Instructor Biographies

Sherry Bonness (Oboe)

Sherry completed a Music Performance Degree at the University of California. She attended the Music Academy for the West in Santa Barbara, played with the American Wind Symphony and went on to get her Music Teaching Credential while playing in the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra. After moving to Canada, she played oboe and English horn with the Thunder Bay Symphony, in addition to working with the Winnipeg Symphony, CBC Orchestra, Musik Barock Ensemble, Rainbow Stage Pit Orchestra and the Saskatoon Symphony.
    
Currently, Sherry works as a substitute teacher in public schools, has taught at the International Music Camp and is frequently called on to coach young oboists at local band camps, workshops and in private lessons. She continues to play in community orchestras and bands, and to work as freelance professional musician.

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Dawn Bruch (Voice)

Dawn Bruch completed her Bachelors of Music in voice at Montreal’s McGill University. Dawn returned to her home base, Winnipeg, to pursue her Masters of Music degree at The University of Manitoba where she is being taught and coached by several accomplished musicians including Tracy Dahl and Mel Braun. As a polished, sensitive and professional soprano, Dawn has appeared with the Manitoba Opera, Prairie Performances, the Little Opera Company and The University of Manitoba Opera Workshop.

Some of Dawn’s previous accomplishments include winning the Herbert and Audrey Belyea Trophy (2006), as well as The University of Manitoba Concerto Competition (2004). Dawn also represented Manitoba at the National Music Festival, where she was awarded the Jan Simons Memorial Trophy for Song Interpretation (2006). Dawn is currently residing in Winnipeg with her husband and three cats. Her passion for performance has given her ample opportunity in Winnipeg. Dawn’s desire to perform to the best of her abilities is now being passed on to her students.

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Wes Elias (Piano, Theory)

Since returning to Winnipeg in 1988, Wes has been active as a music teacher, performer and church musician. He received degrees in music at CMBC (now CMU) and at the University of Toronto, as well as the ARCT diploma. For the past 17 years, Wes has served as Director of Music at Broadway-First Baptist Church in downtown Winnipeg. He has taught piano, organ and theory in various locations for over 30 years. He is a member of the College of Examiners of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto. Performing experiences include numerous accompanying roles, organ recitals and involvement with several local choral groups.

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Hally Friesen (Piano)

Hally Friesen is in her final year of her undergraduate degree, majoring in piano at the Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg where she is studying under Dr. Cheryl Pauls and Verna Wiebe, a collaborative teacher at the University.

Originally from Paraguay, Hally has participated in several national competitions, and has been awarded first place in the Musischen Wettbewerb and in the Menno competition. She has also studied with Dr. Judy Kehler Siebert from the University of Manitoba who encouraged her to pursue Music Education studies.

Hally has shared her passion for music by teaching piano to children. Starting in the fall she will also teach music at Children's Place Montessori School.

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Gabriela Gallo (Music for Kids )

Gabriela Gallo is a recent graduate of the University of Manitoba’s Music-Education Integrated program, who has a major in Voice and a minor in French. This friendly and energetic young woman is currently employed in the St. James – Assiniboia School Division in both early years French- Immersion music, at Ecole Bannatyne, and middle years choral at Lincoln Middle School. Gabriela’s past experiences have been directing the Cultural Arts camp for children in the community of Steinbach, presenting as a clinician at the division-wide Louis-Riel Orff Days, private voice and piano instruction, as well as a teaching in the early years music stream within the Winnipeg No. 1 School Division. Gabriela is thrilled to be instructing in the Music for Kids program at CMU this fall. She sees this program as another opportunity to spread the love of music to the world surrounding her. Gabriela believes that the positive influence of music on a
child’s life can irreversibly change them for the better; socially, emotionally and scholastically.

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Alain Guilmette (B. Mus., B.Ed.) Percussion

Alain Guilmette holds a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba.
In addition to teaching private drum set and percussion lessons, he is in demand as a percussion clinician and substitute teacher throughout the city. A versatile freelance musician, Alain has performed with many of Winnipeg’s musical ensembles, including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Manitoba Opera and Camerata Nova. He is also the drummer for the well-known local band SubCity Dwellers, an 8-piece outfit who record and tour regularly throughout Western Canada.

