Friday, October 27

8:00am - 8:30am

Registration

8:30-9:00am

Awards Presentation/Housekeeping

9:00am - 10:00am

Session A

A1

A1 Band Reading Session

Capacity 60-75

A concert band reading session of repertoire for grades 1 – 5 of newer and existing publications.

Dr. Jacqueline Dawson

Dr. Jacqueline Dawson is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator across Canada and the United States, appearing at numerous festivals and conferences coast to coast. Engagements have included the Minnesota All-State Concert Band, Musicfest Canada, the Alberta Band Association Wind Symphony, The Maritime Youth Wind Ensemble, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra New Music Festival, the International Music Camp, and numerous provincial, regional and divisional honour bands in Canada and the United States. She was awarded the 2003 University of Manitoba School of Music Excellence in Music Education Award, the 2013 University of Manitoba Teacher Recognition Award and the 2015 Manitoba Band Association Award of Distinction. Dr. Dawson is currently an Associate Professor and the Director of Bands at the University of Manitoba Desautels Faculty of Music where she conducts the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble, teaches courses in music education and oversees the graduate wind conducting program. The University of Manitoba Wind Ensemble has been featured at festivals such as the Cantando Festival in Edmonton and Sunpeaks, the Canadian Rocky Mountain Music Festival, has performed in the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra New Music Festival and has participated in numerous consortium commissions and world premiere performances. Prior to her appointment at the University of Manitoba, she taught in the public school system for twenty years and served as a sessional instructor at the University of Manitoba. Jacquie served on the board of directors of the Manitoba Band Association from 1999 – 2005 and remains active with numerous MBA projects and is the treasurer of the Canadian Band Association. She was the Artistic Director of The Winnipeg Wind Ensemble from 2009-2020. Jacquie is the one of the founders of the Winnipeg Youth Wind Ensemble and is the founder of the newly formed Winnipeg Chamber Winds Collective. She recently served as ‘Artist in Residence’ with the Royal Canadian Air Force Band. Jacquie continues to spend as much time as possible with young students and band programs and is a strong advocate for music education. Dr. Dawson has been published in the Canadian Music Educator Journal and the Canadian Winds Journal and has presented at conferences internationally, including the Canadian Music Educators’ Association National Conference, the Kansas Music EducatorsConference and the International Society for the Research and Promotion of Wind Music Conference. She is an active proponent in the promotion of new wind band works and has led or participated in numerous commissions and premieres of works by Gary Kulesha, Kenley Kristofferson, David Scott, Viet Cuong, Steven Danyew, and Peter Meechan. Jacquie received undergraduate degrees in music and music education from Memorial University of Newfoundland and holds a masters degree in conducting from the University of Manitoba where she studied with Dr. Dale Lonis and Earl Stafford. She completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from the University of Kansas under the tutelage of Dr. Paul Popiel.

A2

A2 Choral Reading Session

The Alcorn girls, Janice, Robyn, and Jodieee will spend an hour with participants to give tips and share choral music for all levels.

Capacity 60

Robyn Alcorn-Martin, Janice Alcorn, Jodieee (Alcorn) Miller

Robyn Alcorn-Martin (she/her) is a high school teacher with 10 years of classroom and 22 years of private experience. 

Having studied at both McGill University and St.FX University, Robyn holds a Bachelor of Arts with a focus in vocal performance. Her unique experience allowed for extensive training in both classical and jazz techniques and repertoire. She also holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland.  As a music teacher, Robyn has been on the faculties of G. R. Saunders Elementary, Tamarac Education Centre, North Nova Education Centre, Dr. W. A. MacLeod Consolidated, and Northumberland Regional High School.  Her background in P-12 music education has spanned general, instrumental, vocal and advanced music among many other courses. Currently, Robyn is extremely happy to be at Northumberland Regional High School working as the Drama, General Music, Advanced Music, Instrumental Music, and Choral Music teacher.  Outside her thriving school music program, Robyn instructs the vocal program with the Nova Scotia Honour Jazz Program and has spent years as a barbershop chorus director. In addition to her choral work, Robyn enjoys writing, rehearsing, recording, and performing with bands “Not Like Yesterday”, “Neon Soul Machine”, “Soul Sisters”, “PC Pops Classics”, “Hot Mess”, “Sweet Serene”, and many pick up jazz groups in Pictou County and Halifax.  Robyn is passionate about sharing her experiences and love for music with the world around her and considers herself a lifelong learner, taking opportunities to develop whenever possible! Her greatest joy as an educator is to see people grow their personal relationships with music while learning to love and appreciate the efforts of others.  The proud mother of two (Malachy Martin- 8 and Keira Alcorn- 16), Robyn thrives on the busy lifestyle of balancing her school music program, many side projects and her cherished home and family life- alongside her patient husband, Declan Martin.

