2026 NSMEA - Collective Voices: Stronger Together

This session is intended for the tasks of ONLY the planning and hosting team(s) of the Professional Association.

As the Nova Scotia Choral Federation celebrates its 50th anniversary, it’s a time to reflect on how far we have come and acknowledge the growing complexities facing music educators today. In moments that can feel overwhelming, our work asks us to keep moving forward: one step at a time, together In the journey experienced from elementary and band classrooms to the choral stage, we build and sustain meaningful musical communities across disciplines. Inspired by the message of Melanie DeMore’s Lead with Love, this interactive keynote invites participants to consider how courage, conviction, and connection shape our teaching and our ensembles.

Through shared reflection and music-making, we are reminded that when we lead with open hearts, we create spaces where individuals become community. This is where our collective song can be heard. In that space, we begin to understand something deeper: that freedom itself lives in what we create together. As Bobby McFerrin reminds us, freedom is a voice, freedom is a song, freedom is a spirit for the people who are strong... freedom is a city. When we lead with love, we give our young musicians not only the skills to perform but also the courage to find their voice, to build something larger than themselves, and to resonate far beyond the rehearsal room.

Presenter:

Scott Leithead is the founder and Artistic Director of both Korora Choir Association and TIME Vocal Jazz Association in Edmonton, Alberta. As conductor, he has led provincial and state honour choirs on thirty-three occasions and presented workshops internationally. He has adjudicated numerous prestigious events including Finland’s Tampere International Festival, Hong Kong ICF Festival and the Kathaumixw International Choir Festival.
 
Under his direction, Korora achieved significant acclaim, winning the 2015 CBC National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs and both the 2015 and 2016 Canadian National Music Competition. In 2019, Korora proudly represented Canada at the IFCM World Choral Expo in Portugal. That same year, they were also featured on CTV’s “The Amazing Race Canada.”
 
Scott has a passion for music from southern Africa, having worked extensively with choirs in South Africa and Namibia, including conducting the Mascato Youth Choir during a sabbatical. He recently led the ISSEA Mass Choir in Johannesburg. Over the past year, he conducted the Nova Scotia and British Columbia Youth Choirs for the second time and the Ellison Canadian Honour Choir for the tenth time, in addition to adjudicating several national festivals.

What’s the last wind band piece that truly surprised you—in the best way? If your programming has started to feel a little predictable, this session is designed for you! Join us for an engaging exploration of high quality wind band repertoire that goes beyond the standard titles while remaining accessible, effective, and rewarding. This session presents a curated selection of works across a range of difficulty levels, appropriate for beginning, developing, and more experienced bands. Featuring both emerging composers and well established voices as well as some Canadian gems, the repertoire highlighted balances musical depth with practical considerations such as rehearsal time, technical demands, and student engagement. In addition to specific repertoire recommendations, we will discuss repertoire resources for discovering excellent literature that may be unfamiliar or underperformed. Participants will leave with concrete ideas and renewed confidence to refresh concert programs and inspire students through meaningful, well chosen repertoire.

Presenter:

Conductor and educator Dr. Danielle Gaudry is the Director of the Wind Orchestra and Associate Professor of Instrumental Conducting and Community Engagement at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University, where she also serves as the Chair of the Performance Department. Prior to her appointment at McGill, she served for ten years as Director of Bands and Coordinator of Instrumental Music at the California State University, East Bay. As a bilingual music educator born and raised in the Franco-Manitoban community of St. Boniface, Dr. Gaudry taught high school instrumental music for several years in a French Immersion program.
She proudly served as a musician and conductor in the Canadian Armed Forces for fourteen years, most notably as Director of Music of The Regimental Band of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles and as Conducting Instructor at the Canadian Forces Logistic Training Centre. Retaining her military affiliations in the US, Captain Gaudry was the Associate Conductor with the 38th Infantry Division Band, Indiana National Guard for three years.
Dr. Gaudry earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting with a Cognate in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She also holds degrees from The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Calgary, the University of Toronto, and McGill University. At home, Danielle and her husband, a musicologist, maintain a fast-paced life with their two sets of energetic twin boys.