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Erin Hammond (Theatre & Drama)

Erin Hammond is originally from Flin Flon and is a graduate of the University of Winnipeg’s Honours Theatre Program. She has been an actor, playwright, producer and Arts Educator for 8 years. Her most recent acting and co-writing credits include Love, Hate and Lemon Pie and The Interview (“Best of Fest” winner) at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. Erin has also written Lake Maniwannagohome in association with the Manitoba Association of Playwrights which was produced for children ages 9 to 12 at Manitoba Theatre for Young People in March of ‘06. She is currently working as a co-writer on her third Fringe show of Ordinary May’s Extraordinary Ways for the 2008 Kids Fringe this summer.

Erin is a Theatre Instructor at Prairie Theatre Exchange School and Manitoba Theatre for Young People in Winnipeg where she teaches mime, musical theatre, improvisation, puppet/mask-making and more to all ages. She is also a senior artist with the Royal Conservatory of Music’s Learning Through The Arts program. Erin is also an owner and one of the founding members of PushPlay Productions, a company whose mandate is to enliven and sustain the Performing Arts and to develop theatre education in rural communities. She has also acted as the head script-writer at The Meeting Place and is currently the K to 5 Program Director for their children’s program KidzCore!

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Rachel Hinton (Piano)

Rachel Hinton recently completed a Master of Music degree in collaborative piano at the University of Manitoba, where she studied with Judy Kehler Siebert and Laura Loewen. She has appeared as a soloist with the University of Manitoba Orchestra, and also has represented Manitoba at the National Music Festival. Previous accomplishments include winning the “Amour” Competition for voice and piano with Ellen Wieser at the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Conference and the Aikens Memorial trophy for top instrumentalist at the Winnipeg Music Festival. Rachel resides in Winnipeg, where she teaches piano and works with instrumentalists, singers and choirs as a collaborative pianist.

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Rebecca Ifland (Piano)

Rebecca is an avid musician with a passion for ensemble work. Studying with Laura Loewen and Judy Kehler Siebert, she earned a master's degree in collaborative piano performance from the University of Manitoba (2006) to add to her undergraduate degree from Trinity Western University. Beyond piano performance, Rebecca has also worked as a rehearsal accompanist for Manitoba Opera, a choral conductor, a private piano teacher, and a university instructor of both music theory and piano accompaniment. Her rich musical background and quick intuition allow her to connect with many vocalists and instrumentalists in recitals, competitions, recordings, and professional coachings. Rebecca lives in Winnipeg with her husband Orion and two young children.

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Rodica Filipoi Jeffrey
Rodica Filipoi Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and a Master of Music Degree from the University of Oregon.

Positions held include Assistant Concertmaster of the Thunder Bay Symphony (2002-2005), Concertmaster
of the TBSO (2005-2006) and acting second violin of the Oregon Symphony (2006-2007).

Rodica performs locally with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Rembrandt String Quartet.
She has many years of experience in private violin instruction, and welcomes all levels of students.

Rodica is the mother of two wonderful children, Grace and Thomas.

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Leanne Lee (piano)

Leanne Regehr Lee earned Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Manitoba in 2001, specializing in piano and choral music. Graduating with distinction, she has taught junior high music in Winnipeg, where her choirs were consistently recommended to MusicFest Canada.

Leanne recently spent 4 years teaching high school music in England. In addition to developing a highly successful choral program, she was also a well-respected teacher of Music Performance, Composition, and Musicianship.
An experienced piano teacher, Leanne enjoys working with both young people and adults, from beginner through advanced levels.

As well as teaching piano, Leanne works as a freelance accompanist, collaborating with amateur and professional musicians and choirs. She is also active as a church musician.

Leanne’s dedicated and enthusiastic approach to teaching music inspires her students to develop their talents to the best of their abilities. When not teaching or playing piano, she enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with her husband and toddler twins.

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David Letkeman (Classical Guitar)

David has a Master’s degree in Music (classical guitar performance) from the University of Western Ontario. He currently teaches at Brandon University, the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts and at his own studio. He is a composer and arranger who has produced music for himself, his students and the guitar ensemble in Brandon. His compositions, arrangements and transcriptions have been published by Productions d’oz and Mel Bay.