Janice Alcorn 

Janice (Durning) Alcorn, New Glasgow born and raised, has had a life full of music. As an educator and choir director, Janice has had a very colorful 35-year career. She has directed church choirs, provincial youth choirs, NS Honour Jazz choirs, Community choirs and her own elementary, junior and senior high concert and jazz choirs. Many of these groups have earned, local, provincial, and even National recognition for their stellar performances. She takes great pride in the fact that many of her former students have also become successful performers and music educators.  Janice is the recipient of both the “Excellence in Teaching” award and the NSMEA “Lifetime Achievement” award. In addition to her teaching career, Janice has also enjoyed her time spent as a performer in various styles and settings, from classical to theatre, and jazz to R and B. Janice is a sought-after adjudicator, clinician, and performer. Her encouraging and uplifting style of teaching has fostered many music lovers and performers over the years. Since retiring, Janice continues to enjoy performing, coaching, accompanying, gardening and other outdoor activities. Her happiest times are spent with her ever expanding family (the next generation!)

Jodie (Alcorn) Miller

Jodieeee (Alcorn) Miller is a music educator and soprano based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Although her choral conducting career is in its beginning stages, she is quickly adapting to and flourishing in the role. This past school year Jodieee conducted four choirs through Halifax Regional Arts, one of which was recommended to and participated in the National Music Festival (Halifax Giocoso Honour Choir). Aside from choral conducting, Jodieee has been busy as a choral clinician, private voice teacher, and freelance soprano. Highlights include two seasons with the Elmer Iseler Singers, two lead roles with Maritime Concert Opera, conductor for Essential Opera, soprano soloist for Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater with the RCCO Halifax, and the newly formed Celtic Ladies. 

A3

Orff Reading Session

Jenn Cleveland will lead participants through a fun filled hour of Orff materials to take back to your classroom. Please bring any extra Orff instruments you may have in your classroom. Some instruments will be available on site.

Capacity: Unlimited

Jennifer Cleveland

Jennifer Cleveland is the elementary music specialist at Fairview Heights Elementary School, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. An artistically diverse vocal soloist and accomplished music educator, Jennifer holds a Masters in Music Education from Acadia University, and is Level III certified in the Orff Schulwerk. Along with Jennifer Trites, she directs the Halifax Regional Arts Orffestra (Fairview). Jennifer currently serves as President of Orff Nova Scotia.

A4

String Reading Session

We will be reading through an eclectic selection of music for the junior high and high school string orchestra.

Capacity: Unlimited

Katrina Mills Pecknold

Katrina Mills Pecknold has been a music educator with HRCE for over 25 years. She has directed many string orchestras, numerous honour choirs, as well as the Halifax Schools Symphony Orchestra. Katrina currently directs the Halifax Regional Arts Honour Violins, Lighthouse Choir, and Oxford Junior High String Ensemble and is the String Department Head for Halifax Regional Arts. Katrina graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) with a triple major in school music, choral conducting, and instrumental conducting, and received her Bachelor of Education from The University of Western Ontario. Katrina holds two Masters of Education from MSVU (Educational Psychology and Technology Integration) and one from Acadia (Music Education Curriculum Studies).

10:00am - 10:30am

Break

10:30am - 11:30am

Session B

B1

Music in the Early Years

This will be a practical session exploring repertoire suitable for young children, age 3 – 6. We will cover the essential building blocks children should experience for reading readiness before we introduce music literacy such as: steady beat, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, tempo, timbre, phrasing, structure, and development of inner hearing. As well as the musical experiences, we will discuss the importance of musical learning to support holistic development.

 Capacity Unlimited

Lucinda Geoghegan

Lucinda Geoghegan graduated in music from the University of Edinburgh in 1982, completed a postgraduate teaching qualification at Moray House College of Education and trained with the Kodály Institute of Britain where she gained an Advanced Diploma in musicianship with Distinction. She worked as a secondary music teacher in Edinburgh before deciding to specialise in Primary and Early Years Music Education. She was also member of staff with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus for 16 years and was Director of the NYCOS West Lothian Choir for 8 years.

She is currently a theory and musicianship lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland working in both the Senior and Junior departments and in addition since 2011 has been delivering and assessing RCS accredited modules in Kodály Philosophy to external students. She is a regular tutor, member of the Trustees and Chair of Education for the British Kodály Academy and in 2017 Lucinda was elected as a Director on the Board of the International Kodály Society.

Lucinda is Creative Learning Director for NYCOS and her work involves Staff Development training across Britain presenting workshops on Kodály musicianship and methodology. Lucinda is a guest lecturer on the summer and yearly courses at the Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary and in addition has delivered workshops in Ireland, Germany, Holland, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, Australia, Canada and USA.

B2

Introducing Band Instruments to Beginners

This session is to help build your toolbox of tips and tricks to aid in the introductory stages of teaching brass and woodwinds to beginner band students. We will focus on posture, hand position, embouchure and breathing techniques to start them off. Then, we will address how to approach the hurdles students face with different instruments. Bring an instrument with you!

Capacity 60

Michael Nelson

Mike Nelson (B.Mus, B.Ed) currently teaches Music, Band and Visual Art at Avon View High School. He taught beginner band for 11 years, starting in Wolfville School then moving to Kings County Academy and Evangeline Middle School before moving to High School. Mike is active in community theatre. He has been music director for Quick As Wink Theatre (Annie, The Music Man, Grease, Oliver, Shrek, Mamma Mia) and Stage Prophets (Mary Poppins, Anne & Gilbert, Nunsense, Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Children of Eden). Mike has been on the executive for the NSMEA since October 2019.

