2023 Adjudicators - Kiwanis Music Festival of St. John’s
MARION ABBOTT - COMPETITIVE MUSICAL THEATRE
Marion Abbott is a proud graduate of the Musical Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. Upon graduating, she was immediately hired to teach for the program and was later named one of the top twenty graduates of the program. She has her Grade 10 Voice and A.R.C.T. in Piano Performance from The Royal Conservatory of Music. Read more...
ANNIE CORRIGAN - NON-COMPETITIVE BRASS AND WOODWINDS
Annie Corrigan is the newly-appointed Principal Oboe of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra and an Adjunct Professor of Oboe at Memorial University.
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MICHAEL FAULKNER - COMPETITIVE PIANO
An active member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association, Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Associations and National Association of Teachers of Singing, Michael Faulkner holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Queen’s University, Kingston and is also a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music A.R.C.T.
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JACINTA MACKEY GRAHAM - NON-COMPETITIVE VOICE AND MUSICAL THEATRE
Jacinta Mackey Graham is a graduate of Memorial University's School of Music and Eastern Michigan's Theatre program. She brings with her a wealth of experience as a voice teacher, vocalist, actor, director, clinician and adjudicator.. Read more...
REBECCA LANE - COMPETITIVE STRINGS AND GUITAR
Driven by her commitment to music education, Rebecca Lane has acquired both respect and demand for her skills in and around the GTA.. Read more...
JASON NOBLE - JUNIOR VOICE AND INSTRUMENTAL
Dr. Jason Noble is a composer, music perception researcher, and proud expat Newfoundlander
currently based in Montreal. His catalogue includes pieces for orchestras, choirs, ensembles, and
soloists. Read more...
CHRISTIANNE RUSHTON - COMPETITIVE VOICE AND CHORAL
Mezzo-soprano CHRISTIANNE RUSHTON has delighted audiences with her engaging presence and versatility on both the operatic and concert stages.
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SUSAN QUINN - NON-COMPETITIVE PIANO AND STRINGS
Susan Quinn is from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, where she is the Artistic Director of the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble (QVE) and Choral Director at St. Bonaventure’s College, and recently retired after nearly 30 years of leading the award-winning choirs at Holy Heart of Mary High School.
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MICHAEL SNELGROVE - COMPETITIVE BRASS, WINDS AND ENSEMBLES
Michael has been an Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre since 2004. He holds a Master’s Degree in Conducting, a Bachelor’s degree in Theory and Composition, and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland.
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Marion Abbott
Marion Abbott is a proud graduate of the Musical Theatre Performance Program at Sheridan College. Upon graduating, she was immediately hired to teach for the program and was later named one of the top twenty graduates of the program. She has her Grade 10 Voice and A.R.C.T. in Piano Performance from The Royal Conservatory of Music. Marion has produced over 400 productions in Toronto and other cities. Of the many (many!) shows Marion has worked on, some of her favourites include The Scarlet Pimpernel, All Shook Up, Anne And Maud, No Safe Harbour, Ragtime, Streetcar Named Desire and Passion. As a private teacher, Marion has taught voice, piano and acting for 31 years to students of all ages. From festivals to recitals to performing in Disney World, Marion cherishes her memories of her time with her students dearly. Many of her former students now work in the arts full time.
Marion is now in demand as a director-music director, consultant, adjudicator and private coach. She has also uploaded over 800 accompaniment tracks on her YouTube Channel for Singers and Voice Teachers to utilize: Marion has written a musical about the true life story of Lucy Maud Montgomery entitled Maud: The Musical. She is currently buried in rewrites in preparation for a workshop of the piece. Marion LOVES Walt Disney and would live in Walt Disney World if that were possible.
