2025 ADJUDICATION PANEL
Harriet Chung – Musical Theatre
Harriet Chung is an internationally recognized performer and educator with credits in The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Golden Lotus. She is Artistic Director of Harriet Chung Performing Arts and a celebrated voice in musical theatre worldwide.
Ian Hale – Percussion
Ian Hale is a seasoned percussionist and arranger who has worked with top ensembles like the Boston Crusaders and Spirit Winter Percussion. He brings extensive experience in marching and concert percussion education.
Jacob Lakirovich – Upper Strings
Jacob Lakirovich is an internationally respected violinist and educator, founder of Vancouver Island Music Academy, and a contributor to the RCM violin syllabus. His students are frequent winners of top international string competitions.
Dr. Heather Lofdhal – Orchestra
Dr. Heather Lofdahl is Assistant Professor of Music Education at The Ohio State University and Music Director of the Newark-Granville Youth Symphony. With over a decade of experience, she brings deep expertise in string education and a passion for equitable music access.
Margo Hornett – Woodwind
Margo holds a Master’s degree in Flute Performance from the University of Alberta, under the direction of Shelley Younge, and Dr. Angela Schroeder. She is now pursuing her Doctor of Music degree at the same university. Currently, Margo is the principal flute of the University Symphony Orchestra and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and is a member of multiple chamber groups. Throughout her time in Edmonton, Margo has been a guest soloist with numerous ensembles, including the University of Alberta Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and the Chamber Orchestra of Edmonton.
Margo is an active member of the music community in Alberta, where she is a performer, educator and clinician. She is passionate about instilling a love of music in her students, and promoting the arts in her community.
Carol Wong – Piano
Carol Wong is an acclaimed pianist and educator who has performed at Carnegie Hall and taught worldwide. A graduate of Juilliard, she is a passionate mentor who brings artistry and global experience to her work with young musicians.
Peteris Zarins – Piano
Peteris Zarins is a pianist, performer, educator, clinician and composer/arranger. He is a graduate of the Royal Conservatory, The University of Toronto, and the University of Michigan. Mr. Zarins is a member of the faculty of the Oscar Peterson School of the Royal Conservatory and The Taylor Academy of the Glenn Gould School. He holds the designation of Chief Examiner Emeritus for The Certificate Program of the Royal Conservatory. He is one of the compilers for the Royal Conservatory New Piano Repertoire Series and Piano Syllabus published in 2022. Mr. Zarins is the principal compiler of the Popular Selections Syllabus.
Dr. Minna Rose Chung
Dr. Minna Rose Chung is a Professor of Cello at the University of Manitoba and co-author of the renowned CelloMind. An active performer and pedagogue, she’s known for her innovative teaching and international collaborations.
Brent Ghiglione – Concert Bands
Brent Ghiglione is Director of Bands at the University of Regina and founder of the Regina Jazz Orchestra. A respected educator, conductor, and trumpet player, he is a passionate advocate for music education and jazz performance.
Michael Kolk – Guitar
Michael Kolk is one of Canada’s top classical guitarists, with nine acclaimed albums and international performances to his name. He teaches at Vancouver Community College and is known for his innovative arrangements and collaborations across genres.
Alana Hawley Purvis – Speech Arts
Alana Hawley Purvis is a film, television, and theatre actor, as well as a respected vocal coach and educator. She currently teaches at UBC and has been recognized with Canadian Screen Award nominations for her work on stage and screen.
Sandra Meister – Choral
Sandra Meister is an award-winning choral conductor and music educator known for her leadership, curriculum development, and international conducting. Her career has had a profound impact on thousands of young musicians.
