Performing Arts

Performing Arts Faculty
Edna Widenmaier
Phil Newns
Scott McGill
Amy Staples
Maria Wang

On the stage, in the music and dance studios, and at debating tournaments, our students develop their artistry and creative self-expression as pathways to emotional intelligence. We believe in building confidence and discipline as the fundamental cornerstones of everything we do. Through individual and ensemble performances, we give voice to our thoughts, ideas, and interpretations, bringing the past and present to life. All this in an exquisite 20,000 square foot theatre facility.

Choreography	Composition Rock Band 10-12
Dance Company	Dance Technique & Performance
Jazz Band	Musical Theatre 10-12
Rhythm & Blues Band	Rock Band
Senior Play 11-12	Drama: Film and Stage - Grades 9 and 10
Drama: Film and Stage - Grades 11 and 12	String Ensemble
Theatre Production 10-12	Vocal Ensemble
Wind Ensemble

Arts Documents

Brentwood offers our students a number of ways to improve their arts including private lessons. For a full list of available private lessons please view the Music Department Resource Guide

Brentwood’s unique theatrical program provides a great foundation for a beginner to pave their road to success, while still generating challenges for an aspiring Kevin Mambo (Class of 1990). An assortment of courses allows us to venture into different realms of performing arts, whether it be behind the scenes, front and centre, or just continuing your development in class. - Emily B. '15

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The 2013 Brentwood Musical - In the Heights

Rhythm & Blues Band

The R & B band includes talented intermediate to advanced instrumentalists and vocalists who will learn R & B arrangements. Rhythm & Blues is a music genre combining jazz, gospel, and blues influences. The band will include a rhythm section, brass, reeds as well as vocalists. Ear training and sight-reading skills will become a high priority in this group. Members will be encouraged to listen to various styles of R & B to better understand the genre. The art of improvisation will be studied extensively, and soloists featured. For the vocalists, microphones will be used with members learning and understanding scat, blend, balance and microphone technique. The band will perform throughout the year on and off campus, including at festivals such as Musicfest Canada.

Brentwood Brio 9-12

Some vocalists are not too fussed about performing at festivals or learning complex repertoire... they just want to sing for the joy of singing! Brentwood Brio gives those kind of vocalists a chance to simply enjoy each others' company and learn pieces that foster a love of choral music. That's not to say that Brio will not take things seriously, but the group will work at bringing their sound together in hopes of performing for the School when the occasion calls for it.

Theatre Production 10-12

Students interested in supporting Brentwood's vibrant performing arts program should sign up for this course. Creative opportunities for students include stage management, lighting console operation, sound editing and design, projections, special effects and theatrical design. Students also gain valuable event planning, production experience and interpersonal skills through front-of-house and box office management. Theatre Production is responsible for technical support of all live productions in the T. Gil Bunch Theatre and throughout campus. This course is open to Grades 10, 11 and 12 - and Grade 9 with the instructor's permission. Students who have completed this program have continued to such post-secondary programs as Masters in Theatre Design, Audio Engineering, Theatre Production and Design and Directing.

Almost A Cappella: Vocal Jazz Ensemble 9-12

Over the years, this ensemble has established a reputation for artistic excellence and fun-filled shows, regularly receiving invitations to Canadian National Festivals. Our repertoire consists of multiple genres including Jazz, R & B and Pop, arranged in 3 & 4-part harmony. Scat singing and improvisation are also included in our weekly classes. Microphones are often used in our ensemble, and members will learn to understand blend, balance, and microphone techniques. The ensemble will performs with a live jazz combo as well as singing a cappella. Ear training and sight-reading skills become a high priority in this ensemble, as does a passion for performing. All members are evaluated on their participation and are expected to perform in all musical events, including festivals during the course of the year.

Theatre Production 10-12

Students who are interested in supporting Brentwood's vibrant performing arts program should sign up for this course. Creative opportunities for students include stage management, lighting console operation, sound editing and design, projections, special effects and theatrical design. Students shall be responsible for technical support of all live productions in the T. Gil Bunch Theatre and throughout the campus. This course is open to Grades 10, 11 and 12 and Grade 9 with instructor's permission. Students who have completed this program have continued to such post-secondary programs as Masters in Theatre Design, Audio Engineering, Theatre Production and Design, Directing.

