Our TEam

It takes a village

TO RAISE STELLAR MUSICIANS

There is a large team of dedicated professional musicians and music advocates who work tirelessly to ensure that GVYMA students receive only the best musical experience.

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We go above and beyond.

NinaFalcos

Conductor  -  Jazz Band Director

GVYMA Artistic Director

Founder

Nina began conducting at 15 and founded the GVYMA at 19 after studying with Dr. Robert Taylor at UBC and assisting him with the UBC Concert Winds.

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Nina began her musical journey as a clarinetist, pianist and violinist. In post-secondary she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of British Columbia with a focus on secondary education, studying saxophone  with Dr. Julia Nolan and conducting under the baton of Dr. Robert Taylor. Her Undergraduate Thesis was on “Collective Creativity – Rehearsal Techniques for the Ultimate Wind Ensemble.” She is currently writing a book based on her eight years of work with the GVYMA wind ensembles and jazz groups. 

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Nina directs all four GVYMA ensembles while maintaining a full studio of 30  students, specializing in preparation for university entrance auditions. She is also a professional pianist.

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TheCoaches

GVYMA's side-by-side mentorship is instrumental to its success. Each ensemble is assisted by coaches that sit in each section and work closely with the students. This one-on-one teaching within the rehearsals ensures that each students receives a fully-comprehensive education.  

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These coaches are professional musicians or advanced university students currently studying to be music educators.

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SENIORCOACHES

Ashley Meadows, flute

Kevin Woo, clarinet

Nina Falcos, saxophone

Janelle Julian, high brass (French Horn specialty)

Devon Atkinson, trombone

Ryan Brodeur, euphonium & tuba

Angus Lam, string bass

Kaiya Gazley, percussion

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JUNIORCOACHES

Manae Ryu, flute

Miranda Wheeler, clarinet

Zach Mozel, clarinet

Cheryl St. Pierre, saxophone

Megan Chow, saxophone

Sara Foubert, trumpet

Jonathan Kury, French Horn

Ryan Brodeur, low brass 

Kaiya Gazley, percussion

Harry Sadlier, Rhythm Section

BoardOf

Directors

The GVYMA is a non-profit organization.

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Jennifer Haddad, President

Dr. David Branter, Vice President

Kevin Woo, Treasurer

Alice Hu, Secretary

Angus Lam, Member-at-large

Lisa Kury, Member-at-large

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THE GVYMA CAN'T DO IT ALONE

We are grateful for any support our organization and our students receive.

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If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting the GVYMA in any way, please feel free to contact us at gvyma.board@gmail.com.

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We appreciate your assistance!