B3

James Hill's Ukulele in the Classroom: Skills and Repertoire

This session will unpack and explore teaching fully arranged ensemble repertoire for youth from James Hill's Ukulele in the Classroom, Book 1. It will concentrate on showcasing the interplay between melody, harmony, rhythm, and vocals in preparing school concert pieces. Some familiarity with playing the C, F, and G chords, as well as the notes in the C-major scale are an asset. Please bring a ukulele, if possible.

 Capacity 60

Bryan LaPlante

Bryan LaPlante currently teaches elementary music with the HRCE. He is a Level 3 instructor with the James Hill Ukulele Initiative (JHUI) and directs Halifax City Ukulele, a free live and virtual ukulele community of over 800 members. His career has included teaching in Canada, USA, Mexico, The Dominican Republic, and South Korea. 

 B4

Songs for Elementary Classrooms and Concert Performances

Donna has been writing songs for elementary students for almost 40 years! Donna will share new songs and maybe a few old favourites for elementary school singers. The session will include musical options for classroom singing games, concerts, festival solos, seasonal concerts, and songs that are just plain fun to sing! Donna’s songs are available as single song downloads. Donna will also share music from the new Donna & Andy recording being released fall 2023.

Capacity: 60

Donna Rhodenizer

Donna knew she wanted to be a teacher from the age of 5 and she combined her passion for music and her love for teaching into a 35-year career in the elementary music classroom. Donna taught as a string specialist in the Kingston community string program, while studying music education at Acadia University. She was a member (and concert master) of the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra and Acadia Orchestra. She did a year of graduate studies at Brandon University and then returned to Nova Scotia as a part-time string professor at Acadia University (a 2-year appointment) and spent a year as a substitute teacher in the public schools of Kings County. She taught elementary music at Windsor Elementary (where she discovered handbells!) and Gaspereau Valley Elementary before settling in at Kings County Academy in Kentville (25 years) from where she retired in June 2019.

Donna has made a name for herself as a music educator and as a composer. Her music can be found on almost every continent. She has written and self-published seven collections of original music and some of her songs are published in the Royal Conservatory graded vocal series used by private music teachers. Donna also has songs published by The Full Voice, Leslie Music Supply and Cypress Choral Music. She created a new recorder program, “Royal Recorders” and she has written over 200 compositions for choirs, handbells, violin and piano.

Donna received the NSMEA Musica Viva Award (2009) for her outstanding contribution to music education in Nova Scotia and the 2011 Jubilate Award of Merit from the CMEA for her significant contribution to music education in Canada. In 2019 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NSMEA. Donna is grateful for the support of her peers, and their interest in her music. She enjoys sharing her music both in her own classroom, and also in the classrooms of others in Canada and around the world. Donna is a passionate advocate of music, and she enjoys inspiring others to join her in making music a vibrant and significant part of their lives.

Donna is an active performer and recording artist. As part of the duo, Donna & Andy, she is a Juno nominee and a winner of multiple awards from the East Coast Music Association and Music Nova Scotia, recognizing her work in the recording field. Many of the songs she performs, and records are her own original tunes. In addition to Donna & Andy recordings, she recorded a CD of her own original instrumental compositions entitled Musically Yours, featuring her multi-instrumental talents on violin, piano and accordion.

B5

Tool Kit for Starting Beginner Horn Players

This session will address the dwindling population of grade school horn players in band and look at ways of turning this around with suggestions for finding the right students for the instrument, and how to keep it both fun and challenging.

 Capacity 60

Mary Lee

Hornist Mary Lee trained at the University of Toronto, in the city where she was born and raised. Her principal teachers there were Wayne Jeffrey and Eugene Rittich, but special mention must go to her grade 7 music teacher, Mr. Barnes, who, upon first handing Mary her instrument, insisted that she not attempt to make a sound on it until AFTER hearing Denis Brain’s recording of the Mozart horn concertos. He set the bar high, and Mary credits the Toronto public school music programs for giving her a strong start. Along the way, she was fortunate to spend two summers at the Banff Centre, participating in the brass and wind masterclass programs, as well as summer masterclasses in Freiburg, Germany. After completing her undergraduate degree, Mary packed up her horn and moved to the Netherlands where she spent a year at the Utrecht Conservatory furthering her horn and orchestral studies. Shortly afterwards she played a season with the Israel Sinfonietta and then joined the Symphony Nova Scotia horn section in 1989, where she has played ever since. In addition to performing, Mary greatly enjoys working with horn students of all ages and is on the faculty at Acadia University and the Maritime Conservatory. She coaches the NSYO horn section, and has given workshops and adjudicated at schools, festivals and music camps throughout Nova Scotia. Mary is also a founding member of the woodwind quintet Fifth Wind, and playing with the group has led to many wonderful and diverse adventures in chamber music.

B6

The 2024 JUNO Awards in Halifax: Celebrating Contemporary Canadian Music in the Classroom

Teachers will explore how to leverage the upcoming JUNO Awards in Halifax as a unique opportunity to get students excited about Canadian music. Activities and lesson ideas aimed at helping students understand how the JUNOS function and why celebrating Canadian music matters. We will introduce educators to free MusiCounts Learn teaching resources that explore topics including non-performance careers in Canada’s music ecosystem, Canadian hip-hop and social justice issues, and contemporary Indigenous music in Canada. Suggestions on how to use these resources in alignment with conversations around the upcoming JUNO Awards.