Mostly breaking away from traditional music reading, this workshop emphasizes a hands-on approach where participants will learn music aurally, directly from the conductor. This method quickly builds a sense of unity and musical inclusivity, allowing participants to focus on the shared experience of creating music together. The repertoire for this session is specifically chosen to be joyful, engaging, and perfect for building a strong sense of community within any ensemble regardless of age and ability. You will leave this session with a collection of ready-to-use Canadian and African traditional songs and practical techniques for teaching by rote, all designed to inspire a renewed sense of connection and joy in your own rehearsals. Whether you are a conductor looking for new repertoire or an educator seeking to engage students of all backgrounds, this workshop will provide you with the tools to create a powerful and unifying musical experience. No prior experience is required—just bring your voice and a willingness to connect through music.

Presenter:

Scott Leithead is the founder and Artistic Director of both Korora Choir Association and TIME Vocal Jazz Association in Edmonton, Alberta. As conductor, he has led provincial and state honour choirs on thirty-three occasions and presented workshops internationally. He has adjudicated numerous prestigious events including Finland’s Tampere International Festival, Hong Kong ICF Festival and the Kathaumixw International Choir Festival.
 
Under his direction, Korora achieved significant acclaim, winning the 2015 CBC National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs and both the 2015 and 2016 Canadian National Music Competition. In 2019, Korora proudly represented Canada at the IFCM World Choral Expo in Portugal. That same year, they were also featured on CTV’s “The Amazing Race Canada.”
 
Scott has a passion for music from southern Africa, having worked extensively with choirs in South Africa and Namibia, including conducting the Mascato Youth Choir during a sabbatical. He recently led the ISSEA Mass Choir in Johannesburg. Over the past year, he conducted the Nova Scotia and British Columbia Youth Choirs for the second time and the Ellison Canadian Honour Choir for the tenth time, in addition to adjudicating several national festivals.

The Canadian Music Educators’ Association/l’Association canadienne des éducateur·rice·s de musique invites you to attend the first ever research to practice session at the NSMEA 2026 conference. Join us for new and exciting developments in music education, featuring ideas from practicing teachers, graduate students, and university faculty, about how to bridge the gap between research and classroom practice. There will be opportunities for questions, discussion and potential future collaborations. Come for the research, stay for the community!

This session will look at how Acadian music evolved through the centuries, beginning with the 17th century families that settled in Acadie. The traditional folk music they brought from their homeland during the first several generations was an important part of their daily lives, and this music continued until the 1755 deportation. After the deportation, and resettling in eastern Canada the Acadian music developed into its own unique styles and themes. Artists in present day Acadian communities are part of an emerging culture and offering different styles of music. This session will enable participants to sing traditional folk music, play instruments, and listen to a selection of Acadian artists and groups. A printed hand-out of the songs and sources will be included.

Presenter:

Anne Landry-Cameron is a retired teacher of elementary and junior high music. She is proud to have been born in Isle Madame, and spent her childhood in Petit-de-Grat where her love of Acadian history and music took root. Her parents and extended family greatly influenced her in pursuing a profession in teaching. After graduating from high school, she attended the music program at Teacher’s College in Truro. Afterwards, she continued her education and graduated from Mount St. Vincent University. Throughout her teaching career Anne was a dedicated advocate of both the Orff and Kodaly philosophy of education.

Anne finished her teaching years at St. Margaret’s Bay Elementary, Shatford Memorial, and East St. Margaret’s Bay Elementary. Both the Kodaly and Orff philosophy provided opportunities to engage her students by participating in school choirs and an Orff Choir. Her classes and choirs gained experience by performing in school concerts, education weeks, community events and the Kiwanis Music Festivals. Along with fellow music teachers, she helped renew the Nova Scotia Orff Chapter, and served on the executive during several years. She was very fortunate to be part of music education families where colleagues were also close friends, sharing ideas and support for each other. Teaching music helped her form special bonds and camaraderie that have continued during her retirement.

