Gwen Dawson

• Piano and Vocal adjudicator for all levels of players at Festivals throughout Atlantic Canada.
• Often required to organize prizes, citations, and awards for classes adjudicated, depending on the Festival.

Responsibilities:

• Teach Senior School Music and Performing Arts classes and run music activities
• Director, Music Director, Bandleader, and Producer of the annual Senior School Musical
• Senior Choir Conductor and Director
• Department Head from 2OO2 - 2O14

Day to Day:

• Organizes successful school-wide performances, showcasing student talent and fostering a sense of community pride.
• Manages rehearsal schedules and production timelines, ensuring timely completion of performances without compromising artistic integrity.
• Develops strong relationships with parents to support student growth and progress, regularly updating them on their child's achievements.
• Provides constructive feedback during auditions and rehearsals, guiding students toward improved performance outcomes.
• Mentors new teachers in the department, sharing best practices and strategies for effective teaching in the performing arts.
• Collaborates with colleagues to plan interdisciplinary units, fostering a well-rounded education in the performing arts.
• Enhances academic programs with innovative methodologies and collaboration.
• Schedules shows and performances in accordance with school calendar.
• Organizes and runs afterschool and weekend meetings and rehearsals in preparation for shows.
• Boosts students' creative expression through engaging and innovative theater exercises and activities.

Vocal/Choral Teacher for Neptune Prep

• High level intensive training program for students in Grade 11 and 12 planning to pursue a career in Musical Theatre. Entry by audition only.

Vocal/Choral Teacher for YPCo

• The program that is one step before the Neptune Prep program. Entry by admission only.

Guest Teacher for Musical Theatre Intensives

• Voice specialist.

Music Director and Bandleader for YPCo performances both on the Fountain Hall Mainstage and on the Scotiabank Stage. Currently Music Directing Heathers The Musical for YPCo, which will be performed in October.

• Evaluate student progress regularly using both formal assessments and informal observations to guide future instruction.
• Communicate with parents to maintain regular communication about student progress and any concerns.
• Expand the performance options by organizing recitals, showcases, and other performance opportunities for students.
• Provide vocal coaching for theatre productions, enhancing performers' abilities during rehearsals and performances alike.
• Stay current on industry trends and developments in voice education through continuous research and networking efforts within the field.
• Cultivate a supportive learning environment, fostering strong relationships with students and their families.
• Increase student performance levels by providing constructive feedback and personalized coaching.
• Manage scheduling conflicts effectively, ensuring consistent attendance at lessons while accommodating personal commitments.
• Maintain accurate records of student attendance, progress reports, and payments to ensure smooth administration processes within the studio setting.
• Foster a sense of community among voice students by organizing group workshops and ensemble opportunities, encouraging collaboration and peer support.
• Help students prepare for auditions and special events.
• Use technology to integrate technology and multimedia tools into voice/piano lessons and enhance student learning.

• Regular accompanist for all Neptune musical auditions, in addition to accompanying soloists and groups in many other performances, competitions, recitals, etc.
• Handle requests for specific musical selections.
• Enhance ensemble performances by providing expert piano accompaniment for various musical groups.
• Expand personal repertoire by continuously studying new music and attending workshops on accompaniment techniques and styles.
• Improve rehearsal efficiency by skillfully sight-reading new material, allowing for more focused attention on interpretation and expression.
• Increase audience engagement by delivering expressive performances that captured the emotional intent of each piece.
• Develop customized arrangements to suit the unique needs of each performance collaboration, ensuring cohesiveness among artists.
• Provide reliable support for vocalists in auditions by quickly adapting to a wide range of styles and repertoire requirements.
• Maintained strong relationships with fellow musicians through open communication, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset.
• Served as an on-demand pianist for special events, showcasing versatility across diverse genres and settings.

• Part of the Creative Team for hundreds of shows from Nova Scotia through Ontario; working on casting, music arrangements, etc.
• Communicating with the Production Team to ensure various nuts and bolts tasks are completed on the needed timeline.
• Attending cast and band rehearsals in preparation for performances; teaching vocals/harmonies to cast members and working with band members to prepare music.
• Running efficient and positive rehearsals by employing clear and thoughtful communication
• Being consistently available for troubleshooting as needed, and being able to decode and then address the problem/concern
• Being able to set the tone in the pit band room and with the casts for energized and fulfilling performances up to 8 times each week

• Assembling and the creative team and casts for shows in between 4 and 6 venues, depending on the year. Shows were done in Summer, Fall, and Winter; depending on the needs and wishes of the venue.
• Directing all shows in all locations every year.
• Meeting and working with the main administration on organizational items, scheduling, and budget, which was then also part of the job to manage.
• Assisting in the creative process for scripts, music choices, and arrangements.
• Liaising with staff at the various locations shows were performed at to set the working conditions and follow up with each throughout months of the performance period.
• Follow up with actors, creatives, and venues at the end of each performance period to assess successes and work points going forward.

• Maintained a high level of professionalism during all interactions with clients, venues, and fellow performers.
• Communicated with guests clearly and with good humor to encourage laughter and excitement.
• Refined set lists and stage presence techniques to captivate audiences of diverse ages and backgrounds effectively.
• Adapted to various performance styles and song selections to suit diverse audiences.
• Honored special musical requests to personalize guest experience.
• Received numerous positive reviews from clients, resulting in repeat bookings and referrals for new gigs.
• Managed travel arrangements, etc, with little or no assistance.

• Managed scheduling and communication with families efficiently to maintain a well-organized teaching practice.
• Developed students' confidence in their singing abilities through constructive feedback and encouragement.
• Maintained accurate records of student progress.
• Cultivated positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to ensure successful collaboration in the learning process.
• Worked with colleagues on their planning and the department's goals and agendas.
• Helped work with students who had particular challenges either in person or by having planning meetings with their teachers.
• Organized vocal performances for the Conservatory, both in house and publicly.