The Wealth of our Stories with Mama K

For many of us here in Manitoba, Bill Kristjanson is one of the all time great music educators, always leading with thoughtful kindness.  He has taught band outside of Winnipeg, in Winnipeg, been a music consultant in two different divisions, a very active clinician, an instructor through the University of Manitoba, the list goes on :)  Enjoy!

Jacqueline Dawson is the director of bands at the University of Manitoba.  She and I met many moons ago when I was a flute clinician for her high school band workshops.  I have watched her work with students and adults alike, and been a part of a band that she was directing.  She consistently brings out the musical best in all of us when she is on the podium through her attention to detail, her musicality and vision, and her kindness.  Enjoy! 

Cheryl Ferguson teaches band at Fort Richmond Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  She is a leader in the Manitoba band community as well as across Canada, touring with her own bands, putting on workshops and clinics, is an integral member of the Manitoba Band Association Board, and is a near and dear friend.  Enjoy!  

Megan Parry Jamieson and I met in the fall of 1991 as "first years" in the School of Music at the University of Manitoba!  She is a composer, a guitar/piano teacher, and grade 8 homeroom teacher in London, Ontario!  Enjoy

Stacey Nattrass Brown is a choir teacher at Garden City Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  She is also very well known for being the official Winnipeg Jets anthem singer!  Turns out that she and I have a lot in common when it comes to our musical journey and who initially inspired us in the early years of school.  Enjoy!

Darrin Oehlerking is the director bands at Saskatchewan University in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  He and I met in 1991 as "first years" at the University of Manitoba and had far too many crazy adventures with our crew of musical misfits.  He is a great music educator and a wonderful friend.  Enjoy!

Alexis Silver teaches band and drama at Sisler High School in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  She is an incredibly dynamic music educator as well as musician.  With her dry wit, her quick and snappy come backs, and her giving heart, she has been a rock for me in some pretty crazy times and I simply adore her.  Enjoy!

Chloe Plamondon is a band teacher at Maples Collegiate in Winnipeg, Manitoba as well as the vice-president of the Manitoba Band Association.  I have know Chloe since we were both heavily involved in the Winnipeg flute community and participating in the different festivals.  I am lucky to get to connect with her frequently during the school year due to the fact that her high school is only a three minute drive from mine and many of my students end up in her band program.  Enjoy!

Marissa Hirsch teaches middle years band at Springfield Middle School in Oakbank, Manitoba.  She is truly a inspiring, talented, and passionate music educator that understands that community and trust makes the music magic all happen.  I am proud to call her my dear friend and fellow animal rescue advocate.  Enjoy!

Tyler Yip is a music educator and Divisional Arts Consultant in the Seven Oaks School Division in Winnipeg, Manitoba.  Most recently he and I ran the Garden City Summer Band Camp together for 6 years as Mama K and The Yipster!  He is a great musician and does a wonderful job listening to and helping all of the different arts educators in the division achieve great things for and with their students.  Enjoy!