Musical Theatre 8

This course is for Grade 8 actors, singers and dancers who will experience the thrill of live musical theatre. Students will be taught skills in all aspects of musical theatre, acting, singing and dancing, and will put on a show at the end of the first term. Costumes and makeup will add for the full musical experience. Past shows have included “Aladdin”, “Seussical the Musical”, and most recently “The Lion King” All grade 8 students will participate and principal roles will be decided by audition in early September.

Wind Ensemble

This course is intended for students with previous instrumental experience on a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument. This large ensemble performs music from a wide range of genres, from orchestral transcriptions and traditional winds repertoire to world music and pieces from a variety of popular genres like pop, rock, jazz, show tunes, and the like. Brentwood’s Wind Ensemble will take part in performances on campus as well as at music festivals, where the ensemble frequently receives excellent ratings. No audition necessary.

Music Appreciation, Composition and Technology 12 / AP Music Theory

NOTE: Students will have the option of doing either the Royal Conservatory of Music Advanced theory exam and / or challenging the AP music theory exam in May. This course is also creditable through the British Columbia Ministry of Education.

Students will be exposed to the following skill sets during the course of the year.
(a) Theory Fundamentals
(b) Intermediate Harmony
(c) Analysis and Music Appreciation
(d) Aural Skills
(e) Sight Reading and rhythm reading
(f) Music composition, orchestration and arranging
(g) Music Software and Technology

Debate, Model UN & Public Speaking

With several components, including public speaking, debate, Model United Nations, and mock law trials, the program features a breadth of offerings. Students, of all experience levels, receive the support, and opportunities, needed to achieve their best, whether in small-group settings or competing at the national level. All students participate in public speaking and debate activities, but select areas of specialisation, often in preparation for higher-level competition. Our coaching system provides for leadership within the program, with more experienced debaters leading workshops and organising special events.

In order to increase their confidence, all students must exercise and enhance their public speaking skills. This stream runs year-long, underlying and connecting all components. Students participate in in-class public speaking exercises, including persuasive, extemporaneous and after-dinner speaking. They may also deliver interpretive readings and dramatic monologues, focusing on the stylistic characteristics of delivery, and may be selected to represent the school at both the local and provincial levels.

Debating in a range of styles, including World Schools, Canadian National, cross-examination and bilingual debate, students compete at the local, regional and provincial levels, with some representing British Columbia at the Canadian National Secondary Schools tournament. All students participate in in-house debates, in preparation for external competition, and have the opportunity to represent their Houses in Inter-House debates, as well as online tournaments against debaters from other regions of the world. Our carefully structured coaching structure is multi-faceted, with our most experienced debaters stepping into leadership roles and receiving specialised support from university-level debaters.

The Model United Nations component provides the opportunity to debate contemporary and historical issues from a range of international perspectives and delegates learn to find compromise between opposing points of view, prioritizing aspects of greatest importance. Our Island Model United Nations conference, organised by our own students (imun.ca), is a one-day event that offers committee options for first-time and experienced delegates. Students also have the opportunity to participate in select conferences, including ShawMUN (Shawnigan Lake School), VMUN (Vancouver), NHSMUN (not available in 2015-16) and SSUNS (Montreal).

This program is ideal for students who wish to improve their communication skills, are interested in weighing conflicting truth claims and are eager to craft well-researched and multi-layered arguments. Consisting of complimentary streams and designed to meet the needs of students of all ability levels, the program has something for everyone.

String Ensemble

This course is intended for students with previous instrumental experience on the violin, viola, cello or bass. This chamber ensemble performs music from a wide variety of genres, from classical orchestral arrangements and Celtic fiddle tunes to world music and pieces from a variety of popular genres like pop, rock, show tunes, and the like. Brentwood’s String Ensemble will take part in performances on campus as well as at music festivals, where the ensemble frequently receives superior ratings and invitations to national festivals. No audition necessary.

