Stacey Mortenson-Spokes and the Evan Hardy Drumline
Stacey Mortenson-Spokes is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (with Distinction). As a French horn player and former member of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, Stacey’s teaching career began 26 years ago in Lloydminster, teaching Brass at Lakeland College and band and classroom music for Lloydminster Public School Division. Returning home to Saskatoon in 2006, Stacey has since taught music at Centennial Collegiate, Walter Murray Collegiate and is currently the music director at Evan Hardy Collegiate, where she directs three concert bands, three jazz bands, several jazz combos, the marching band and the choir. Stacey’s bands perform often and have traveled extensively across Canada, consistently receiving top awards at festivals including the National Festival, Musicfest Canada. Through the years. Stacey has thoroughly enjoyed conducting at SBA summer camps, conducting the SBA Junior honour band, adjudicating at Springfest Canada and workshopping touring bands. Stacey founded the Saskatoon Serenade, Saskatoon’s first all-female concert band of 40+ lovely musicians, in 2013. In 2016, Stacey received the Keith Mann Outstanding Canadian Band Director Award at Musicfest Canada, and in 2017, she was deeply honored to receive the Saskatchewan Band Association’s Distinguished Band Director Award. Ms. Mortenson-Spokes has always had a strong passion for music and the value of Music Education in shaping students’ lives and is excited to be here this weekend sharing music with dear colleagues.
Saskatchewan Intra-University Jazz Ensemble
The Saskatchewan Intra-University Jazz Ensemble (SIJE) is a special project designed for the Saskatchewan Music Conference. SIJE is comprised of university students from the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regoina who are currently participating in their university jazz ensemble. Jazz Ensemble Directors Dean McNeill (U of S), and Dave Dick (U of R) are very grateful for this opportunity at our provincial music conference, which provides an excellent opportunity for university students to interact, collaborate, and get to know each other musically and socially. The Saskatchewan Intra-University Jazz Ensemble has been a highlight for musicians from both universities for many years and we are very pleased to have the opportunity once again to continue this project this fall. For more information on these ensembles please visit: U of R Jazz Ensemble: https://www.uregina.ca/mediaartperformance/programs/music/music-ensembles/jazz-band.html; U of S Jazz Ensemble: https://artsandscience.usask.ca/music/ensembles/jazz.php.
Nate Linsley
Nate Linsley of Saskatoon is a bagpiper with the Saskatoon Police Pipes and Drums. He performs regularly for local events and was happy to be invited to perform at this year’s Saskatchewan Music Conference. Nate will be performing traditional highland bagpipe music.
Wilbur Sargunaraj
Wilbur Sargunaraj is the director of CQ World Wide Consulting, and offers interactive keynotes and workshops on Cultural Intelligence (CQ) for businesses, foundations and academic institutions. Apart from touring his educational photo exhibition Exploring CQ, he continues to use music and dance to share his message that every human being is a "Simple Superstar". His most recent album Dance Around The World is a cultural Intelligence themed Ukulele driven album for children. He has partnered with the SMEA and will be on tour with OSAC during the fall of 2023. Wilbur loves making new friends from around the world. He splits his time between Treaty 6 Territory, Canada and Tamil Nadu, India. His social media handle @wilburworldwide www. wilbur.asia.
Sargunaraj will be sharing the relevance of CQ and how this can be used so students become CQ Simple Superstars who are passionate about building bridges across cultures right here in Saskatchewan and around the world. In this brief introduction to CQ, he will be sharing a few songs and excerpts from his "Exploring CQ" school tour event with SMEA.