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Todd Martin (B.Mus.) French Horn

Todd Martin enjoys a varied career as a musician in Winnipeg's diverse musical landscape. He has been a regular performer with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and Rainbow Stage, as well as performances with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra. In addition to working with those ensembles, Todd has performed on the stages of the MTS Centre, The West End Cultural Centre, The Winnipeg Fringe Festival, with different ensembles ranging from Il Divo to Paradigm Brass. Todd has been teaching privately, and as a clinician, for many years now and enjoys the process of working with fellow musicians and music lovers. Todd received his BMus from McGill University in 1998 in French Horn Performance.

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Dr. Michelle R. Miller (Flute)

In the world of music, Dr. Michelle Miller has worn many hats. She received a BMA Degree in Flute from Indiana State University and a MM in Flute from Indiana University where she studied with James Pellerite. In 1981 Michelle moved to Daytona Beach, Florida to study with the world renowned British flutist Geoffrey Gilbert who had recently retired there. Dr. Miller has also played in masterclasses with Jean Pierre Rampal, William Bennett and Peter Lloyd.
    
In the mid-to-late 80s, Michelle’s musical interests expanded to include arts presenting and she joined the staff at Central Florida Cultural Endeavors (CFCE) which remains one of the premiere arts presenting organizations in the southeastern United States. In very short order she became the Director of Operations for CFCE’s year round concert presentations. Her primary joy at CFCE was organizing the biennial summer visits with the London Symphony Orchestra. Even now Michelle maintains close ties with numerous members and top administrators of that wonderful orchestra.
    
Following, what she calls her “years in a suit,” Michelle returned to her flute. She packed up her little Toyota and drove cross country to Tucson, Arizona where she attended the University of Arizona. At the U. of A. Michelle not only continued her study of the flute, she discovered a passion for music history. For five years she studied with the internationally acclaimed French Baroque specialist, Prof. James R. Anthony. Michelle received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1992.
    
Michelle’s flute career has been one of a free-lance flutist from the word GO! She has played with numerous orchestras, chamber ensembles and in countless solo recitals. With various groups (including the famous Mantovani Orchestra) Michelle has performed throughout the USA, Mexico, Central America and extensively in the Orient.
    
Currently Michelle lives in Winnipeg with her husband, Shawn, and her daughter, Rielle. She maintains a private flute studio, teaches flute and flute ensemble at CMU, enjoys presenting master classes and continues her principal flute position in Florida with the Seaside Music Theater Orchestra.

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Brenda Schellenberg (B. Ch. Mus., M. Mus.Honours, B. Ed.) Voice, Vocal Fusion

Brenda Schellenberg brings extensive vocal and choral experience to her involvement with the Community School of Music and the Arts (CSMA).  She has taught private voice instruction for the past 10 years with elementary, junior high, high school and adult singers. Brenda earned a Bachelor of Church Music (Voice and Conducting) from Canadian Mennonite Bible College (1980), a Bachelor of Music (Honours Voice) from Wilfrid Laurier University (1985) and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario
(1986).  She brings significant choral experience and a love for singing to her interaction with young people and adults.

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Luke Sellick (B.Mus. Jazz Studies (candidate)) Bass

Luke Sellick is a Winnipeg born bassist and composer.  Luke has been performing professionally for five years. He has collaborated with some of Winnipeg’s best musicians, including Ron Paley, Will Bonness, Larry Roy, Michelle Gregoire, Walle Larsson and Papa Mambo. Currently studying at the University of Manitoba, Luke is in the Bachelor of Jazz Studies program, working closely with jazz instructors Steve Kirby, Jimmy Greene, George Colligan and WSO principal bassist Meredith Johnson.

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Tanya Olfert (Art)

Tanya Olfert is a local artist with a background in teaching both children and adults. She studied at the University of Saskatchewan, where she received her B.F.A. with great distinction. Upon graduation, she received the Judy Poole Award for the highest academic standing in the college.
    