www.marionabbott.com
www.youtube.com/c/MarionAbbott/Videos
msmarionabbott (Instagram)
Marion is now in demand as a director-music director, consultant, adjudicator and private coach. She has also uploaded over 800 accompaniment tracks on her YouTube Channel for Singers and Voice Teachers to utilize: Marion has written a musical about the true life story of Lucy Maud Montgomery entitled Maud: The Musical. She is currently buried in rewrites in preparation for a workshop of the piece. Marion LOVES Walt Disney and would live in Walt Disney World if that were possible.
www.marionabbott.com
www.youtube.com/c/MarionAbbott/Videos
msmarionabbott (Instagram)
Annie Corrigan
Annie Corrigan is the newly-appointed Principal Oboe of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra and an Adjunct Professor of Oboe at Memorial University. In addition to performing and teaching, Annie serves as the Academic Program Administrator for the School of Music. She organizes the School’s annual audition cycle and coordinates its Community Outreach Programs. Prior to moving to Newfoundland in 2016, she served as Principal Oboe of the Carmel Symphony Orchestra and Second Oboe in the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic. She also worked as an announcer and producer for Bloomington, Indiana’s NPR affiliate WFIU, serving as the daily host of NPR's Morning Edition and the producer/host of the weekly program Earth Eats. Annie is currently completing her Doctorate of Music (Oboe) from Indiana University.
Michael Faulkner
An active member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ORMTA) Kingston Branch, Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Associations (CFMTA) and National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Michael Faulkner holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from Queen’s University, Kingston and is also a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music A.R.C.T. (Piano Performer and Teacher, Vocal Performer and Teacher). Michael is also a member of the Canadian Music Festivals Adjudicators Association (CMFAA) and has adjudicated numerous music festivals, competitions as well as giving Masterclasses and performances within these communities across Canada.
Known for his musical insight, beautiful tone and technical command, Michael began his music studies at age four, participating in numerous music festivals and competitions receiving many top awards and distinctions.
Michael enjoys a rewarding career as teacher of more than 60 weekly students of all ages and levels in piano, voice, pedagogy and theory. He teaches in person and online to students from across the country. Many of his students have received top honours, distinctions and awards throughout Canada and a large number have pursued careers in music as well. He also actively performs in his own community and across Canada and is well versed in Opera, Oratorio and Music Theatre repertoire. As an accompanist Michael is in high demand working with singers and instrumentalists of all ages and abilities from beginner to professional level. Michael has also enjoyed working for a number of years with Conservatory Canada as an examiner in piano and voice. He is a member teacher with Music for Young Children (MYC) and believes the start of music education at an early age is very important. For more than 35 years Michael has worked as a Church musician and frequently is asked to provide musical service and guidance to many Worship denominations. Michael’s community choir, Let’s Make a Choir in the Quinte region has more than 50 voices singing for various charities. Even virtually the community choir has remained strong rehearsing regularly. Michael believes that music is a lifelong passion and is always looking for new musical challenges and enrichment. Michael is an avid animal lover and enjoys skiing, hiking, attending music concerts and theatre.
Known for his musical insight, beautiful tone and technical command, Michael began his music studies at age four, participating in numerous music festivals and competitions receiving many top awards and distinctions.
Michael enjoys a rewarding career as teacher of more than 60 weekly students of all ages and levels in piano, voice, pedagogy and theory. He teaches in person and online to students from across the country. Many of his students have received top honours, distinctions and awards throughout Canada and a large number have pursued careers in music as well. He also actively performs in his own community and across Canada and is well versed in Opera, Oratorio and Music Theatre repertoire. As an accompanist Michael is in high demand working with singers and instrumentalists of all ages and abilities from beginner to professional level. Michael has also enjoyed working for a number of years with Conservatory Canada as an examiner in piano and voice. He is a member teacher with Music for Young Children (MYC) and believes the start of music education at an early age is very important. For more than 35 years Michael has worked as a Church musician and frequently is asked to provide musical service and guidance to many Worship denominations. Michael’s community choir, Let’s Make a Choir in the Quinte region has more than 50 voices singing for various charities. Even virtually the community choir has remained strong rehearsing regularly. Michael believes that music is a lifelong passion and is always looking for new musical challenges and enrichment. Michael is an avid animal lover and enjoys skiing, hiking, attending music concerts and theatre.
