Faculty
Accomplished, experienced and dedicated to teaching children and youth.
Emmanuelle Lambert-Lemoine
Conductor, OYSO
Emmanuelle Lambert-Lemoine is a conductor, violist, pianist, and teacher with a passion for accessibility to music education in a multicultural society. She holds a Master’s degree in conducting from the University of Ottawa with professors Dinuk Wijeratne and Jean-Philippe Tremblay, and is a doctoral student in viola performance at the Université de Montréal with Juan Miguel Hernandez and Jutta Puchhammer-Sédillot. She is also co-founder and vice-president of ASTAWT (Action for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma), a non-profit that welcomes refugees to Ottawa.
Travis Mandel
Conductor, OYCO; Section Coach, OYSO Brass
Born and raised in the National Capital Region, Travis Mandel completed both his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees at the University of Ottawa under the tutelage of Eric Rupp. He then furthered his studies at l’Université de Montreal where he pursued an Artist Diploma with renowned trumpeter Manon Lafrance. Travis is currently the Principal Trumpet of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, Cathedral Brass and a member of the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces. He has appeared in concert with many well-known orchestras, most notably with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, l’Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau and l’Orchestre de la francophonie. His career highlights include playing for His Royal Highness Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, being on stage with jazz artist Diana Krall as well as performing Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto in E-Flat Major with the University of Ottawa Orchestra.
Fanny Marks
Senior Strings Ensemble
French/British cellist Fanny Marks entered the local music school at age 9, going on to earn her Bachelor of Music from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (London), her postgraduate degree in music from the Royal Academy of Music (London) and her postgraduate Performance Diploma from the University of Indiana (USA) in the studio of Janos Starker. Trained as a performing artist, most of her career has consisted in touring with orchestras (such as the Nederlands Kamerorkest and the Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest) and chamber music groups in concert halls and theatres across Europe and the Americas. Throughout her music life she has developed a passion for working with kids – music theatre, children’s operas, workshops for disabled kids or kids with special needs /low-income families and youth music summer camps in Europe but also in her numerous travels around the world.
Since summer 2015, she has been a regular substitute at the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa.
Since summer 2015, she has been a regular substitute at the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa.
Hilary Aubrey
Hilary was born and raised in Ottawa, and began studying with the National Capital Suzuki School at age 3 where she studied alongside Kailey Probst until age 12. She then began her studies with National Arts Centre section violist, Paul Casey through to the end of high school. Hilary was a part of the strings program at
Canterbury High school where she received a Fine Arts Certificate, and during her time there, she led the viola section for the Intermediate Strings Ensemble, the Senior Strings Ensemble and the Canterbury Honors Orchestra. She had also played in the Junior Youth Orchestra for two years, and joined the Ottawa Youth Orchestra for the following few years, conducted by Donnie Deacon. Hilary has since obtained her Bachelor of
Music in Viola Performance at the University of Ottawa under Michael van der Sloot.
Hilary has also had the pleasure of playing with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra through their student mentorship program in 2023 and 2024. Hilary has taken part in several University of Ottawa concerts, including chamber, orchestra and opera. She has completed her Suzuki Book 1 and ECC Training for violin/viola and is loving her time sharing her passion for music with the younger generation at SuzukiMusic, Orkidstra and OYOA.
Jumpstart Viola
Hilary was born and raised in Ottawa, and began studying with the National Capital Suzuki School at age 3 where she studied alongside Kailey Probst until age 12. She then began her studies with National Arts Centre section violist, Paul Casey through to the end of high school. Hilary was a part of the strings program at
Canterbury High school where she received a Fine Arts Certificate, and during her time there, she led the viola section for the Intermediate Strings Ensemble, the Senior Strings Ensemble and the Canterbury Honors Orchestra. She had also played in the Junior Youth Orchestra for two years, and joined the Ottawa Youth Orchestra for the following few years, conducted by Donnie Deacon. Hilary has since obtained her Bachelor of
Music in Viola Performance at the University of Ottawa under Michael van der Sloot.
Hilary has also had the pleasure of playing with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra through their student mentorship program in 2023 and 2024. Hilary has taken part in several University of Ottawa concerts, including chamber, orchestra and opera. She has completed her Suzuki Book 1 and ECC Training for violin/viola and is loving her time sharing her passion for music with the younger generation at SuzukiMusic, Orkidstra and OYOA.
Dominique Moreau
Section Coach, OYSO Percussion
Dominique is an Ottawa-based professional timpanist and percussionist. Holder of a Master’s degree in music from the University of Ottawa, he is a regular member of the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, and has been featured as soloist. He has played with ensembles such as the Ottawa Choral Society and the Chamber Players of Canada and is a freelancer in the Ottawa music scene. Dominique is also involved in music education in Ottawa, coaching many high school percussion sections as well as giving clinics and teaching privately. He has been director and coach of the Beginner Percussion Ensemble at the Academy since 2012. His experience as a conductor includes the University of Ottawa Community Concert Band, and more recently, the Ottawa New Horizons Band.