 Capacity 60

Nick Godsoe

Nick Godsoe is the Senior Manager of Programs & Education at MusiCounts, Canada's music education charity associated with the JUNO Awards. In this role over the past five years, Nick oversees various grant, scholarship, award and resource development programs aimed at making music education more accessible, inclusive and sustainable across Canada. Nick has served as a clinician at music education conferences from coast to coast, and has been invited to facilitate workshops with students and educators by different school boards across the country. Nick is also the Chair of the Board of Directors for Rainbow Songs Foundation, which offers free music programming for young children and families living in shelter and refugee services in the Greater Toronto Area. Prior to his work at MusiCounts, Nick completed a Bachelor of Music in tuba performance from Mount Allison University, and a Master of Arts in Musicology from the University of Toronto. Currently, Nick is based in southern New Brunswick.

11:30am - 1pm

Lunch

11:30am-12:00pm

AGM

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Session C

C1

C1 Never Too Old for Singing Games

Be prepared to come along and join in some singing and rhythm games suitable for older students – upper primary to secondary. These games are frequently used as warmups for community choirs, too. Copies of scores/game instructions will be given for all activities. We tend to think the games are for younger children but in the words of George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”.

Capacity: Unlimited

Lucinda Geoghegan

Lucinda Geoghegan graduated in music from the University of Edinburgh in 1982, completed a postgraduate teaching qualification at Moray House College of Education and trained with the Kodály Institute of Britain where she gained an Advanced Diploma in musicianship with Distinction. She worked as a secondary music teacher in Edinburgh before deciding to specialise in Primary and Early Years Music Education. She was also member of staff with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus for 16 years and was Director of the NYCOS West Lothian Choir for 8 years.

She is currently a theory and musicianship lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland working in both the Senior and Junior departments and in addition since 2011 has been delivering and assessing RCS accredited modules in Kodály Philosophy to external students. She is a regular tutor, member of the Trustees and Chair of Education for the British Kodály Academy and in 2017 Lucinda was elected as a Director on the Board of the International Kodály Society.

Lucinda is Creative Learning Director for NYCOS and her work involves Staff Development training across Britain presenting workshops on Kodály musicianship and methodology. Lucinda is a guest lecturer on the summer and yearly courses at the Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary and in addition has delivered workshops in Ireland, Germany, Holland, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, Australia, Canada and USA.

C2

Do I Look Like The Music? Technique and Gesture for Expressive Conducting

This session will explore conducting techniques and gestures that will improve facility, economy, and communication.

Bring your batons!

Capacity 60

Dr. Jacqueline Dawson

Dr. Jacqueline Dawson is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator across Canada and the United States, appearing at numerous festivals and conferences coast to coast. Engagements have included the Minnesota All-State Concert Band, Musicfest Canada, the Alberta Band Association Wind Symphony, The Maritime Youth Wind Ensemble, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra New Music Festival, the International Music Camp, and numerous provincial, regional and divisional honour bands in Canada and the United States. She was awarded the 2003 University of Manitoba School of Music Excellence in Music Education Award, the 2013 University of Manitoba Teacher Recognition Award and the 2015 Manitoba Band Association Award of Distinction. Dr. Dawson is currently an Associate Professor and the Director of Bands at the University of Manitoba Desautels Faculty of Music where she conducts the Concert Band and Wind Ensemble, teaches courses in music education and oversees the graduate wind conducting program. The University of Manitoba Wind Ensemble has been featured at festivals such as the Cantando Festival in Edmonton and Sunpeaks, the Canadian Rocky Mountain Music Festival, has performed in the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra New Music Festival and has participated in numerous consortium commissions and world premiere performances. Prior to her appointment at the University of Manitoba, she taught in the public school system for twenty years and served as a sessional instructor at the University of Manitoba. Jacquie served on the board of directors of the Manitoba Band Association from 1999 – 2005 and remains active with numerous MBA projects and is the treasurer of the Canadian Band Association. She was the Artistic Director of The Winnipeg Wind Ensemble from 2009-2020. Jacquie is the one of the founders of the Winnipeg Youth Wind Ensemble and is the founder of the newly formed Winnipeg Chamber Winds Collective. She recently served as ‘Artist in Residence’ with the Royal Canadian Air Force Band. Jacquie continues to spend as much time as possible with young students and band programs and is a strong advocate for music education. Dr. Dawson has been published in the Canadian Music Educator Journal and the Canadian Winds Journal and has presented at conferences internationally, including the Canadian Music Educators’ Association National Conference, the Kansas Music EducatorsConference and the International Society for the Research and Promotion of Wind Music Conference. She is an active proponent in the promotion of new wind band works and has led or participated in numerous commissions and premieres of works by Gary Kulesha, Kenley Kristofferson, David Scott, Viet Cuong, Steven Danyew, and Peter Meechan. Jacquie received undergraduate degrees in music and music education from Memorial University of Newfoundland and holds a masters degree in conducting from the University of Manitoba where she studied with Dr. Dale Lonis and Earl Stafford. She completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from the University of Kansas under the tutelage of Dr. Paul Popiel.

C3

Put on a Show! The Ultimate, Behind the Scenes, How to Guide You Need to Produce Your Own High School Musical.

