The Music Director of the East York Concert Band is Ramona Ehlert
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 Music Director in the years to come to bring growth and rewards for all who contribute to the band!