Since her retirement, Anne’s passion for music and Acadian history has guided her in a slightly different direction. She became a member of les Voix d’Acadie, began researching her ancestors’ history, and traveled to France several times to study and trace her history. These two passions opened the door and the ability to share her knowledge of Acadian history and music with her family, in schools, at reunions, and with tourists at Acadian sites. Her presentations include traditional folk music and Acadian history dating back to the 1600’s, focusing on the regions of France where Acadians left to settle in Acadie.

Want to know how to keep students engaged in music class? Presenting songs & games, transitioning between activities, and effective management are all cover in this session. Be prepared to participate as Charlotte shares "how to" strategies and material to ensure a fluid musical experience for you and your students from start to finish!

Presenter:

Charlotte Myers’ workshops have inspired music educators throughout Atlantic Canada, drawing on her extensive experience teaching elementary music through both Orff and Kodály pedagogies. An Honorary Lifetime Member of Orff Nova Scotia, Charlotte also serves on several national COC committees and is an instructor for Orff courses, holding Post Level III Specialist Certification.
Charlotte continues to foster meaningful connections with students through her role as a mentor and clinician with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. Most recently, she served as co-chair of the COC 2026 Conference, Passages. She is delighted to have the opportunity to share her knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm with colleagues at this year’s NSMEA Conference!

How can we meaningfully and respectfully bring Mi’kmaq culture into our classrooms? Explore authentic ways to include Mi’kmaq traditions, focusing on what is culturally appropriate and building understanding. Discover practical strategies for teaching with respect and intention using Shawnee’s original repertoire incorporating Mi’kmaq language and cultural themes. Come, deepen your knowledge and uplift Mi’kmaw voices through music.

Presenter

Shawnee Paul is a musician and music educator from Eskasoni First Nation. Her musical journey began at age six, when she first sat at the piano. Inspired by her grandfather, she began fiddle lessons at age seven. Her musical interests expanded leading to studies at Acadia University earning degrees in Music and Education. 

Now teaching elementary and middle school music, Shawnee is passionate about weaving Mi’kmaq language and culture into her music curriculum. Her work aims to create meaningful, culturally rooted learning experiences for her students. Outside the classroom, she performs with Alan Syliboy and the Thundermakers and The Blue Moose Band.

For Primary to Grade 12 Music Teachers: Explore the fundamentals of recording and music production. Learn to use step sequencing, MIDI, loop libraries, and free recording software to teach composition, arrangement, rhythm, time signatures, song structure, melody, harmony, and pattern evolutions in a new way! All you need is a laptop or iPad and a set of headphones. Printable resources will be provided in French and in English (Workshop is offered in English).

Presenter:

With nearly 30 years of musical training, including classical piano, guitar and flute, Laura Rae began her journey as a producer in 2021 and opened her studio in 2022.  In 2022, she was selected from hundreds of applicants to participate in the Socan Foundation’s Women Equity X Production Mentorship Program.  Since then, she has produced albums and singles for numerous artists, taught production to various youth groups, and regularly offers workshops for Nova Scotian artists and music makers. In 2025 Kristen Martell’s Allume Mon Courage won Prix De L’Acadie at the Nova Scotia Music Awards.  

What does it mean to truly “know” a piece of music? When was the last time you felt students took ownership of a work in a way that allowed them to go beyond the notes and rhythms? This session invites music educators to reimagine large-ensemble instruction using the Comprehensive Musicianship Unit (CMU) model to teach repertoire. By connecting performance with theory, history, listening, and creative work, educators can guide students toward deeper understanding of their pieces and more expressive music-making. Participants will explore strategies that connect performance, analysis, context, and creativity, and leave with practical ideas for designing engaging, student-centered units around a single piece of music that will bring repertoire to life.