This session is designed to help you feel more confident regarding all of the administrative components that go into producing a musical. 

What this session will NOT cover:

• How to be a musical theatre performer 

What this session IS going to cover:

• Timelines (starting auditions, creating a rehearsal schedule, individual rehearsals, etc.)
• Finances (creating a budget)
• Advertising (getting butts in seats) 
• Production Team (including delegating) 
• The Law (finding a show, obtaining rights, etc.) 
• Templates 

Capacity 60

Lyndsey Mitchell

Lyndsey Mitchell believes that the music classroom can, and should, be a vehicle for both personal and community development. She studied flute at Acadia University, graduating with both undergraduate (BMus ‘12, BEd ‘14) and graduate (MEd ‘19) degrees in music education. 

Upon graduation in 2014, Lyndsey moved to northern Alberta where she developed the wind and vocal music programs at Charles Spencer High School. During this time, she discovered an unexpected love for choir and musical theatre, routinely bringing ensembles to the Alberta Music Festival Association’s provincial festival, as well as directing full-scale musical theatre productions on an annual basis. While working in Grande Prairie, she was the recipient of Swan City Rotary’s Excellence in Education award, and also served on the Fine Arts Advisory Committee for Grande Prairie Regional College (now Northwestern Polytechnic).

Since returning to Nova Scotia two years ago, Lyndsey has been involved with a number of Acadia University’s music programs, including performing with the Acadia University Wind Ensemble, serving as a mentor teacher through its Bachelor of Education program, and joining the Youth Band as assistant director. She has also provided vocal coaching for Quick As A Wink Theatre Society. She currently teaches music, drama, and computer programming at Horton High School in Greenwich, Nova Scotia. 

When she is not in a rehearsal, you can find her dabbling in various DIY projects around the house or spending time with her beloved rescue animals. 

C4

Sing! Sing! Sing! Fun warm-ups, rounds, and activities to boost singing in our classrooms and rehearsals!

We need more singing! Join in as we explore fun and foolish ways to increase singing and vocal skills in our elementary music programs. We will learn warm-ups, rounds, and activities, suitable for both the classroom and rehearsal settings, and use low-pressure strategies to support students who need a little help to smooth out the path from speaking to singing. Let’s continue to grow young musicians who share in the joy of singing!

Capacity 60

Krista Vincent

Krista Vincent is a conductor and music educator in the Halifax area. Her love of singing began in her early years in Stephenville, NL, and has seen her progress from primary school chorister to conductor of her own ensembles. She has taught elementary music and choir since 2003, and has benefitted from years of involvement with the Nova Scotia Choral Federation and Orff Nova Scotia. Currently, she keeps active in the community by working with EnChor East Singers, serving as Mentorship Coordinator with the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers’ Association, and regularly participating in conducting masterclasses and music education workshops. Krista aspires to provide an experience that challenges students to improve musically, while valuing the personal development and community connections of music education and choral involvement. She is eager to work with colleagues and hopes we can all share in the joy of singing together! 

C5

How to get through the whole music curriculum in just 15 minutes a week! Everything you need for grades 1-3

Our program will guide you and your students through a music syllabus that covers everything you need. We have meticulously incorporated fun and entertaining videos, games, sound samples, and printable content designed to both engage and educate. Special guests, industry professionals and our original animated critters join us for every lesson. By following our unique weekly lessons, students will achieve the educational outcomes, and have a lot of fun in the process! 

Capacity: 60

Colin Maier

Born and raised in Calgary, Colin Maier graduated from the University of Calgary in 1997 with a degree in oboe performance studying with David Sussman. Since 2009, Colin has been the oboist for Quartetto Gelato. During that time, he has been heard on global radio broadcasts, recorded 6 commercial CDs, seen on the BRAVO network, toured the world, been a soloist with numerous international orchestras, and received the 2010 INDIE award for best classical ensemble. He has also played with orchestras such as the Calgary Philharmonic and the National Ballet Orchestra. He has performed in orchestra pits for mega musicals across Canada. As well as being a guest lecturer/recitalist at universities across North America, Colin is currently the oboe professor at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. In addition to oboe, Colin also plays clarinet, English horn, violin, acoustic/electric bass, piano, saxophone, flute, guitar and musical saw. Colin can be heard playing the Saw on the soundtrack for the “Cuphead 2” video game. Colin has recorded several pieces with layering and multi-tracking all the instruments to perform every sound on the song, a project called “The Colin Maier Orchestra”. He also regularly uses these instruments to lead workshops and demonstrations to children ages 5-18. In addition to being a musician, Colin has also worked for over 20 years as a dancere, actor, stuntman, singer, choreographer, acrobat and martial artist. Colin had the honour of playing the devil fiddler in the flying blue canoe for the Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremonies. Colin has also been seen in, "The Lord of the Rings (Mirvish), Fire (CanStage), Forbidden Pheonix (LKTYP), "KA" (Cirque du Soleil), "Amadeus" (Alberta Theatre Projects), "THat Dance Show" (Saltance Productions), "Cats" (Neptune Theatre), Joseph's Dreamcoat (StageWest/Drayton), "A Chorus Line" (StageWest), Sarah Brightman's World Tour and TV's "Honey I Shrunk the Kids!" This combination of music and theatre is quite unique and he continues to find new, exciting and ground breaking ways to combine his two passions.