Jazz Band

The Brentwood jazz band includes all students who are at an intermediate to advanced level of musicianship. Students will play moderately challenging jazz band arrangements, and ear training and sight-reading skills will become a high priority in this group. Members will be encouraged to listen to various styles of jazz to better understand the jazz genre. The art of improvisation will be studied and soloists from within the band encouraged. All members are evaluated on their participation and are expected to perform in all planned musical events including music festivals during the course of the year.

Intermediate Rock Band 9–12

Intermediate Rock Band 9-12 is designed to nurture an appreciation of the art of rock music. It will be divided into analysis, practical, audio, composition and performance, and will have an emphasis on the history of popular music from the 60’s to the present day. A fundamental understanding of basic reading skills and chord charts will be studied. A variety of styles will be explored and performed from blues, rock, pop, Motown, reggae, country, and rap. The course will explore and understand the audio/visual equipment used by rock bands for performance and recording such as PA systems, amps, and recording equipment. Further instruction will be given in band etiquette, instrument role, microphone technique, balance, blend, mixing, lead singing, harmony singing, dynamics and showmanship. The band will perform throughout the year at various venues including the annual Brentwood Regatta.

Guitar Ensemble 9–12

The Brentwood Guitar Ensemble is a course designed to teach students to play guitars in a group ensemble setting. This is not a beginner guitar lesson, and students must have at least one year of previous experience on guitar, and /or show by audition that they are capable of meeting the demands of the class. Instruction will include: - chord playing, single note playing, picking, articulation, intonation, tone, voicing’s, strumming patterns and much more in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry of Education Guidelines. Students will learn to read music and perform music of all genres – from classical, movie, Broadway, to pop scores arranged in 3 to 5 part harmony. Students will explore a variety of different guitars from Nylon string and Steel stringed acoustics to other stringed instruments from the Lute family such as Banjo, Mandolin and Ukulele. All students are evaluated on their participation and are expected to perform in all planned musical events including music festivals during the course of the year.

Dance Company

A fast-paced class for those with previous experience, focusing on technique, strength development and performance. Varied styles to be incorporated through workshops and teacher and/or student directed choreography. Course content may include: elements of dance, specific technical skills, developing anatomically sound movement principles, rehearsal and performance skills, choreographic devices and dance notation. Traditional and contemporary Aboriginal worldviews communicated through dance to be explored along with ethics of cultural appropriation and safety protocols. Members of the Dance Company will create, rehearse and perform full length works for a variety of purposes and contexts. Locations TBA. (Acceptance by audition at first class).

Dance Technique & Performance

This course encourages dancing for fitness and pleasure by exposing students to basic jazz, hip-hop and modern stage dance. Course content may include: the elements of dance, skills specific to a technique, genre or style, rehearsal and performance skills, choreographic devices and dance notation. Traditional contemporary and Aboriginal worldviews communicated through dance and cultural appropriation will be explored before focus turns to performance both on campus and in the community.

Vocal Ensemble

What is cooler than a group of singers harmonizing with only their voices? Sing the songs you love to sing with a course that focuses on quality musical arrangements of contemporary music, including Pop, Broadway, World music, R & B as well as some traditional choral classics. Over the years, TV shows such as Glee, and groups like the Real Group, Pentatonix, Take 6 and many more, have become world famous for their amazing vocal performances of contemporary music. The focus of our Vocal Ensemble will be on A Capella 3, 4 and more part-singing, although at times live musicians, including a band may accompany the ensemble. As in all vocal music, the basics are of paramount importance. The ensemble will work on phrasing, breath support, tone production, ear training, listening skills, singing melody, harmony, and reading skills; all the tools needed to be a successful ensemble. Students will perform at music festivals, and on campus for major events. All members are evaluated on their participation and are expected to perform in all planned musical events including music festivals during the course of the year.