Presenter:

Conductor and educator Dr. Danielle Gaudry is the Director of the Wind Orchestra and Associate Professor of Instrumental Conducting and Community Engagement at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University, where she also serves as the Chair of the Performance Department. Prior to her appointment at McGill, she served for ten years as Director of Bands and Coordinator of Instrumental Music at the California State University, East Bay. As a bilingual music educator born and raised in the Franco-Manitoban community of St. Boniface, Dr. Gaudry taught high school instrumental music for several years in a French Immersion program.
She proudly served as a musician and conductor in the Canadian Armed Forces for fourteen years, most notably as Director of Music of The Regimental Band of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles and as Conducting Instructor at the Canadian Forces Logistic Training Centre. Retaining her military affiliations in the US, Captain Gaudry was the Associate Conductor with the 38th Infantry Division Band, Indiana National Guard for three years.
Dr. Gaudry earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting with a Cognate in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She also holds degrees from The Pennsylvania State University, the University of Calgary, the University of Toronto, and McGill University. At home, Danielle and her husband, a musicologist, maintain a fast-paced life with their two sets of energetic twin boys.

This session is designed for music educators who want to start or revitalize a jazz band but feel restricted by "standard" lineups. We will explore how to build an authentic jazz experience by focusing on flexible scoring, instrument substitution, and improvisational pedagogy rather. Whether you are in a small rural district or a growing program, this session will give you the tools to develop a groovin’ band!

Presenter:

James Shaw is a saxophonist, composer, and educator based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. A highly sought-after performer, he has collaborated with many of Atlantic Canada’s leading artists. Shaw is the Artistic Director of the JMS Community Big Band Program and a full-time instructor at Nova Scotia Community College.

Warm-ups for Focus, Fellowship and Function The first ten minutes of a rehearsal can accomplish so much more than just a "warm-up"; they set the emotional and technical framework for everything that follows. How do we move beyond the routine to create a space where students are focused, physically engaged, and connected to one another? In this session, we will explore and demonstrate a sequence of vocal technique, movement, listening, and focus exercises designed to transform a room of individuals into a unified ensemble. From storytelling to kinesthetic moves, we will consider how to prepare young musicians for the collective drive needed for a successful session.

Presenter:

Scott Leithead is the founder and Artistic Director of both Korora Choir Association and TIME Vocal Jazz Association in Edmonton, Alberta. As conductor, he has led provincial and state honour choirs on thirty-three occasions and presented workshops internationally. He has adjudicated numerous prestigious events including Finland’s Tampere International Festival, Hong Kong ICF Festival and the Kathaumixw International Choir Festival.
 
Under his direction, Korora achieved significant acclaim, winning the 2015 CBC National Competition for Canadian Amateur Choirs and both the 2015 and 2016 Canadian National Music Competition. In 2019, Korora proudly represented Canada at the IFCM World Choral Expo in Portugal. That same year, they were also featured on CTV’s “The Amazing Race Canada.”
 
Scott has a passion for music from southern Africa, having worked extensively with choirs in South Africa and Namibia, including conducting the Mascato Youth Choir during a sabbatical. He recently led the ISSEA Mass Choir in Johannesburg. Over the past year, he conducted the Nova Scotia and British Columbia Youth Choirs for the second time and the Ellison Canadian Honour Choir for the tenth time, in addition to adjudicating several national festivals.

Looking to give students more opportunities to experience music through movement and express themselves artistically? This engaging session on Teaching Dance for Understanding offers practical, hands-on activities that students of all ages will love. Come ready to move—wear comfortable clothes as we bust a move together!

Presenter:

Paula Danyluk-MacDonald graduated from Acadia University in Wolfville with her Bachelor of Music Education in 1988 and later completed a Masters in Administration in social justice from Mount St. Vincent in Halifax.