Annie Ponce
Intermediate Chamber Winds
For Annie Ponce, music helps us connect with and express our deepest feelings, helping us to understand ourselves better. It also helps us to connect with others by having shared experiences and creating a sense ofcommunity.
She obtained her Undergraduate Degree in flute performance in Mexico City, where she was born and raised; and is now living in Ottawa, Ontario pursuing a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance in the University of Ottawa. When asked why she chose the flute, her answer is: “the flute chose me.” After hearing it played for the first time, she fell in love with its sound and its possibilities.
She thinks classical music is something that can be understood and loved by almost anyone, and she loves explaining and sharing her passion about it with others.
She obtained her Undergraduate Degree in flute performance in Mexico City, where she was born and raised; and is now living in Ottawa, Ontario pursuing a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance in the University of Ottawa. When asked why she chose the flute, her answer is: “the flute chose me.” After hearing it played for the first time, she fell in love with its sound and its possibilities.
She thinks classical music is something that can be understood and loved by almost anyone, and she loves explaining and sharing her passion about it with others.
Sophie Olberg
Primary Strings Ensemble, Beginner Strings Ensemble
Sophie Olberg is a violinist with a wide range of musical interests. Sophie received a Bachelor of Music from Concordia University, a Bachelor of Education from the University of Ottawa, and is ECC (Every Child Can) certified by the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She is currently teaching music and visual art at Philemon Wright high school. Sophie helps to run the band program at Hadley/Philemon and has started a strings program as well. Sophie is excited to rejoin the teaching team at the OYOA. She teaches from the heart and values a deep connection with her students.
Jo Ann Simpson
Jumpstart Bassoon and Senior Chamber Winds
Ottawa native, bassoonist Jo Ann Simpson has worked as principal bassoon of the Municipal Symphony Orchestra of Caracas, Venezuela and has worked with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony, the Quebec Symphony and BBC London. She has appeared as soloist with the Municipal Symphony Orchestra of Caracas and the Maracaibo Symphony, Venezuela; the Municipal Symphony of Montevideo, Uruguay, L’Orchestre de Chambre de Hull Quebec, Quebec and the 13 Strings of Ottawa. She has been recorded in recital and chamber music on numerous occasions by CBC Radio and Radio Canada. Presently Jo Ann Simpson is professor of bassoon at the Conservatoire de Gatineau, Quebec and The Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam New York. Jo Ann maintains a private bassoon studio and freelances in Ottawa/Gatineau.
Celina Hawkins
Jumpstart Oboe
Oboist and Ottawa native Celina Hawkins has performed across Canada and the United States. The OYOA’s Jumpstart Oboe Teacher since 2021, she is most often heard with the Bel Canto Woodwind Quintet and as a substitute player with Orchestre Symphonique de Gatineau. Her performance résumé also includes the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony and the National Youth Orchestra of Canada. Celina holds a Master of Music from the University of Houston in Texas, and a Bachelor of Music and Diploma in Chamber Music from Wilfrid Laurier University. Outside performance, Celina began her administrative career with the American Ballet Theatre in New York City and the Texas Music Festival. She returned to Ottawa in 2018, and now serves as Company Manager for the Great Canadian Theatre Company. (Photo by Andrew Alexander)
Patrick Bigelow
Jumpstart Double Bass
Patrick Bigelow is currently studying double bass performance at the Graduate level at the University of Ottawa under bass virtuoso Joel Quarrington.
Patrick began his life in music on the violin at age four, and eventually found his love for the double bass at the age of seventeen. He has been falling more in love with the instrument ever since, and has developed an eclectic range of skills in music. He studied jazz bass at Vanier College in Montreal in the studio of Dave Watts, and played as a member of both the the Orchestre symphonique des jeunes de Montréal and the West Island Youth Symphony Orchestra studying classical bass under Orchestre Métropolitain bassist Marc Denis. He frequently plays in numerous jazz, folk, and bluegrass groups throughout the city. He was also a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in summer 2019, touring Canada and Spain with the renowned orchestra. Patrick aspires to establish a career in the world of orchestral double bass.
Patrick began his life in music on the violin at age four, and eventually found his love for the double bass at the age of seventeen. He has been falling more in love with the instrument ever since, and has developed an eclectic range of skills in music. He studied jazz bass at Vanier College in Montreal in the studio of Dave Watts, and played as a member of both the the Orchestre symphonique des jeunes de Montréal and the West Island Youth Symphony Orchestra studying classical bass under Orchestre Métropolitain bassist Marc Denis. He frequently plays in numerous jazz, folk, and bluegrass groups throughout the city. He was also a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada in summer 2019, touring Canada and Spain with the renowned orchestra. Patrick aspires to establish a career in the world of orchestral double bass.