Liza McLellan

Saskatchewan-born cellist Liza McLellan is currently writing, arranging and performing music of all styles. From 2009 to 2019, she was cellist for Canada’s notable musical ensemble Quartetto Gelato. As a member of this esteemed group, she had the opportunity to travel all over the world, giving performances in concert halls and music festivals, performed as soloist before large and small scale orchestras, given recitals, and University-level master classes and recorded two full-length albumbs, "All Original, 100% Canadian" and "The Magic of Christmas". In 2010, this group won an Indy Award for Best Classical Ensemble. Liza is now a sought-after freelance cellist in Toronto. Recent work includes cello for the Mirvish productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen. She has taken part in numerous premieres with local ensembles like Soundstream Canada and New Music Concerts. She is an in-demand session and recording artist for musical genres ranging from folks, to rock, pop and classical, and has worked in nearly every recording studio in Toronto. Liza has taken part in performing for numerous film scores (most notably by composer Michael Danna), and can be heard in TV productions such as The Murdoch Mysteries and Wynona Earp. She has sat as an extra musician for numerous Canadian orchestras, most notably the Toronto Symphony. Liza is also currently cellist and writer/arranger for Yamaha and D'Addario-sponsored electric/acoustic string quartet, Dévah. This group has held residencies at the University of Toronto during new music week as well as in San Jacinto College, Texas. In 2022, she co-produced, wrote and arranged all of the music for their latest album entitled, "Prometheus". IN 2019, Dévah Quartet recorded another full length album entitled “2112” – which featured her arrangement of RUSH’s epic suite 2112, as well as her own original suite called “Heaven and Hell”, also written for electric string quartet, drums, male and female vocal soloists as well as choir. This album was recently pressed into vinyl in March of 2020. Dévah recorded their first self-titled EP in 2013, featuring all original music written by Liza.

C6

The Great Highland Bagpipe - Introducing Practice Chanters to Music Classrooms

The Highland Bagpipe is deeply ingrained in Nova Scotia's musical history and shares strong ties to Gaelic culture. The introduction to the Bagpipe is the practice chanter. This learner instrument is used to teach the necessary theory and technique before transitioning to the Bagpipe. In this session, we will explore how the chanter works, cover the basic fundamentals of good hand technique, discuss instrument specific theory, and make learning the chanter engaging for student success.

 Capacity: 30

Trevor Kellock has been piping for 25 years and has had the privilege of learning from many teachers and mentors.  He has competed through amateur and professional grade solos and has played with pipe bands including Dartmouth and District, RCMP H Division, 78^th Fraser Highlanders, Edmonton and District, College of Piping Summerside, PEI, and Cape Breton Island Pipe Band.  He was the Pipe Major/instructor of Dartmouth and District, Edmonton and District, and Cape Breton Island Pipe Band, winning North American Championships in grade 3 and 5 respectively with the latter two.  He has also performed at several international music festivals including Festival Interceltique de L’Orient, Piping Live, and Celtic Colours. 

Trevor currently lives in Cape Breton and after a hiatus from teaching to stay at home with his two boys, is back teaching in the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education with the goal of reigniting strong musical roots here on the Island.   

2:00-2:30pm

Networking

2:30pm - 3:30pm

Session D

D1

Games as a Springboard to Music Literacy.

Kodaly: “We should read music in the same way that an educated adult will read a book: in silence, but imagining the sound”. This session will explore how games act as a springboard for music literacy as the children build up a “song bank” of material which will be used to prepare multiple concepts. In addition, the games can act as a kinaesthetic experience – the embodiment of rhythm and pitch before it is consciously introduced.

Capacity: Unlimited

Lucinda Geoghegan

Lucinda Geoghegan graduated in music from the University of Edinburgh in 1982, completed a postgraduate teaching qualification at Moray House College of Education and trained with the Kodály Institute of Britain where she gained an Advanced Diploma in musicianship with Distinction. She worked as a secondary music teacher in Edinburgh before deciding to specialise in Primary and Early Years Music Education. She was also member of staff with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Junior Chorus for 16 years and was Director of the NYCOS West Lothian Choir for 8 years.

She is currently a theory and musicianship lecturer at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland working in both the Senior and Junior departments and in addition since 2011 has been delivering and assessing RCS accredited modules in Kodály Philosophy to external students. She is a regular tutor, member of the Trustees and Chair of Education for the British Kodály Academy and in 2017 Lucinda was elected as a Director on the Board of the International Kodály Society.

Lucinda is Creative Learning Director for NYCOS and her work involves Staff Development training across Britain presenting workshops on Kodály musicianship and methodology. Lucinda is a guest lecturer on the summer and yearly courses at the Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary and in addition has delivered workshops in Ireland, Germany, Holland, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey, Australia, Canada and USA.

D2

Jazz Band Reading Session

We will be reading through current repertoire for junior and high school jazz bands, including music suitable for groups with incomplete instrumentation.

