2019 Clinicians
Please check our website as detailed bios become available.
CONCERT CHOIR AND VOCAL JAZZ
Dr. Jennifer Lang
Dr. Jennifer Lang is an Assistant Professor of Music Education and the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Saskatchewan where she conducts the Greystone Singers and teaches Choral Literature, Choral Methods, Choral Pedagogy, and Elementary Music Methods. She is the organizer of the Department of Music’s Music Education in Action Series and the founder and organizer of the uSing, uSask Choral Festival. While completing her graduate studies at the University of Western Ontario, Jennifer was awarded a SSHRC Doctoral Fellowship and was an instructor at the Don Wright Faculty of Music and Faculty of Education and the Teaching Support Centre. Currently Jennifer serves as the past-president on the board of the Saskatchewan Choral Federation, the Board Chair for Musical Futures Canada, and a member of Choral Canada’s Advocacy Committee. Prior to completing her doctorate, Jennifer served as a program leader of vocal and instrumental secondary school music with the District of Niagara Arts Academy in the District School Board of Niagara.
Dr. Lang’s research examines engagement and agency in music education programs, including informal music learning in a variety of educational contexts, music creation in the classroom, and intergenerational singing programs with singers with Alzheimer’s Disease. Jennifer is also active as a conductor, choral adjudicator, clinician and conference presenter with local, provincial, national, and international invitations. Most recently, Jennifer has adjudicated at ChoralFest North 2018 in Alberta, 2017 Cantando Sun Peaks Festival in British Columbia, and ChorFest 2016 in Saskatchewan.
Dr. Elroy Friesen
Described as “innovative, expressive, and dynamic,” Elroy Friesen is Director of Choral Studies at the University of Manitoba where he heads the graduate studies program in choral performance, conducts numerous choirs, and teaches graduate conducting.
His award-winning ensembles tour nationally and internationally, and are frequently recorded and broadcasted by the CBC. They enjoy collaborating with many outstanding local and national arts organizations, including the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Canadian College of Organists, WSO New Music Festival, Soundstreams Canada, Groundswell, Vancouver Chamber Choir, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, and the Canadian Chamber Choir.
Dr. Friesen studied at the University of Manitoba (B. Mus., B. Ed., M. Mus.) and at the University of Illinois (DMA), receiving numerous scholarships and grants from the Manitoba Arts Council, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Foundation for Choral Music in Manitoba. He is Past Artistic Director and founder of the Winnipeg-based youth choir, Prairie Voices. He is also co-founder of fikamusik, an intensive Choral Conducting based event at the University of Manitoba, and has recently appeared as guest conductor with the Winnipeg Symphony and the National Arts Centre Orchestras. He is in demand as a clinician, adjudicator, and conductor throughout North America and Northern Europe.
JAZZ BAND AND CONCERT BAND
Mark DeJong
Dr. David Dick is the Principal Trombone of the Regina Symphony Orchestra and Assistant Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Regina, where he directs the jazz ensemble, teaches music theory and brass classes, as well as applied trombone lessons for the university and the conservatory. His previous teaching appointments have included University of Memphis, Jackson State University, Belhaven University, and Briercrest College. Previous to his current position, he was the Principal Trombone player of the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.
Dr. Dick is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator, working with bands, jazz bands and soloists at regional and provincial music festivals, in addition to performing recitals and giving masterclasses. He continues to perform in a wide variety of settings including orchestras, chamber groups, early music ensembles, jazz ensembles, and blues bands.
Dr. Dick earned degrees from the University of Memphis (DMA), McGill University (MMus), and the University of Regina (BMus).
CONCERT BAND
Gordon Brock
Brian Uzick
Brian Uzick grew up in Melville, Saskatchewan where he learned to play bass clarinet and clarinet in school band and saxophone in the jazz band. He attended University of Saskatchewan and received a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. He began teaching band and choir in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. During this time, he attended the University of British Columbia and received a diploma in Counselling Psychology. He moved to Calgary, Alberta where he taught at Western Canada High School from 1991-2006 and was the Fine Arts Curriculum Leader. For the past 12 years, Brian taught grade 7-12 concert band, jazz band and was musical director for musical productions at Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. The Senior Band toured to California, Texas, Illinois, Austria, Russia and Italy. He also became certified to teach the Middle and Senior International Baccalaureate programs. He retired in June of 2018 but remains very busy. He continues to teach clinics, guest conduct, plan workshops, mentor and adjudicate throughout Western Canada.