LEGACY INSTRUCTORS
Verne Luchinski
Legacy Music Instructor: Guitar
Program: Stoney Music Factory Program and Calgary students associated with other programs
Verne also provides studio learning opportunities.
Verne's Bio
Verne started playing at family gatherings at the ripe old age of 7, after his dad purchased a classical guitar and showed him how to play. He formed his first band in high school, playing mostly original songs. After high school, he started playing professionally at coffee houses and clubs in a duo that toured Saskatchewan and Alberta for over 5 years. Verne, along with his son, started “The Soul Patch School of Music” in 2002 which offered guitar, bass, drum and keyboard lessons. He took a three year break from teaching in 2006 to work with a children’s ministry before becoming a full-time teacher with The Legacy Children’s Foundation Gift of Music Programs in the spring of 2009. Verne’s vision for teaching coincided exactly with Legacy’s vision of reaching and teaching kids through “the gift of music” so a serendipitous partnership has emerged. Verne continues playing professionally in addition to teaching.
Program: Stoney Music Factory Program and Calgary students associated with other programs
Verne also provides studio learning opportunities.
Verne's Bio
Verne started playing at family gatherings at the ripe old age of 7, after his dad purchased a classical guitar and showed him how to play. He formed his first band in high school, playing mostly original songs. After high school, he started playing professionally at coffee houses and clubs in a duo that toured Saskatchewan and Alberta for over 5 years. Verne, along with his son, started “The Soul Patch School of Music” in 2002 which offered guitar, bass, drum and keyboard lessons. He took a three year break from teaching in 2006 to work with a children’s ministry before becoming a full-time teacher with The Legacy Children’s Foundation Gift of Music Programs in the spring of 2009. Verne’s vision for teaching coincided exactly with Legacy’s vision of reaching and teaching kids through “the gift of music” so a serendipitous partnership has emerged. Verne continues playing professionally in addition to teaching.
Peter Clarke
Legacy Music Instructor: Guitar
Program: Calgary Music Factory Program and Calgary students associated with other programs
Peter also provides instrument repair for all donated guitars and similar instruments, and assists students in learning about general guitar maintenance.
Peter's Bio
A professional musician for 30 years, Peter has concentrated on his musical instrument repair business for the last decade. He considers it an honour to work with Legacy and impart some of his knowledge and experience to his students.
Program: Calgary Music Factory Program and Calgary students associated with other programs
Peter also provides instrument repair for all donated guitars and similar instruments, and assists students in learning about general guitar maintenance.
Peter's Bio
A professional musician for 30 years, Peter has concentrated on his musical instrument repair business for the last decade. He considers it an honour to work with Legacy and impart some of his knowledge and experience to his students.
Chris Millar
Legacy Music Instructor: Guitar
Program: Calgary Music Factory Program and Calgary students associated with other programs
Chris also provides 'What you Need to Know to Make Your Band a Success' workshops for Legacy Gift of Music students.
Chris' Bio
Chris has been playing guitar for 12 years and has been teaching professionally for 3. He has a practical approach to the guitar and believes while a student is learning songs and chords, they naturally ask theory questions and begin wanting to learn what notes, scales or chords a player is using. Chris play's in a band in Calgary which has toured across Canada, played the NXNE music festival, Grey Cup Street Festival and opened for the Arkell's, Jet and Our Lady Peace.
Program: Calgary Music Factory Program and Calgary students associated with other programs
Chris also provides 'What you Need to Know to Make Your Band a Success' workshops for Legacy Gift of Music students.
Chris' Bio
Chris has been playing guitar for 12 years and has been teaching professionally for 3. He has a practical approach to the guitar and believes while a student is learning songs and chords, they naturally ask theory questions and begin wanting to learn what notes, scales or chords a player is using. Chris play's in a band in Calgary which has toured across Canada, played the NXNE music festival, Grey Cup Street Festival and opened for the Arkell's, Jet and Our Lady Peace.
Nathan Lenet (Aka Joel Pleasant)
Legacy Music Instructor: Hip Hop
Program: Stoney, Cold Lake and Calgary Music Factory Programs and Calgary students associated with other programs.
Nathan's Bio
Joel Pleasant was introduced to Hip Hop at 11 years old with the discovery of a Californian Gangster Rap cassette from his older sister's music collection. This interest deepened and became a passion in junior high and at 16 years old he began his journey as a Hip Hop Emcee. He helped to establish both a Calgary based and an Alberta wide Hip Hop Crew in the early 2000s. Pleasant has spit rhymes hundreds of times on Calgary and international stages, including South Africa, St Lucia, Spokane, California, and Scotland. After a Crew album, various album guest appearances, a University Degree, and a short career as an amateur fighter, Pleasant released his first solo album in 2010, The Water Element, with the help of Calgary's own DJ Transform. Constantly sharpening his freestyle abilities and breaking through walls, Pleasant continues to create innovative and hard hitting roots Hip Hop music. This passion for living Hip Hop has combined with a pursuit for social justice and community development.
Program: Stoney, Cold Lake and Calgary Music Factory Programs and Calgary students associated with other programs.
Nathan's Bio
Joel Pleasant was introduced to Hip Hop at 11 years old with the discovery of a Californian Gangster Rap cassette from his older sister's music collection. This interest deepened and became a passion in junior high and at 16 years old he began his journey as a Hip Hop Emcee. He helped to establish both a Calgary based and an Alberta wide Hip Hop Crew in the early 2000s. Pleasant has spit rhymes hundreds of times on Calgary and international stages, including South Africa, St Lucia, Spokane, California, and Scotland. After a Crew album, various album guest appearances, a University Degree, and a short career as an amateur fighter, Pleasant released his first solo album in 2010, The Water Element, with the help of Calgary's own DJ Transform. Constantly sharpening his freestyle abilities and breaking through walls, Pleasant continues to create innovative and hard hitting roots Hip Hop music. This passion for living Hip Hop has combined with a pursuit for social justice and community development.