Jacinta Mackey Graham
Jacinta Mackey Graham is a graduate of Memorial University's School of Music and Eastern Michigan's Theatre program. She brings with her a wealth of experience as a voice teacher, vocalist, actor, director, clinician and adjudicator. Throughout her diverse career Jacinta has had the opportunity to mentor students who have gone on to successful careers on Broadway, at Stratford, Shaw and Drayton Theatre Festivals, and throughout Europe. Her choirs have toured Ireland, performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City and for Pope Jean Paul in Rome, Italy. As Co-Artistic Director of Atlantic Light Theatre Jacinta has directed Les Miserables, Guys and Dolls, A Call to Arms, Billy Elliot and Sister Act and 9 to 5 The Musical.
Jacinta is delighted to be adjudicating at the 2023 St. John's Kiwanis Music Festival. Good luck to all the participants!
Jacinta is delighted to be adjudicating at the 2023 St. John's Kiwanis Music Festival. Good luck to all the participants!
Rebecca Lane
Born and raised in the small town of Hampton, New Brunswick, Rebecca’s musical interest was set in motion at her older sister’s elbows at the family piano. Not one to be left behind, Rebecca was soon enrolled in piano lessons at the age of 5, and then in group violin lessons in her public elementary school just shy of her 9th birthday.
After earning a Bachelor of Music in violin performance at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Rebecca relocated to Toronto and completed an Artist Diploma in Orchestral Studies at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music. While freelancing as a violinist, Rebecca enjoyed teaching at various music schools in Toronto and gradually started to build her own private violin studio out of her home in East York. In 2016, Rebecca founded The Lane School of Music (then called Upper Beaches Music School). Now with 4 locations including the online school, a team of 50 teachers and 10 staff members, LSM teaches over 700 students each week.
An avid runner, chocolate connoisseur and self-professed couch potato, Rebecca also enjoys spending time with her husband, their three children, and their fluffy orange cat.
https://www.laneschoolofmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalanecoach/
After earning a Bachelor of Music in violin performance at Memorial University in Newfoundland, Rebecca relocated to Toronto and completed an Artist Diploma in Orchestral Studies at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music. While freelancing as a violinist, Rebecca enjoyed teaching at various music schools in Toronto and gradually started to build her own private violin studio out of her home in East York. In 2016, Rebecca founded The Lane School of Music (then called Upper Beaches Music School). Now with 4 locations including the online school, a team of 50 teachers and 10 staff members, LSM teaches over 700 students each week.
An avid runner, chocolate connoisseur and self-professed couch potato, Rebecca also enjoys spending time with her husband, their three children, and their fluffy orange cat.
https://www.laneschoolofmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/rebeccalanecoach/
Jason Noble
Dr. Jason Noble is a composer, music perception researcher, and proud expat Newfoundlander currently based in Montreal. His catalogue includes pieces for orchestras, choirs, ensembles, and soloists. Jason’s music has been performed and broadcast around the world, and is available on several commercial albums. His forthcoming album, with internationally acclaimed guitarist Steve Cowan, integrates elements of Newfoundland music, culture, and dialects into contemporary music for guitar and electronics.
Jason has also composed a great deal of music for young performers, with student piano music published in The Royal Conservatory’s Celebration Series and the Canadian National Conservatory’s Northern Lights series, and student songs featured on CBC Radio and in Canada Music Week. Also a singer and pianist, Jason fondly remembers performing in the St. John’s Kiwanis Festival years ago, first as a participant and then as an accompanist, and is delighted to return now as an adjudicator.