Composition Rock Band 10–12

Composition Rock Band 10-12 is designed for students who have completed at least one year of Advanced Rock Band or can show by audition, proficiency on their instrument and meet the standards of the “Composition” Rock Band. Students of this advanced class will learn the craft of composing, arranging and recording, along with the use of computers and music scoring software. As in Intermediate Rock Band, a variety of styles will be explored, composed and performed, from blues, rock, pop, Motown, reggae, country, and rap. The band will perform throughout the year at various venues including festivals and the annual Brentwood Regatta.

Choreography

A creative course where dancers (with experience, and ideally also enrolled in Dance Company) will gain skills to create full length works. Improvisation will allow dancers to explore areas in depth and allow experienced dancers to further develop their repertoire. Music editing, costume design, notation and performance are some of the skills choreography students will cover, with dance elements and craft being utilized throughout.

Beginner Rock Band 9–12

Beginner Rock Band 9-12 is designed to nurture an appreciation of the art of rock music. It will be divided into analysis, practical, audio, composition and performance, and will have an emphasis on the history of popular music from the 60’s to the present day. A fundamental understanding of basic reading skills and chord charts will be studied. A variety of styles will be explored and performed from blues, rock, pop, Motown, reggae, country, and rap. The course will explore and understand the audio/visual equipment used by rock bands for performance and recording such as PA systems, amps, and recording equipment. Further instruction will be given in band etiquette, instrument role, microphone technique, balance, blend, mixing, lead singing, harmony singing, dynamics and showmanship. The band will perform throughout the year at various venues including festivals and the annual Brentwood Regatta.

Beginner Band 8–12

If you have always wanted to play in a band, this course could be for you. The Beginner Band welcomes all brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments, even if you don’t even know what you want to play yet. The ensemble also welcomes students with instrumental experience interested in trying something new. The course will take you through a step-by-step program as you learn your instrument while playing as an ensemble. After completing a year in our beginner band, students will be ready to join the Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band—or both!

Rock Band

Beginner Rock Band is designed to nurture an appreciation of the art of rock music. It will be divided into analysis, practical, audio, composition and performance, and will have an emphasis on the history of popular music from the 60’s to the present day. A fundamental understanding of basic reading skills and chord charts will be studied. A variety of styles will be explored and performed from blues, rock, pop, Motown, reggae, country, and rap. The course will explore and understand the audio/visual equipment used by rock bands for performance and recording such as PA systems, amps, and recording equipment. Further instruction will be given in band etiquette, instrument role, microphone technique, balance, blend, mixing, lead singing, harmony singing, dynamics and showmanship. The band will perform throughout the year at various venues including festivals and the annual Brentwood Regatta.

Advanced Rock Band is designed for students who have completed at least one year of Rock Band or can show by audition, proficiency on their instrument, and meet the standards of the Advanced Rock Band. The course will be divided into analysis, practical, audio, composition and performance, but will have an emphasis on the current day music scene. Members will do an advanced exploration and understand the audio/visual equipment used by rock bands for performance and recording such as PA systems, amps, and recording equipment. Further instruction will be given in band etiquette, instrument role, microphone technique, balance, blend, mixing, lead singing, harmony singing, dynamics and showmanship. The band will perform throughout the year at various venues including festivals and the annual Brentwood Regatta. The grand finale for the Intermediate Rock Band is the Concert for a Summer’s Eve in the Killy Theatre in early June.

Advanced Dance 11/12

A fast-paced class focusing on technique and strength development. Varied styles to be incorporated through workshops and teacher and/or student directed choreography. Students may gain experience in the creative process of choreography either in a solo setting or within small groups. An emphasis on performance will follow throughout the year.

A Cappella Show Choir 9–12

Musical Theatre 9

This course is for Grade 9 actors, singers and dancers who have a passion for performing and would like to broaden their knowledge and experience of musical theatre. Students will be taught skills in all aspects of musical theatre, and will perform 10 to 15 minute mini-musical shows at the end of each term. Shows will include Broadway and seasonal collections, with choreography, costumes and makeup adding to the full musical theatre experience. Students taking this course will develop the necessary tools needed to become the potential future stars in our major Brentwood musical productions.