Tanya has taught private lessons. As well, she has worked for The Neil Balkwill Civic Arts Center (Regina, Saskatchewan) and the City of Winnipeg as an Art Instructor. Drawing, acrylic painting, watercolor, and collage have been classes that she has taught in the past. Utilizing different mediums and approaching still-life, perspective, colour theory, and contour in playful ways has been successful in nurturing a love of art in the children and adults that she has taught.
    
Tanya's own work is textural and pattern-driven. Her work is often narrative and playful at the same time. Her love of colour and sense of play are evident in her teaching style.

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Wendy Rondeau (B.Mus., M.Mus.) Voice

Soprano and singing instructor Wendy Rondeau began professional vocal training as a young adult. She pursued her undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and masters degrees in music out of a sheer joy and love of singing. Studying under the tutelage of Tracy Dahl, Mel Braun, and Lois Watson-Lyons has been a great privilege of hers. She has also had the opportunity to perform in masterclasses with renowned artists such as Wendy Nielson, Daniel Taylor, and Tom Diamond. She is fascinated by the vocal process and the many and profound things it can teach us about ourselves.

Wendy has performed a variety of repertoire including oratorio, opera, and art song. Encouraged to pursue contemporary music, Wendy has performed new works on the concert stage. She is involved with experimental improvisation and enjoys incorporating theatrical elements in her work. She is thrilled to be teaching at the Community Music School and sharing her love of singing with her students.

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Lori Smith (Saxophone)

Lori has been teaching private saxophone lessons for the past 12 years, and enjoys working with students of all ages, from beginners to people with more experience. Her lessons are tailored to include the personal interests of students, as well as covering material they use in their school programs.

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Karis Wiebe (Piano, Voice)

Karis Wiebe studied Church Music at Canadian Mennonite Bible College (now Canadian Mennonite University) with Henriette Schellenberg and then went on to earn her Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Manitoba while studying with Mel Braun. She received her Masters of Music at McGill University under the coaching of Dr. Robert and Lucile Evans.

Karis has sung solo soprano roles of most major oratorios in both North America and Europe. including Bach's Christmas Oratorio, St. Matthew's and St. John's Passion, Messiah, as well as Brahm’s Requiem, Mozart's Requiem, etc. On the German stage she has performed such opera roles as Sophie, Musetta, and Konstanze. Karis is known for her "passionate interpretation." (Offenbach-Post) and "extravagant sensitivity" (Muenchner Merkur). She returned to Winnipeg in 2005 after singing and teaching voice for 11 years in Germany.

Since returning to Winnipeg she has performed with Canzona, Prairie Performances, the Winnipeg Philharmonic, Southern Manitoba Choral Society, First Mennonite Church choir and others. She is currently teaching music (piano and voice) both privately and in the classroom. She is the mother of two young boys and presently resides in Riverview.

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Curtis Wiebe (B.F.A.) Art

Curtis L. Wiebe is a short-film maker, illustrator, animator, musician and sculptor. Identifiable by flights of the fantastic in settings of winter forests and prairie landscapes, Wiebe's art is full of imaginative characters brought to life as puppets, drawings and elaborate costumes. Wiebe's highest profile work of art to date is The Pigeon King, a nine-foot public stature that stands in front of the AirCanada building on Carlton St. in Winnipeg, MB. A graduate of The University of Manitoba Bachelor of Fine Art's Honours degree, Wiebe has a long history of working with children in camp and daycare settings as well as in public schools and inner-city community centres. Most recently he has taught mixed-media art for children at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

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Verna Wiebe (Keyboard Connections)

Verna was born and raised in rural southern Manitoba. She has a B.Mus. (performance) from Brandon University and is an Adjunct Instructor at CMU. She has also been a faculty accompanist and instructor in theory and piano at Brandon University (1976-80), operated her own music teaching studio and taught Music for Young Children (1985-94). She also does private music instruction and freelance accompanying, including being the accompanist for the Winnipeg Singers and the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir. She has served as accompanist for the Mennonite Oratorio Choir, the Mennonite Festival Chorus, the Assiniboine South Youth Choirs and the Pembina Trails Voices (1996-2005). She has also led workshops for churches on music and worship.

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