Although my love of music began with my mum and dad sharing their love of music with me as a baby, it wasn't until high school that I began studying music in a serious way. My music teacher Regina Murphy was instrumental in inspiring me to pursue my musical interests. I was involved in vocal performances both at ceremonies and special assemblies. I also sang in several musical productions including a chorus role in "Oliver" and Sister Sarah in "Guys and Dolls". In my senior years I began studying clarinet privately with the Principal clarinetist of the Hamilton Symphony Orchestra, Stephen Pierre . I played clarinet in the pit band for our high school production of "Fiddler on the Roof" in my final year of high school.
I was accepted into the Queen's University School of Music and studied clarinet with Gordon Craig. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge provided through the vigourous program at Queen's. My first conducting teacher was Dr. Karen Frederickson who later accepted me as an Assitant Conductor for Polyhymnia, our Queen's womens' chorus. I continued to study conducting with Dr. Mark Sirett who conducted our Queen's Choral Ensemble (mixed voices). Through out my four years at Queen's I had the opportunity to work with many conductors and learn through their examples.
After four intense years studying in Kingston I choose to go North for teacher's college, all the way to North Bay Ontario. This beautiful city is home to Nipissing University. I found the courses insightful and thorough and developed a solid foundation in education during my year of study.
The rest is history - I was hired as a full time teacher at the Toronto District School Board in 2000 and I've been teaching music to grade 7 & 8 students ever since. I began with a vocal music program in the Beach and I'm now teaching an instrumental program in Scarborough.
I joined East York Concert Band in 2005 as a clarinet player and began assisting the conductors that first fall. With our long-time Conductor Ernie Walker's retirement, Ramona Ehlert stepped into the Conductor role and I stepped into the Assistant Conductor. This past year, Ramona and I have switched roles and I am now the Conductor.
Ramona Ehlert has always had music flowing through her veins from early childhood. This comes, partly, from a strong musical family heritage. Her grandfather was the principal cellist in several orchestras across Europe under some of the finest conductors through the 20th century. Her earliest experiences with teaching and leading in the musical context started at 16 years of age when she began teaching younger children, peers and adults (many years her senior) to play piano. Making extra money teaching piano sure beat a paper route or working at McDonalds in her teenage years!
Her experiences as a prominent flute player and piano soloist with her North Toronto Collegiate Institute high school bands, choirs and orchestras catapulted her towards a stronger desire to study music further. A highlight of her high school career was playing on centre stage at Roy Thomson Hall (under the conductorship of prominent music educator David Ford) as a principal flute player with the North Toronto C.I. Senior Orchestra for the opening of a Kiwanis “Festival of Stars” concert.
In 1987, Ramona was accepted to study Music at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Music. Her focus was music education while achieving advanced performance experience on both piano and flute. Ramona taught flute at both the Toronto Music Camps and the National Music Camps for several summers throughout her undergraduate years. While at the Faculty of Music, she had the fortune of studying conducting, arranging, performance and music education theory under such well known Canadian music educators like Phil Nimmons (jazz), Stepehen Chenette (band) and Doreen Rao (choir). During this same time period, Ramona earned funds to pay for her schooling as an Usher Floor Captain and Trainer at Roy Thomson Hall. The five years she spent observing some of the world’s best conductors, ensembles and soloists contributed to her learning and growth. At this same time, she saw a return to the Roy Thomson Hall stage as a professional “page turner” for several piano accompanists for classical musicians performing solo recitals, including world famous violinist Itzak Perlman. Who would have thought “page turning” could be so profitable and exciting?
Upon graduation from her Bachelor of Music Education, Ramona was accepted into the University of Toronto, Faculty of Education (Teacher’s College) program. One year later, upon completion, Ramona began her career as a music educator for the York Region Board of Education. Ramona continued growing her music education and leadership experience within the school system as a music teacher (both public and private) for many years.
In addition, around the same time that she began teaching in York Region, Ramona joined the East York Concert Band as the Assistant Conductor and Principal Flautist. Ramona had grown up in East York and this return to the “Borough” to serve the community was an opportunity she could not refuse. She carried this position for almost 15 years before becoming the Music Director of the band in 2008.
Although Ramona has extensive experience in the music environment, she also holds a Commercial Pilot’s License and has worked as a Flight Instructor, teaching many students to fly and achieve their own Private Pilot’s licenses. She currently also acts in a training capacity in her technology-focused job at Deloitte & Touche. Needless to say, “teaching” has always run through her veins and Ramona can’t resist the opportunity to share her knowledge and skill with others, regardless of the environment.
Ramona has always welcomed a challenge and it is hoped that she will work alongside the East York Concert Band members as Assistant Music Director in the years to come to bring growth and rewards for all who contribute to the band!
A French Horn player and band member since 1969, Ernie Walker served the 18 years prior to 2008 as the band conductor.
Ernie is retired from a career as a high school science teacher. He spent as much or more effort outside of rehearsals for the band as during. His efforts greatly improved the performance quality of the band. That stimulated increased membership to 47 members.
It can be said that leadership of the band has always come from within its ranks.