Musical Theatre 10–12

This course is for actors, singers and dancers, who would like to broaden their knowledge and experience of musical theatre. Students interested in participating in the Brentwood Musical to be performed in March should register for this course, as class time will be utilized for rehearsals. Principal roles will be decided by audition. Principals will also be required to rehearse on sports afternoons in the second term, and all members of the musical's cast and crew should expect extra rehearsals in the second term, including Sunday afternoons.

Drama: Film and Stage - Grades 9 and 10

You don’t need to be headed to Broadway or Hollywood to benefit from the fun and confidence- boost this fun-filled but informative course will offer! Students will develop acting techniques specific to the stage, to Film/TV, as well as to the basics of movie making and nonlinear editing. Using improvisation, theatre games, character development, scene work, slating, and audition techniques, students will develop confidence in front of people on stage, in front of the camera, or even in front of the CEO. Using theatre games and improvisation, students will learn the basics of acting technique through developing story and script for stage and for film. Learn the roles involved in film-making and directing, develop storyboards and scripts to craft your own short format films. Learn how to use a camera effectively, to develop shots sequences and the importance of lighting and sound. Build an awareness of inclusion and representation of race, gender and culture through theatre and film. Topics will include: Relaxation, Movement and mime, Voice work, Theatre Games and Improvisation, Critical analysis and feedback, Theatre and Film Vocabulary, Story Theatre, Stage format script “The Sword in the Ceiling,” Radio Plays (Classic radio drama audio/sound effects project), History of film, Shot development and careers in film, Movie Critique Project, Screenplay format, Storyboard basics, Editing (Final Cut X or Adobe Premiere Pro), Video project: PSA or “How to ____?,” Cinematography- Francis Ford Coppola / George Lucas /JJ Abrams.

Drama: Film and Stage - Grades 11 and 12

You’ve got the basics already or you’re a quick study and want to join the fun of being on stage or on camera. Students in this class should have either completed the junior course or have prior experience/ be a quick study with working in theatre, filmmaking, and editing. This is a more advanced class of experienced actors and film-makers. Take a deep dive into characterization and role development, study and perform scene work from theatre and film great works, fine tune your physical presence through movement and voice. Explore the work of some of the greatest cinematographers of our time together to make a movie or web series together. Perform and record an audition monologue, film a “passion project.” Topics to include: Relaxation, Movement, Voice (breathing/ projection/ dialect and accent), Theatre Games and Improvisation, Shakespearean Play Study and Short Scene performance, Critical analysis and feedback, Theatre and Film Vocabulary, Mini Scene: adaptation of short story/poem/song or film sequence for stage, Cinematography- James Cameron/Stanley Kubrick, The Making of Avatar (movie), Slating, Audition Monologues, Agents and Agencies, Unions, Student Choice Shorts: Any two of: Documentary, PSA, Stop Animation, A Day in the Life, Atmosphere, Silent Film (or independent project with instructor approval).

Senior Play 11-12

This course offers the opportunity for advanced actors to audition and the potential to be cast in a mainstage production at the Killy Theatre. Before the casting and rehearsal process begins, this exciting course will include advanced acting technique work, play study and scene work, improvisation, movement, voice for stage, production analysis, self-assessment, group reflection and advanced character development. Student written structured improvisation and scenes will give way to short scenes from published works. The demands of this course are high and students who are cast will be required to commit to additional rehearsal time during the third term. Auditions for the production will begin before winter break and the production will run in the Killy Theatre in May. Students who register and audition but who are not cast in the play will be offered a space in the Drama Film and Stage 11-12 class.