Paula has a diverse background in education including teaching classroom and instrumental music from grades Primary through Twelve. She has taught in other subject areas such as grade 3, grades P-6 resource, fine arts appreciation (Jr. High and High School), music therapy, and EAL, and has over 20 years of administrative experience.

Beyond the public school setting, Paula has been the writer and artistic director for a maritime theatre company, has had music featured at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and has original songs in the Canadian Music Archive of Canada. Paula has appeared on the Comedy Network for the North American Improv Championships, worked for Mermaid Theatre, and has acted for both stage and television across the Maritimes.

In 2016, Danyluk-MacDonald was named one of Canada's Outstanding Principals by the Learning Partnership of Canada for her instructional leadership support and her impact on staff and students. Paula uses her passion and expertise in the fine and performing arts to help students feel valued and successful. Paula was recently transitioned from being the Principal of Halifax Regional Arts to being the Arts Education Consultant for the NS EECD. Best. Gigs. Ever!

Want to build a middle school choir program but need help getting started? There's a lot to think about from finding catchy, suitable repertoire to dealing with changing and expanding voices. Choir programs can help middle school students build community, confidence, self-awareness and other skills that are so important in this stage of their development. Explore some of the challenges, get fresh ideas and hot tips that have proven successful in school and community settings, and come away ready to inspire and engage! Let's fill our middle schools with singing!

Presenters:

Kimberly Cormier: 
Kimberly is a music teacher in the Annapolis Valley and has taught P-5 music as well as 6-8 music and band instruments. In her middle school, Kimberly sings regularly with band classes, and has started an extra-curricular choir program for the first time and has loved watching that choir grow and expand over the years.  A lot of her inspiration for choral pedagogy, particularly at the middle school level, comes from her time working with Canta Mara Youth Choirs, formerly the Annapolis Valley Honour Choir.  Kimberly has completed her Bachelor of Music, Bachelor and Education, and Master of Education (in Music Education) at Acadia University. 

Heather Fraser:
Passionate about the power of singing together to build community and understanding, Heather serves as the Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Choral Federation (NSCF), and Artistic Director of Canta Mara Youth Choirs of the Annapolis Valley, where she has expanded the program to include 175 singers over 4 ensembles from Grades 1-12. The middle school choir are her favourite bunch (don't tell the high schoolers) and she wants to empower more educators to keep this age group of kids singing between elementary and high school opportunities.

Heather is also former Artistic Director of The Aeolian Singers, and music educator with the Halifax Regional Arts Program.  A graduate of Acadia School of Music and McGill Education, she has studied conducting and pedagogy with many mentors across Canada, USA and the UK, including with the Canadian Chamber Choir, Westminster Choir College Summer Institute, and was Apprentice Conductor of the National Youth Choir of Canada. 

All string teachers are welcome to join us and play through some Cape Breton tunes of Lee Cremo. Shawnee Paul will discuss the particular style of Lee Cremo and it is sure to be a lot of fun.

Presenter:

Shawnee Paul is a musician and music educator from Eskasoni First Nation. Her musical journey began at age six, when she first sat at the piano. Inspired by her grandfather, she began fiddle lessons at age seven. Her musical interests expanded leading to studies at Acadia University earning degrees in Music and Education. 

Now teaching elementary and middle school music, Shawnee is passionate about weaving Mi’kmaq language and culture into her music curriculum. Her work aims to create meaningful, culturally rooted learning experiences for her students. Outside the classroom, she performs with Alan Syliboy and the Thundermakers and The Blue Moose Band. 

Are you looking for ways to better support students with diverse learning, sensory, communication, and physical needs? In this session we will explore practical, music therapy informed strategies that help create inclusive and successful music classroom experiences for all learners. Classroom routines, visual supports, sensory accommodations, and thoughtful adaptations can increase engagement and participation while helping students feel seen, understood, and capable. Drawing on techniques commonly used in music therapy, you will leave this session with practical tools, activities, and strategies that can be implemented right away. You will gain increased confidence and concrete ideas for supporting your most vulnerable students.