Mark Constantine
Jumpstart Horn and Junior Winds/Brass
Mark Constantine is an arts administrator, educator, and performer with a variety of musical interests. Originally from Canada’s East Coast, he is a graduate of both the University of Ottawa and Indiana University, where he received Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees in Horn performance, respectively. His artistic mentors include Dale Clevenger, Lawrence Vine, and Dan Gress, among others. As a performer, Mark has appeared with the Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra, the Opera on the Avalon Festival Orchestra, and a variety of other performing arts organizations across Canada. He was a member of the National Youth Orchestra in 2016 and 2017, the National Academy Orchestra in 2019 and 2020, and has worked with renowned conductors including Alexander Shelley, Thomas Wilkins, Bernhard Gueller, and Tania Miller. Mark was a member of The Ottawa Brass Initiative from 2016-2018, and has performed in the Ottawa Chamberfest, The Scotia Festival of Music, and the Bathurst Chamber Music Festival, among others.
Jennifer Martinez
Preschool Music I and II and Recorder Preschool Music I and II, Recorder Ensemble, Introduction to Instruments
Jennifer is an active Music Educator in the Ottawa area. She teaches grade 7 and 8 Music in the school system during the week, as well as the winds and brass teacher at “The leading Note Foundation” with Orkidstra and she leads an adult group of Ottawa New Horizons Band. Jennifer’s passion is sharing the joy of learning and making music with her students. Her qualifications as a Music Specialist and a Special Education Specialist enrich her teaching style and her experience of over 20 years working with preschool children.
Lani Sommers
Beginner and Junior Winds/Brass, Saxophone Ensemble
Lani Sommers, Bachelor of Music Performance (Flute), Dalhousie University 2002, Bachelor of Education, Acadia University 2004, Master of Arts, Music Education, University of Toronto, 2014
Lani Sommers is a High School Music Teacher at Lisgar Collegiate Institute in Ottawa, Canada. She has taught Instrumental Music since 2004 and specializes in Band and Orchestral instruction and conducting. Under her direction, ensembles have won various awards and scholarships at local, provincial and National music festivals. The ensembles she directs have been featured prominently in the TDSB, YRDSB, and OCDSB, as well as on both television and radio. She has been a member of the Ontario Band Association since 2004 and has been the Director and co-ordinator of the Capital Region Elementary Honour Band since 2016 and over the past two years is a very active member of the OBA Music Advocacy Team. She has been featured as a presenter at the Ontario Music Educators Association Conference and has been published in both provincial and National Music Education Journals. In 2021 she commissioned a work for Flute Ensemble by Ontario composer, Cait Nishimura to commemorate a year of resilience for the musicians. Lani is a strong advocate for music education in schools and has been working hard during COVID-19 to keep the music playing in classrooms across Ontario.
Lani Sommers is a High School Music Teacher at Lisgar Collegiate Institute in Ottawa, Canada. She has taught Instrumental Music since 2004 and specializes in Band and Orchestral instruction and conducting. Under her direction, ensembles have won various awards and scholarships at local, provincial and National music festivals. The ensembles she directs have been featured prominently in the TDSB, YRDSB, and OCDSB, as well as on both television and radio. She has been a member of the Ontario Band Association since 2004 and has been the Director and co-ordinator of the Capital Region Elementary Honour Band since 2016 and over the past two years is a very active member of the OBA Music Advocacy Team. She has been featured as a presenter at the Ontario Music Educators Association Conference and has been published in both provincial and National Music Education Journals. In 2021 she commissioned a work for Flute Ensemble by Ontario composer, Cait Nishimura to commemorate a year of resilience for the musicians. Lani is a strong advocate for music education in schools and has been working hard during COVID-19 to keep the music playing in classrooms across Ontario.
Natalie Hoffmann
Jumpstart, Junior, Intermediate, Senior Harp
Natalie Hoffmann is a distinguished harpist and educator in Ottawa, Ontario. She serves as the Professor of Harp at University of Ottawa and harp ensemble coach for the Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy. Natalie is the founder of the Ottawa Harp Academy, recognized for its dynamic approach to teaching music, particularly to young learners. With a philosophy centered on fostering a collaborative and creative learning environment, Natalie empowers her students’ confidence and supports them to excel. Her dedication has yielded remarkable achievements, with her students earning prestigious accolades both nationally and internationally, including acceptance into esteemed institutions like the Juilliard School of Music and the Glenn Gould School of Music. In addition to her teaching engagements, Natalie is a frequent performer around Ottawa. She maintains a regular gigging career, performing at local events and weddings. She also serves on the board of the Ontario Harp Society as secretary, and is a harp examiner for the Royal Conservatory of Music’s College of Examiners. Natalie earned a Performance Diploma and Bachelor of Music degree in harp performance from the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music. She then pursued a master’s degree in harp performance at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. After completing her graduate degree, she followed her passion for teaching by earning a degree in education from Queen’s University.