Edna Widenmaier

Hons. B.A. (Guelph), M.A. ( Toronto-Massey College), T.T. University of B.C. Drama Centre, London, England (Directing Programme), Director of Arts, English, Musical, Theatre Manager

A graduate of the Masters Degree programme in English and Drama, Massey College, the University of Toronto, and the Drama Centre in London, England, Edna Widenmaier has enjoyed over two decades of teaching experience in English, dram,a and musical theatre. After several years in the real business, including management of Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto and Canadian Place Theatre in Stratford, she began her teaching career in Vancouver. Since joining the Brentwood faculty in 1990, Mrs. Widenmaier has tap danced as a teacher of English, drama, and musical theatre, and Head of the English Department before her present appointments as Theatre Manager of the T. Gil Bunch Centre for Performing Arts, and Head of Arts. Her experience as a setter of exams for the Ministry of Education and a reader and faculty consultant for the College Board supports her passion for teaching Advanced Placement English Literature and her obsession as a "bardologist". Mrs. Widenmaier also directs and produces the annual Brentwood spring musical. At home in the summer with her husband, Michael, Mrs. Widenmaier enjoys puttering in the garden and reading.

Lorraine Blake

F.I.S.T.D., R.A.D. Dance, Choreography, Theatre Administration

Born eighteen miles south of London, England, Lorraine Blake completed her high school education in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). By age sixteen, her training allowed her to dance with the Bulawayo City Ballet Company, both locally and on several National Tours. Ms. Blake’s teacher training took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, and teaching posts at studios in England and Zimbabwe followed. Working closely with girls through dance, paved the way for her appointment as Houseparent of Gwynneth House (now Allard House), dance teacher and choreographer at Brentwood College School. Ms. Blake travels extensively while examining for the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance, has adjudicated local festivals, and choreographs dance and musical theatre productions for all ages.

Don Armitage

Technical Director, Theatre

Don has been working professionally in the performing arts for over 25 years. Currently an instructor and technical director at Brentwood College School in Mill Bay, Don has been safely instructing and facilitating young people's involvement in the performing arts for over fifteen years. As a performer, producer, stage manager, sound and recording engineer, lighting designer and technical director, he has worked with such acts as The Barenaked Ladies, Bruce Cockburn, Colin James and with such productions as "A Midsummer Night's Dream", "Hair", "Les Miserables", "Phantom of the Opera", "Wizard of Oz", and "Beauty and the Beast".

Phil Newns

A.R.C.T., R.M.T. Head of Music. Musical Theater, Concert Choir, Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz Show Choir, AP Music Theory, Administration

Phil is well known as a jazz pianist, vocalist, bandleader and educator. He studied music at the University of Natal in South Africa and later through the University of Toronto. In 1990, as Canadian Champion, Phil represented Canada in the Yamaha International Organ Festival held in Mexico City that year placing 6th in the world. His extensive professional career credits include: 1991 British Columbia Winter Games score, Festival Producer and Corporate Entertainer, Music Director of many major theatrical productions - most recently The In the Heights, Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, and Artistic Director / Producer for Choirs in Concert; a children's charity. Phil is also an accomplished arranger for theatre and dance companies. His jazz bands, choirs, and private students achieve top honors in festivals across Canada each year including the annual Nationals - Music Fest Canada. As a professional musician, Phil can be found on weekends playing piano at venues such as the Ocean Point Resort and the Grand Hotel Pacific in Victoria or with his jazz band "The Hot Velvet Jazz Band" at various events and venues.

Neil Bryant

B.Sc. (Victoria) Chemistry, Science, Debating, Law

Teaching at a school like Brentwood has allowed for a broad population of students to be taught. Neil gets to enjoy instructing solubility a chemistry class, explaining torts in Law 12 class, then heading off talk about logical fallacies in debate class after lunch. Although little in his university bachelor's degree predicted this kind of diversity, he is truly grateful for the chance Brentwood affords him to teach students to look at the world through both molecular, moral, and critically-thought lenses. Occasionally, he also rides a bike for exercise.

Rachel Steele-MacInnis

B.A. (UVic), M. Ed. (Sydney) English, Debating

Growing up in Western Newfoundland, Rachel Steele-MacInnis was inspired by the powerful landscapes and extraordinary storytelling. She completed her schooling in Ottawa and continued her cross-country journey when she chose to complete her undergraduate studies in Victoria. Having set her sights on another, somewhat larger, island, she then moved to Melbourne, Australia, which would become her home of the next ten years. Uplifted by the energy in her classroom, Ms. MacInnis is excited by the insights and creativity of the students she guides. She has travelled widely, but has never escaped the spell that was cast when she first arrived on Vancouver Island. As a teacher of English, Ms. MacInnis often finds herself discussing the significance of setting. She feels very fortunate to find herself in this one.

