-
Executive 2007-08
President - Dr. Mark Hopkins, Wolfville
First Vice President - Barbara Stetter, Glace Bay
Second Vice President - Ken Foote, Bridgewater
Treasurer - Kay Greene - Brooklyn
Secretary - Allison Penwell, Halifax and Maggie Helms, Wolfville
Past President - Ken Henderson, Truro
Industry Representative - Andy Coffin, Halifax -
Members-at-Large
Jim Forde, Halifax
Lucille Humble, Halifax
Ron MacKay, Cole Harbour
Leah McGray Manning, Halifax
-
Biographies
President Mark Hopkins is Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music and Principal Conductor of Wind Bands at Acadia University . He brings 22 years of experience to this role at every level of wind music performance, from teaching beginner bands, leading adult community bands, university, and professional ensembles. Dr. Hopkins taught at the high school level for 12 years. Recently, he received two consecutive Western Canada Music Awards for Best Classical recording as Artistic Director of the Land's End Chamber Ensemble of Calgary .
First Vice President Barbara Stetter has led the Glace Bay Schools Band Program for 35 years. One of the highlights of her teaching career has been The Glace Bay High School Senior Band's performance at Carnegie Hall, in her home town of New York City , in March 1997. Barb is an outstanding oboe player, and sought-after as a clinician. In the past, Barb has served on the executives of the NSMEA, NSBA and the Nova Scotia Provincial Honour Band.
Second Vice President Ken Foote brings a wealth of experiences to the NSBA Executive. As a student he performed under the baton of M.W. Harvey at Middleton Regional High School . Ken served two terms as an elected school board member and was twice elected the Treasurer of the Nova Scotia School Boards Association (NSSBA). He served as chair of the Operations Committee and the Education Committee on his local board and chaired the Finance Committee of the NSSBA. He remains active as an adjudicator, clinician and conductor. Ken became the owner/operator of Buckley's Music in January 1996, after nine years of teaching music at a variety of levels.
Treasurer Kay Greene is the Music Teacher at West Hants Middle School , in Brooklyn, Hants County . She is also a Civilian Instructor with the local Cadet Brass and Reed Band, Co-Director of the Acadia New Horizons Band, and is a member of the Four Seasons Orchestra in Windsor.
The role of Secretary will be shared by Allison Penwell and Maggie Helms. Allison Penwell is a flute player who grew up in Waverley , NS and is currently the music director at Eastern Shore District High School . Maggie Helms is a native of Indiana , with extensive experience conducting concert bands. She is currently the Music Director at Horton High School in Wolfville, and co-founder of Atlantic Band Services, specializing in concert band consulting, web page building/maintenance, band instrument repair and private or group lessons/instruction.
Leah McGray Manning is pleased to serve as a Member at Large on the NSBA Executive. She has recently returned home to Nova Scotia after teaching for several years in Rothesay , New Brunswick and Ottawa , Ontario . Currently, Leah is employed with the Halifax Regional School Board as a music educator in the band and string programs with the Halifax All-City Music program, and is part of the organization committee for the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble.
Ron MacKay is a Member at Large who needs no introduction in Nova Scotia . He has made significant contributions to music education and wind band performance, composition, and even publishing, spanning a 64 year career. We are grateful for his wisdom on the Executive, and marvel at the vigour he brings to every task.
Lucille Humble is Member at Large, and will continue to assist in the area of email communications. She received her formal education in Alberta , and presently teaches grade 6-9 instrumental music at Sackville Heights Junior High School . Lucille is active as a percussionist, and performs regularly with the Sackville Community band and the Chester Brass.
Past President Ken Henderson will continue his service on the NSBA Executive as advisor to the new Executive. He has been active in the NSBA for the past decade or so. He is a native of Truro , and an early alumni of Ron Mackay's music program. Ken is retired after a public school teaching career in Middleton and Truro , and is currently Musical Director of the Truro Concert Band, and co-conductor of the Pictou County Community Orchestra.