Capacity: 60

Nick Fisher
Nick Fisher (B.Mus, B.Ed, M.Ed) is an active performer on saxophone and other woodwinds.  He currently teaches music at Truro Middle School and is also the Program Director for Nova Scotia Honour Jazz. He is a member of the Halifax-based Back Alley Big Band and co-leads the Hubtown Big Band in Truro along with John MacLeod. Nick earned his Bachelor’s Degree in saxophone performance in the Jazz Studies program at St. FX and holds Bachelor’s and Master of Education degrees from Acadia University. He has recorded with such artists as Andru Branch, Kim Dunn, James Hill, Ann Janelle, and most recently on Brigid’s debut album for which he wrote the horn arrangements.

D3

NSBA Master Teacher Q & A

NSBA Master Teacher Andrew Alcorn will discuss instrumental band topics and answer questions regarding all things band.

Capacity: 60
Andrew Alcorn
Andrew Alcorn is a native of Antigonish NS. After completing a Diploma in Jazz Studies in 1982, he finished his BA Mus. at St. F.X. in 1983 and a Graduate Diploma in 2003. He spent some time in Toronto playing trumpet with of The Royal
Canadian Artillery Band, the Silverthorne Brass band and did freelance work. After returning to Nova Scotia, Andrew started a teaching career that spanned 30 years in the New Glasgow area. He had the good fortune to work alongside his wife Janice (vocalist, choir director) for most of these years building a well-rounded and reputable program. He taught all levels of bands from elementary to high school, including concert bands, jazz bands and a variety of instrumental ensembles. His bands were often top award winners at local, provincial and national festivals. His three daughters are all enjoying a life in the music industry as well. Alcorn was president of the Nova Scotia Band Association from 2001-05. Andrew was a director with Nova Scotia Honours Jazz and Acadia jazz camp staff for over 20 years. He has done workshops with the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble and Junior Wind Ensemble on many occasions and has been a presenter at the Nova Scotia Music Educators Conference several times. When he is not teaching, Andrew can be found performing or recording with any one of many top Nova Scotian ensembles including the Stadacona Band, The Back Alley Big Band, Latin Groove, Nova Brass and many others. He is the recipient of the “Excellence in Teaching” award, the NSMEA “Lifetime Achievement” award and the Nova Scotia Band Association’s “Master Teacher” award. Andrew retired from teaching in 2016 and is enjoying performing, recording, adjudicating, cycling, kayaking, carpentry, and quality time with his family.

D4

A Jig and a Reel

With the increase in attention to Outcome 5 in the elementary music curriculum, the Bodhran has become a more accessible instrument for students to explore. We will take some time to explore the origins of the Bodhran as an instrument as well as some of the basics to get you playing and having wonderful musical experiences with your students. If you have a Bodhran, please bring it along as there will be limited loaners available.

Capacity: 60

Donalda Westcott

Donalda Westcott is a Music Specialist with the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education where she has been a P-5 classroom music teacher for the past 25 years. When not teaching her 500 student circuit, Donalda can be found exploring all things new and fun with her two girls, 13 and 4, and her husband at their dream home out on the Mira.

D5

How to get through the whole music curriculum in just 15 minutes a week! Everything you need for grades 4-6

Our program will guide you and your students through a music syllabus that covers everything you need. We have meticulously incorporated fun and entertaining videos, games, sound samples, and printable content designed to both engage and educate. Special guests, industry professionals and our original animated critters join us for every lesson. By following our unique weekly lessons, students will achieve the educational outcomes, and have a lot of fun in the process! 

Capacity: 60

Colin Maier

Born and raised in Calgary, Colin Maier graduated from the University of Calgary in 1997 with a degree in oboe performance studying with David Sussman. Since 2009, Colin has been the oboist for Quartetto Gelato. During that time, he has been heard on global radio broadcasts, recorded 6 commercial CDs, seen on the BRAVO network, toured the world, been a soloist with numerous international orchestras, and received the 2010 INDIE award for best classical ensemble. He has also played with orchestras such as the Calgary Philharmonic and the National Ballet Orchestra. He has performed in orchestra pits for mega musicals across Canada. As well as being a guest lecturer/recitalist at universities across North America, Colin is currently the oboe professor at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. In addition to oboe, Colin also plays clarinet, English horn, violin, acoustic/electric bass, piano, saxophone, flute, guitar and musical saw. Colin can be heard playing the Saw on the soundtrack for the “Cuphead 2” video game. Colin has recorded several pieces with layering and multi-tracking all the instruments to perform every sound on the song, a project called “The Colin Maier Orchestra”. He also regularly uses these instruments to lead workshops and demonstrations to children ages 5-18. In addition to being a musician, Colin has also worked for over 20 years as a dancere, actor, stuntman, singer, choreographer, acrobat and martial artist. Colin had the honour of playing the devil fiddler in the flying blue canoe for the Vancouver 2010 Opening Ceremonies. Colin has also been seen in, "The Lord of the Rings (Mirvish), Fire (CanStage), Forbidden Pheonix (LKTYP), "KA" (Cirque du Soleil), "Amadeus" (Alberta Theatre Projects), "THat Dance Show" (Saltance Productions), "Cats" (Neptune Theatre), Joseph's Dreamcoat (StageWest/Drayton), "A Chorus Line" (StageWest), Sarah Brightman's World Tour and TV's "Honey I Shrunk the Kids!" This combination of music and theatre is quite unique and he continues to find new, exciting and ground breaking ways to combine his two passions.