Tristan Clausen

Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Beginner Band, Assistant Director Concert Choir

A true Vancouver Islander, Tristan completed a diploma in classical music at VIU and then his Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria. Both an instrumentalist and vocalist, he has performed in Victoria as a member of the 5Fd RCA Band and the award winning Vancouver Island Chamber Choir. As a Lieutenant in the Canadian Forces, Tristan has directed both concert and marching bands in parades and ceremonies. He began his teaching career at St. Margaret’s School and has moved on the direct concert bands, jazz bands and choirs of all ages around Victoria. Most recently he served as vocal coach and musical director for a 2015 production of Grease. In his teaching, Tristan focuses on instilling in his students the joy of music making and the self-motivation needed to excel.

Scott McGill

BMusic - Jazz (VIU) - Rock Band

West Coast born and raised, Scott McGill majored in pop voice and jazz at Capilano College in Vancouver. He gained industry attention with the release of two notable independent albums nominated for esteemed music awards: in 1997, the album, First Time won runner-up at the YTV Youth Achievement Awards. In 2000, Check the Hype was nominated Best New Indie Album at the influential West Coast Music Awards. In 2001, Mr.McGill was selected for a part in the Global Television reality show, Pop Stars: Boy Meets Girl, filmed in Toronto. Mr. McGill currently fronts three bands in Vancouver: "Revelry", "Juice", and "Hummer". He also composes and records his own solo projects. He regularly opens for bands such as Nickleback, Widemouth Mason, and Tower of Power and describes his work as "acousticpopfolksouljazz" Currently, Mr.McGill teaches guitar and pop voice at Minstrels Music on Vancouver Island. Mr.McGill's teaching philosophy encourages students to find their own voice through music. At Brentwood, he teaches guitar and has begun the highly popular fine arts programme, "Baker Street Band" - rock school, by any other name.

Maria (Yun-Hsuan) Wang

MMus (Victoria), String & Wind Ensembles

Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, Maria (Yun-Hsuan) Wang is a versatile cellist and music teacher. After pursuing her B.Mus at the West Virginia University in the United States, she moved to Victoria and completed her M.Mus in Cello Performance at UVic in 2014. Since then, Ms. Wang has been actively teaching in private lessons and school string programs. She is currently the director of SD62 Sooke String Orchestra and the headteacher of strings at the Harmony Project Sooke. Aside from teaching, Ms. Wang has been the principal cellist of the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra since 2018. Founding cellist of the Breakwater Quartet, one can also find her playing pop music at various social events. New to the Brentwood family, Ms. Wang is excited and looking forward to teaching string and wind ensembles.

Amy Staples

Dance

Amy started her training at Joy’s Dance Factory in Lethbridge, Alberta. She joined Ballet Victoria in 2016 where she performed in eight mainstage productions in addition to touring across North America. She has also performed in five mainstage productions with Lamondance Contemporary Company in North Vancouver, and held faculty positions at Joy’s Dance, Steps Ahead, RNB Dance, and Ballet Victoria Conservatory. In recent years, she has been branching into choreography and is currently working on a neoclassical piece for a company in Melbourne, Australia.

Amy has also completed her 200-hour Hatha Yoga Teacher Training and enjoyed teaching yoga and dance to adults at Kahlena Movement Studio in North Vancouver and more recently at Harmony Yoga in Duncan, BC. She has completed her Progressing Ballet Techniques certification, is working towards her ADAPT certification, as well as a degree in Dance Education through Bath Spa University and the Royal Academy of Dance (UK), and a BA in Anthropology and B.Ed at UVic.

Amy joined Brentwood College School as the dance teacher and musical choreographer in 2020 and is thrilled to continue building the program.