Caren Abramoff
Jumpstart Viola and Junior Strings
Dr. Caren Abramoff grew up in Saskatchewan. At age seven, after hearing her grandfather making music at family gatherings, she decided she just had to learn the violin and piano. Caren began playing the violin professionally with the Saskatoon Symphony at age 16. Caren holds a B.Mus degree in violin from the University of Victoria, and a M.Mus from the University of Ottawa where she studied with David Stewart. She completed an orchestral diploma in viola with Rennie Regehr at Ottawa U and then went to the State University of New York at Stony Brook to complete a doctorate degree in viola performance.
Caren’s involvement in historically informed performance has taken her to many Baroque institutes in the USA and with Tafelmusik in Toronto. Caren is a member of the Ottawa Symphony and Gatineau Symphony.
Caren’s involvement in historically informed performance has taken her to many Baroque institutes in the USA and with Tafelmusik in Toronto. Caren is a member of the Ottawa Symphony and Gatineau Symphony.
Brigitte Amyot
Intermediate Strings Ensemble
Born in Joliette (Lanaudière, Québec), Brigitte graduated from McGill (bachelor degree in performance), Brigitte moved to Ottawa in 1991 to study at University of Ottawa (Masters in chamber music). Since then she has been very active on the musical scene of Ottawa-Gatineau. Proud mother of Emma, Jessie and Aidan, Brigitte teaches violin in her private studio and conducts the Junior Strings ensemble at the Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy where she is celebrating her 30th year. She continues her various Workshops and groups like ‘’Brigitte’s artistic camp’’ founded in 2002,“ The More Strings the Merrier” founded in 2007 and ‘’The Big Strings’ Group’’ founded in 2013.
Freelance musician, she works regularly with different choirs and organizations of Ottawa-Gatineau. Brigitte is a member and the Personal Manager of Thirteen Strings Ensemble and principal second violin in Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau.
Freelance musician, she works regularly with different choirs and organizations of Ottawa-Gatineau. Brigitte is a member and the Personal Manager of Thirteen Strings Ensemble and principal second violin in Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau.
Lucas Olsen-Willford
Jumpstart Viola
Born and raised in Kamloops, British Columbia, Lucas is currently in his fourth year studying viola performance at the University of Ottawa under Michael Van Der Sloot. Originally a violinist, Lucas has also studied with Yehonatan Berick and Timothy Chooi. Lucas is passionate about music education and is currently a Program Assistant and Teaching Artist with OrKidstra as well as a presenter with the Back to Bach Project. As a performer, Lucas has performed at the National Arts Centre’s Fourth Stage as a part of the uOttawa School of Music’s chamber music showcase, as well as in a side by side performance with members of the Calidore Quartet while studying at Centre Stage for Strings located at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He was a Kamloops Symphony Mentorship Fellow and has also worked with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra as well as the Orchestre de la Francophonie.
David Thies-Thompson
OYSO Strings Coach
Violist/Violinist/Conductor David Thies-Thompson has been a member of the National Arts Centre Orchestra since 1990. His formative teachers included Sydney Humphreys and Mauricio Fuks, and Stuart Knussen for intensive orchestral studies. He received diplomas from the Victoria Conservatory of Music (Victoria B.C.) and the Royal Conservatory of Music, furthering his studies at the Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute, the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, the Banff Centre, the Eastman School of Music and McGill University. His professional orchestral life began at the age of 15 in the Victoria Symphony, and shortly thereafter, two seasons with Symphony Nova Scotia. In 2008, after 18 years in the NACO’s violin section, David felt the lure of the NACO viola section. Since taking up viola, David feels incredibly fortunate to have been invited on numerous occasions to play as a guest violist with the Berlin Philharmonic. He is an active chamber musician, currently exploring piano trio repertoire with the Oxbow Trio, and has performed as a collaborative musician in festivals in the National Capital Region and across Canada. As a conductor, David served as Music Director of the Ottawa Chamber Orchestra for fourteen seasons, has conducted the NACO Players’Association Fanfair concerts for many years, and he has enjoyed a long affiliation with the Ottawa Youth Orchestra Academy. As an instructor, David teaches privately and has taught at both of Ottawa’s Universities, and at the NAC Young Artists and International Orchestral Studies Programmes. He has given masterclasses for violinists and violists on tours of the NAC Orchestra across Canada, the US and Mexico, the UK, Europe and China.