Liza McLellan

Saskatchewan-born cellist Liza McLellan is currently writing, arranging and performing music of all styles. From 2009 to 2019, she was cellist for Canada’s notable musical ensemble Quartetto Gelato. As a member of this esteemed group, she had the opportunity to travel all over the world, giving performances in concert halls and music festivals, performed as soloist before large and small scale orchestras, given recitals, and University-level master classes and recorded two full-length albumbs, "All Original, 100% Canadian" and "The Magic of Christmas". In 2010, this group won an Indy Award for Best Classical Ensemble. Liza is now a sought-after freelance cellist in Toronto. Recent work includes cello for the Mirvish productions of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen. She has taken part in numerous premieres with local ensembles like Soundstream Canada and New Music Concerts. She is an in-demand session and recording artist for musical genres ranging from folks, to rock, pop and classical, and has worked in nearly every recording studio in Toronto. Liza has taken part in performing for numerous film scores (most notably by composer Michael Danna), and can be heard in TV productions such as The Murdoch Mysteries and Wynona Earp. She has sat as an extra musician for numerous Canadian orchestras, most notably the Toronto Symphony. Liza is also currently cellist and writer/arranger for Yamaha and D'Addario-sponsored electric/acoustic string quartet, Dévah. This group has held residencies at the University of Toronto during new music week as well as in San Jacinto College, Texas. In 2022, she co-produced, wrote and arranged all of the music for their latest album entitled, "Prometheus". IN 2019, Dévah Quartet recorded another full length album entitled “2112” – which featured her arrangement of RUSH’s epic suite 2112, as well as her own original suite called “Heaven and Hell”, also written for electric string quartet, drums, male and female vocal soloists as well as choir. This album was recently pressed into vinyl in March of 2020. Dévah recorded their first self-titled EP in 2013, featuring all original music written by Liza.

D6

Royal Recorders: Create a fun recorder-playing kingdom

This sequential, 13-level recorder teaching program is highly motivational, with rewards for individual songs as students become Royal Recorder Knights. Original songs, familiar folk tunes, fiddle tunes and other genres ensure musical choices and challenges for beginner to advanced recorder players. Simple melodies are transformed using accompaniment tracks in a variety of styles and include practice and performance speeds. Bring a soprano recorder and be prepared to rock, boogie, disco, waltz, flamenco and have fun playing recorder!

 Capacity: 60

Donna knew she wanted to be a teacher from the age of 5 and she combined her passion for music and her love for teaching into a 35-year career in the elementary music classroom. Donna taught as a string specialist in the Kingston community string program, while studying music education at Acadia University. She was a member (and concert master) of the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra and Acadia Orchestra. She did a year of graduate studies at Brandon University and then returned to Nova Scotia as a part-time string professor at Acadia University (a 2-year appointment) and spent a year as a substitute teacher in the public schools of Kings County. She taught elementary music at Windsor Elementary (where she discovered handbells!) and Gaspereau Valley Elementary before settling in at Kings County Academy in Kentville (25 years) from where she retired in June 2019.

Donna has made a name for herself as a music educator and as a composer. Her music can be found on almost every continent. She has written and self-published seven collections of original music and some of her songs are published in the Royal Conservatory graded vocal series used by private music teachers. Donna also has songs published by The Full Voice, Leslie Music Supply and Cypress Choral Music. She created a new recorder program, “Royal Recorders” and she has written over 200 compositions for choirs, handbells, violin and piano.

Donna received the NSMEA Musica Viva Award (2009) for her outstanding contribution to music education in Nova Scotia and the 2011 Jubilate Award of Merit from the CMEA for her significant contribution to music education in Canada. In 2019 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NSMEA. Donna is grateful for the support of her peers, and their interest in her music. She enjoys sharing her music both in her own classroom, and also in the classrooms of others in Canada and around the world. Donna is a passionate advocate of music, and she enjoys inspiring others to join her in making music a vibrant and significant part of their lives.

Donna is an active performer and recording artist. As part of the duo, Donna & Andy, she is a Juno nominee and a winner of multiple awards from the East Coast Music Association and Music Nova Scotia, recognizing her work in the recording field. Many of the songs she performs, and records are her own original tunes. In addition to Donna & Andy recordings, she recorded a CD of her own original instrumental compositions entitled Musically Yours, featuring her multi-instrumental talents on violin, piano and accordion.

D7

Tips and Tricks for the beginner string class.

Some helpful tips and tricks for teaching beginner string classes as well as a few simple repairs that can be done on the spot. Topics include practicing, set up, posture, note reading and more!

Capacity: 60

Katrina Mills Pecknold

Katrina Mills Pecknold has been a music educator with HRCE for over 25 years. She has directed many string orchestras, numerous honour choirs, as well as the Halifax Schools Symphony Orchestra. Katrina currently directs the Halifax Regional Arts Honour Violins, Lighthouse Choir, and Oxford Junior High String Ensemble and is the String Department Head for Halifax Regional Arts. Katrina graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) with a triple major in school music, choral conducting, and instrumental conducting, and received her Bachelor of Education from The University of Western Ontario. Katrina holds two Masters of Education from MSVU (Educational Psychology and Technology Integration) and one from Acadia (Music Education Curriculum Studies).