskatchewan WindSymphony and the Atlantic Wind Symphony. He served as clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor at various music festivals, and workshopped school bands in Seattle, Toronto, Long Island, and Saskatoon. He is published in the Canadian Music Educators Association Journal. Prior to his graduate studies, Dr. Tse taught instrumental high school music for eleven years in his home city Toronto.

Rossi (Svetozar Tzonkov) obtained his music degree in jazz studies at the Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa. 
While performing professionally on both Bass, Spanish guitar, and Steel Pan Rossi went on to lecture part-time at the two of the most prestigious universities in Pretoria, the Tshwane University of Technology, and the University of Pretoria. 
Working as a bass guitar instructor at those institutions, he developed and implemented a bass guitar curriculum for students, 1st through 4th year, which the university adopted and continued to use long after his departure to Canada in 2010. 

Upon arrival in Vancouver, Canada in 2010 and completing his education program, Rossi focused on Elementary Music Education. He expanded the scope of his music pedagogy by completing Orff, Levels 1 and 2, Drama and Education, Designs for Learning Dance, and Conducting and Conducting Pedagogy. 

In 2020 Rossi co-authored and published his first ukulele method book called “Sounds and Strings,” which is currently being used by Elementary Music teachers in Israel. 

In 2022 Rossi launched Kulea Ukulele (myuke.com), an Online Interactive Ukulele Curriculum. The method is now used by educators and school districts around the world. Rossi is currently working at the Delta School District as a Music and Band teacher teaching grades K – 7.