Presenter:

Kimberley is a Music Therapist, Educator, and the owner of North Music Therapy in the Halifax region. For more than ten years, she has used music to support the social, cognitive, and motor development of children and youth, from infancy through high school. With eight years of experience working in school learning centres, she specializes in supporting students with diverse learning needs and helping them achieve academic, social, and personal goals through music. Outside of her clinical work, she is an active community volunteer and performs as a flutist with the Chebucto Symphony Orchestra.

This workshop will highlight some approaches and practices that have proven successful at Riverview High School for building a culture of students jamming, weekly performances, and creativity. Besides weekly coffeehouses, other program features discussed will be “variety” band concerts, band class and band trip jams, collaborative band arrangement project for graduation, small ensembles, kid’s song project and small ensemble seasonal concert approach, and general Music 10 and Music 12 course approaches.

Presenter:

Monica has been teaching high school band and general music 10 and 12 at Riverview High School in Coxheath, Cape Breton, for 30 years.  Just like at any Cape Breton kitchen party, everyone in her school is encouraged to share their music and they do so through concert band, jazz band, rock, pop, country, rap, classical, Celtic and other folk music.  Monica has a Wind Conducting Diploma from University of Calgary and a Masters in Education in Curriculum Studies with a concentration in Music Education from Acadia University.  She has worked in Nova Scotia curriculum development and implementation, has presented at ISME, and is a recent recipient of the ECMA’s Stompin’ Tom award for her long term contribution to music education.  

Join us with your instrument as we are treated to a session of thematic repertoire of all levels selected by Ardith Haley.

Presenter:

Ardith Haley is a dedicated educator whose career has encompassed teaching, leadership, curriculum development, and professional learning both nationally and internationally. Throughout her work, she has remained committed to creating authentic learning environments and helping educators and learners realize their potential. Her contributions to music education in Canada have been recognized with the Canadian Music Educators’ Association Jubilate Award of Merit and the 2022 National Band Award.
 
In 2012, Ardith co-created the Master of Education in Curriculum Studies with a focus on Music Education at Acadia University with Dale Lonis. Grounded in thoughtful curriculum design, reflective practice, and responsive music pedagogy, the program has attracted music educators from across Canada. Ardith continues to lead the program, which has graduated eight cohorts of music educators, with Cohort 9 currently underway.
 
Following her retirement in 2022 from a career that included public-school teaching and sixteen years as Arts Education Consultant with the Nova Scotia Department of Education, Ardith has remained deeply engaged in music and arts education. Her extensive work in curriculum, pedagogy, assessment, and professional learning has taken her well beyond Nova Scotia, including many years working with Singapore’s Ministry of Education to support the development of innovative approaches to music and arts education.
 
Ardith continues to support curriculum development internationally, teaches Bachelor and Master’s music education students at Acadia University, and enjoys working directly with music teachers and their students through festivals, clinics, and professional learning. Across these varied roles, she remains committed to the work that has defined her career: helping others learn, grow, create, and discover greater possibilities in themselves and in those they teach.
 
Beyond her professional life, Ardith treasures time with her family, especially her four grandchildren, and enjoys travelling with her husband, exploring new destinations and cheering on the Toronto Raptors along the way.

This session will feature an open rehearsal of the Nova Scotia Youth Choir, an auditioned group of singers from ages 16-25 from across the province. Join us as we explore a variety of repertoire and rehearsal strategies that promote ensemble, tone, balance, interpretation, and student engagement.