Jason has also composed a great deal of music for young performers, with student piano music published in The Royal Conservatory’s Celebration Series and the Canadian National Conservatory’s Northern Lights series, and student songs featured on CBC Radio and in Canada Music Week. Also a singer and pianist, Jason fondly remembers performing in the St. John’s Kiwanis Festival years ago, first as a participant and then as an accompanist, and is delighted to return now as an adjudicator.
Susan Quinn
Susan Quinn is from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, where she is the Artistic Director of the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble (QVE) and Choral Director at St. Bonaventure’s College, and recently retired after nearly 30 years of leading the award-winning choirs at Holy Heart of Mary High School. Susan received her early musical education from the Sisters of Mercy, and has degrees in Music and Music Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland, with a major in violin, and a Master’s degree in choral conducting from the University of Maine. She is a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence and the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council Arts in Education Award. Her choirs have received numerous national awards and honours at international competitions in Austria, Wales, Ireland, and France, and recorded six CDs. In 2010 she conducted Vivaldi’s Gloria at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and returned in 2014 to conduct QVE in a solo performance.
Christianne Rushton
Mezzo-soprano CHRISTIANNE RUSHTON has delighted audiences with her engaging presence and versatility on both the operatic and concert stages. Dr. Rushton is a first prize winner of the Canadian National Music Festival, a prize winner at the prestigious Eckhardt-Gramatté Competition, a two-time grant recipient from the Canada Council for the Performing Arts, and a winner of the Canada Council’s Bernard Diamant Prize in Voice. In recital, she has been a guest artist for the Royal Society of Canada, toured with Debut Atlantic, performed at the Indian River Festival, recorded with the Canadian Chamber Choir, sung with Baltimore Musicales and debuted at New York’s Alice Tully Hall.
Christianne is Professor at Acadia University where she is head of vocal studies and Director of the School of Music. Christianne is a graduate of the Juilliard Opera Center at The Juilliard School and completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from SUNY Stony Brook. She recently received an Emerging Leader Award, from the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) for her innovation and success teaching voice. Dr. Rushton is Past President of two arts organizations on the East Coast; President of the Canadian Atlantic Provinces chapter of NATS, and the President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Provincial Music Festivals. Christianne is founder and President of “Discover Your Dynamic Voice”, a company that offers coaching to women in leadership to unleash, in order to unlock the power of their own unique voice.
As well as being active as an adjudicator, pedagogue, workshop clinician and performer across the country, she is a proud mom to two very busy boys, fourteen and eleven.
Christianne is Professor at Acadia University where she is head of vocal studies and Director of the School of Music. Christianne is a graduate of the Juilliard Opera Center at The Juilliard School and completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from SUNY Stony Brook. She recently received an Emerging Leader Award, from the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) for her innovation and success teaching voice. Dr. Rushton is Past President of two arts organizations on the East Coast; President of the Canadian Atlantic Provinces chapter of NATS, and the President of the Nova Scotia Federation of Provincial Music Festivals. Christianne is founder and President of “Discover Your Dynamic Voice”, a company that offers coaching to women in leadership to unleash, in order to unlock the power of their own unique voice.
As well as being active as an adjudicator, pedagogue, workshop clinician and performer across the country, she is a proud mom to two very busy boys, fourteen and eleven.
Michael Snelgrove
Michael Snelgrove lives in Grand Falls-Windsor, NL. Michael has been an Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre since 2004. He holds a Master’s Degree in Conducting, a Bachelor’s degree in Theory and Composition, and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He composed music for memorial’s Anniversary of Anniversaries. He has composed works for the ISME conference in Edmonton, for the Association for music in International Schools (AMIS) in Waterloo, Luxembourg, and Dusseldorf. He won the Hannaford Street Silver Ban’s Making Overtures competition in 2008. He was asked to write music for Festival 500 and Soiree ‘99. He is in demand writing for many groups in Eastern Canada such as Lady Cove, QVE and Cantus Vocum. He is a regular on CBC Radio. Michael retired from reaching in 2016, spending 30 years in Rural NL as a music specialist.