Adjudicators

Dr. Adam Jonathan Con is a conductor, a visionary, a respected teacher of choral conducting and Tai Chi Chuan, and a leader in the advocacy of music education. A native of Vancouver and a third generation Chinese Canadian, his holistic approach to choral music through a unique blend of kinesthetic whole body movement and Eastern philosophy continues to inspire singers of all ages in mind, body and spirit. His motto is “Music is more than notes in motion; music is notes in Emotion.”

Dr. Con is Assistant Professor of Music at University of Victoria School of Music. His duties include teaching Elementary Music Methods, Music Education Foundations, Choral Conducting, Choral Organization, Rehearsal Techniques and Literature, Middle and Elementary School choir methods, conducting the UVic Chorus and supervising music education students. He served in similar capacities at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, California State University, Long Beach, at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio and at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. Dr. Con earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education (Secondary Instrumental and Choral) and a Master’s Degree in Music Education (Elementary) from the University of British Columbia. At Florida State University, he earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Music Education (Choral Conducting Emphasis) studying with Rodney Eichenberger, Andre Thomas, Clifford Madsen and Judy Bowers. In addition, Dr. Con is a certified Orff Schulwerk specialist and has extensive study experience as an Alexander Technique practitioner.

Elizabeth is the founder and Artistic Director of Ensemble Laude. She hails from Victoria, Canada, where she was trained both as a pianist and vocalist. After graduate studies in musicology at the University of Victoria, Elizabeth’s love of Early Music took her to England and then France, for six years, where she toured as a soprano soloist and taught school choirs. Upon her return to Canada in 1996, she joined the music faculty of the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and Brentwood College School in Mill Bay. Her ensembles at Brentwood College achieved provincial and national accolades. Ensemble Laude and her sister choir Encanta won first and second prize at Kathaumixw in 2012. In the same year, MacIsaac was awarded the BCCF Herbert Drost Award for ‘Distinguished service and support of choral music in BC’. The Canadian University Women’s Organization awarded Elizabeth their Massey Scholarship to work on her doctoral dissertation which unearths many unknown motets for women’s voices from the Ursuline Archives of Quebec. In November of 2017, Elizabeth was again honoured by the BCCF, becoming this year’s recipient of the Amy Ferguson award. This award is given to an outstanding choral director who is also an excellent vocal teacher fostering superior vocal practice.

An award-winning composer, as well as an accomplished and versatile musician, choir director, and educator, Brian attributes the success of his multifaceted career to a love of working with people and a passion for the arts.

Brian received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of British Columbia, and went on to further music studies in London, England; Toronto; Ghana; Cuba; Oakland and New Orleans. His love for music of many kinds has led to a diverse career that includes orchestral and choral conducting and performing, musical theatre, and composing music for film, television, stage, and the concert hall. Brian has twice received Vancouver's Jessie Richardson Award for original theatre music, and his choral music is performed worldwide.

As a vocalist, Brian performs with his jazz quartet at festivals, clubs, and in concert. He also performs with Dawn Pemberton and Karla Mundy in the vocal a cappella trio, TriVo.

As an organizational speaker, educator, and facilitator, Brian takes the elements of creativity, intuition, and improvisation from the performing arts and transforms these elements into powerful, interactive group experiences that develop leadership, innovation, and team-building. His programs include groundbreaking work such as using musical improvisation to enhance leadership and teams, and using the voice as a tool for personal development. Brian brings spontaneity, humour, and originality into all of his presentations. Participants experience growth not only in their work, but in all areas of their lives.