Presenter:

Fran is a music educator with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. In addition to teaching music at Citadel High School, she is also a choral specialist with the Halifax Regional Arts Program. Outside of school, Fran conducts the Aeolian Singers, an auditioned adult community choir comprising upper voices’ singers. An active choral clinician, Dr. Farrell has worked with groups from across Canada offering workshops in choral improvisation, vocal technique, and most recently, the Alexander Technique as a certified teacher of this work. Fran has also published articles in Anacrusis, the Teaching Music Through Performance Series, and the Canadian Music Educator. Her choral compositions have been published by Cypress Music and Hinshaw Music.

Designed in particular for early career educators, this session is meant to share a wealth of ideas on how to develop a supportive atmosphere of singing in the elementary music program. Maureen will share foundational activities, routines, repertoire, and resources that all promote confidence in singing for all, from the youngest singers in Grade Primary to those in Grade 6 (and beyond!) As research overwhelmingly reveals that children learn significantly better from live, face-to-face interaction over screens, singing with peers in music class offers a spectacular opportunity to experience music in a fully human way, making new lifelong learnings that last long after music class is over. Whether your own comfort zone includes the act of singing or not, this session promises to model the same supportive atmosphere for singing that it is encouraging in the elementary music classroom. Come along and sing…sing a song…sing out loud and sing out strong!

Presenter:

Maureen’s 34 year career teaching elementary music saw her working in various schools in the Kjipanu’pek/St. Margaret’s Bay area, proudly being based out of her home school of Tantallon Elementary. It was here that she witnessed the engagement and intrinsic reward of student musician growth in a supportive Kodály-inspired learning environment. 

Maureen’s deep love of working with young voices has led to some wonderful collaborations with her students, including recording tracks with Rita MacNeil, Lennie Gallant, and Terry Kelly, as well as providing the song segments for two production cycles of the Gemini award winning CBC Kids stop motion animation show Poko. 

Maureen is thoroughly enjoying new adventures that have come her way since retirement, including continued service as president of the Kodály Society of Canada, as well as part-time teaching work at Acadia University School of Music and School of Education. She is super stoked to spend time with colleagues at this year’s NSMEA October Conference!

This session will look at how Acadian music evolved through the centuries, beginning with the 17th century families that settled in Acadie. The traditional folk music they brought from their homeland during the first several generations was an important part of their daily lives, and this music continued until the 1755 deportation. After the deportation, and resettling in eastern Canada the Acadian music developed into it's own unique styles and themes. Artists in present day Acadian communities are part of an emerging culture and offering different styles of music This session will enable participants to sing traditional folk music, play instruments, and listen to a selection of Acadian artists and groups. A printed hand-out of the songs and sources will be included.

Presenter:

Anne Landry-Cameron is a retired teacher of elementary and junior high music. She is proud to have been born in Isle Madame, and spent her childhood in Petit-de-Grat where her love of Acadian history and music took root. Her parents and extended family greatly influenced her in pursuing a profession in teaching. After graduating from high school, she attended the music program at Teacher’s College in Truro. Afterwards, she continued her education and graduated from Mount St. Vincent University. Throughout her teaching career Anne was a dedicated advocate of both the Orff and Kodaly philosophy of education.

Anne finished her teaching years at St. Margaret’s Bay Elementary, Shatford Memorial, and East St. Margaret’s Bay Elementary. Both the Kodaly and Orff philosophy provided opportunities to engage her students by participating in school choirs and an Orff Choir. Her classes and choirs gained experience by performing in school concerts, education weeks, community events and the Kiwanis Music Festivals. Along with fellow music teachers, she helped renew the Nova Scotia Orff Chapter, and served on the executive during several years. She was very fortunate to be part of music education families where colleagues were also close friends, sharing ideas and support for each other. Teaching music helped her form special bonds and camaraderie that have continued during her retirement.

Since her retirement, Anne’s passion for music and Acadian history has guided her in a slightly different direction. She became a member of les Voix d’Acadie, began researching her ancestors’ history, and traveled to France several times to study and trace her history. These two passions opened the door and the ability to share her knowledge of Acadian history and music with her family, in schools, at reunions, and with tourists at Acadian sites. Her presentations include traditional folk music and Acadian history dating back to the 1600’s, focusing on the regions of France where Acadians left to settle in Acadie.

Want to know how to keep students engaged in music class? Presenting songs & games, transitioning between activities, and effective management are all cover in this session. Be prepared to participate as Charlotte shares "how to" strategies and material to ensure a fluid musical experience for you and your students from start to finish!

Presenter:

Charlotte Myers’ workshops have inspired music educators throughout Atlantic Canada, drawing on her extensive experience teaching elementary music through both Orff and Kodály pedagogies. An Honorary Lifetime Member of Orff Nova Scotia, Charlotte also serves on several national COC committees and is an instructor for Orff courses, holding Post Level III Specialist Certification.

Charlotte continues to foster meaningful connections with students through her role as a mentor and clinician with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education. Most recently, she served as co-chair of the COC 2026 Conference, Passages. She is delighted to have the opportunity to share her knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm with colleagues at this year’s NSMEA Conference!

This practical workshop is designed for string and ensemble teachers seeking effective strategies for developing strong technical foundations in school orchestra programs, particularly for those with students who don't have access to private instruction. Topics will include posture and setup, bow hold and tone production, left-hand development, intonation, shifting, vibrato , and rehearsal techniques for addressing common technical challenges in large ensemble settings. Participants will gain practical tools, warm-up ideas, and teaching approaches that can be immediately applied in beginner through advanced school orchestras.

Presenter:

Praised for his “assured and lovely” playing (Classical Voice of North Carolina), Dr. Leonardo Perez is a violinist, violist, conductor, and educator. He is Head of Strings and Associate Professor of Violin and Viola at Dalhousie University and previously taught at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

An active chamber musician, he has performed across North and South America and Europe, with appearances at the Scotia Festival Chamber Player Series, Musique Royale, and the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance. Formerly a member of the Litton Piano Trio and Voce String Quartet, he has also held residencies at the University of Iowa’s String Quartet Residency Program.

Committed to expanding the violin canon, he has premiered new works and recorded El Maestro Nicaragüense, featuring music by Luis A. Delgadillo. As Artistic Director of the Dalhousie Chamber Music Residency Program, he fosters mentorship, community engagement, and innovative programming, and remains active as a teacher, clinician, and adjudicator across North

Looking for new ways to energize your music lessons and engage students? Drama games are a fun and effective way to build confidence, encourage collaboration, and deepen musical understanding. In this interactive session, you’ll explore a variety of drama-based activities that support rhythm, expression, listening, and performance skills. Be ready to move, laugh, and play—these games are easy to implement and adaptable for all ages!

Presenter:

Paula Danyluk-MacDonald graduated from Acadia University in Wolfville with her Bachelor of Music Education in 1988 and later completed a Masters in Administration in social justice from Mount St. Vincent in Halifax.
Paula has a diverse background in education including teaching classroom and instrumental music from grades Primary through Twelve. She has taught in other subject areas such as grade 3, grades P-6 resource, fine arts appreciation (Jr. High and High School), music therapy, and EAL, and has over 20 years of administrative experience.

Beyond the public-school setting, Paula has been the writer and artistic director for a maritime theatre company, has had music featured at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and has original songs in the Canadian Music Archive of Canada. Paula has appeared on the Comedy Network for the North American Improv Championships, worked for Mermaid Theatre, and has acted for both stage and television across the Maritimes.

In 2016, Danyluk-MacDonald was named one of Canada's Outstanding Principals by the Learning Partnership of Canada for her instructional leadership support and her impact on staff and students. Paula uses her passion and expertise in the fine and performing arts to help students feel valued and successful. Paula was recently transitioned from being the Principal of Halifax Regional Arts to being the Arts Education Consultant for the NS EECD. Best. Gigs. Ever!