Scott Grubbe (Aka DJ Transform)
Legacy Music Instructor: Hip Hop
Program: Stoney, Cold Lake and Calgary Music Factory Programs and Calgary students associated with other programs
Scott's Bio
DJ Transform has been tearing up turntables and beat machines for over a decade. He's shared the stage with many talented Calgary DJs and MCs as well as international artists such as Shai Linne, Propaganda, Odd Thomas, Classified, Moka Only, Flame, Tedashii and more. DJ Transform's musical style is diverse, but centred on respectfully continuing golden era hip hop while incorporating some more modern flavors as well. DJ Transform has been teaching DJ lessons for over 7 years and is passionate about sharing his knowledge. He appreciates working with Legacy due to their virtues beyond the music. "Legacy focuses on helping young people finish school, find a way to express themselves and build self esteem." You can check out all his projects, including beat production and mixes at www.djtransform.com.
Program: Stoney, Cold Lake and Calgary Music Factory Programs and Calgary students associated with other programs
Scott's Bio
DJ Transform has been tearing up turntables and beat machines for over a decade. He's shared the stage with many talented Calgary DJs and MCs as well as international artists such as Shai Linne, Propaganda, Odd Thomas, Classified, Moka Only, Flame, Tedashii and more. DJ Transform's musical style is diverse, but centred on respectfully continuing golden era hip hop while incorporating some more modern flavors as well. DJ Transform has been teaching DJ lessons for over 7 years and is passionate about sharing his knowledge. He appreciates working with Legacy due to their virtues beyond the music. "Legacy focuses on helping young people finish school, find a way to express themselves and build self esteem." You can check out all his projects, including beat production and mixes at www.djtransform.com.
Andrea Ceron
Legacy Music Instructor: Voice
Program: Calgary Music Factory Program
Andrea's Bio
Andrea has been a Vocal/Performance Coach for the past 4 years and also teaches a musical theatre program. She has a certificate in General Studies from Lethbridge Community College and spent 3 years in the BFA program (Multidisciplinary-Music, Drama & Art) at the University of Lethbridge. Andrea comes from a Musical Theatre background and has performed as a semi-professional stage actress and vocal director at a prominent musical theatre venue in Grande Prairie. In her spare time Andrea produces and performs at concerts for charity. Her first concert production was 'Music for Lifefest 2010' in Cochrane, with proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. This year she produced and performed at 'Hope Through Music' - A Celebration of the Build It Forward Program (Paul Brandt). The proceeds from this year’s concert went to Help Canada.org and Habitat for Humanity. In 2006, she was also part of a benefit concert in Grande Prairie with Adam Gregory & Duane Steele - proceeds going to the Red Cross to help families of the tsunami disaster in Haiti.
Program: Calgary Music Factory Program
Andrea's Bio
Andrea has been a Vocal/Performance Coach for the past 4 years and also teaches a musical theatre program. She has a certificate in General Studies from Lethbridge Community College and spent 3 years in the BFA program (Multidisciplinary-Music, Drama & Art) at the University of Lethbridge. Andrea comes from a Musical Theatre background and has performed as a semi-professional stage actress and vocal director at a prominent musical theatre venue in Grande Prairie. In her spare time Andrea produces and performs at concerts for charity. Her first concert production was 'Music for Lifefest 2010' in Cochrane, with proceeds going to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. This year she produced and performed at 'Hope Through Music' - A Celebration of the Build It Forward Program (Paul Brandt). The proceeds from this year’s concert went to Help Canada.org and Habitat for Humanity. In 2006, she was also part of a benefit concert in Grande Prairie with Adam Gregory & Duane Steele - proceeds going to the Red Cross to help families of the tsunami disaster in Haiti.
Daniel McLaughlin
Legacy Music Instructor: Guitar
Program: Cold Lake Music Factory
Daniel's Bio
Daniel has been a musician since his early teens. For the past six years he has been actively involved with the rock group Angels to Ashes. When not with the band, he does Graphic and promotional work with the Cold Lake Entertainment Society and works with local talent recording and producing music.
Working with the Legacy Music Foundation is an excellent way for Daniel to share the excitement and rewards he has received through his own musical journey.
Program: Cold Lake Music Factory
Daniel's Bio
Daniel has been a musician since his early teens. For the past six years he has been actively involved with the rock group Angels to Ashes. When not with the band, he does Graphic and promotional work with the Cold Lake Entertainment Society and works with local talent recording and producing music.
Working with the Legacy Music Foundation is an excellent way for Daniel to share the excitement and rewards he has received through his own musical journey.
Tara Harder
Legacy Music Instructor: Voice
Program: Cold Lake Music Factory
Tara’s Bio
Tara grew up in a small city and began performing in musicals early on at the age of 10. She has performed in Fiddler on the Roof, Evita, Oliver, Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, The Sound of Music and more! She has acted in everything from chorus, small parts, to leading roles, as well as Directed, been choral Director, and in the Orchestra Pit. Tara also had the opportunity to work with her local Theatre's summer camp program. With Tara's hard work, the program became it's most successful yet. She also headed up the theatre's first All Children's Cast and Crew Musical (Annie Warbucks), which they then added to their regular theatre season. Besides theatre, she has performed across Canada in provincial music festivals, and has toured Europe with the United States Collegiate Choir. She has won various awards for voice and musical theatre. She was MC for the Televised Opening Ceremonies for the Canada Winter Games. Tara has a Vocal Performance Diploma from Grand Prairie Regional College and many of years experience as a Voice/Musical Theatre Instructor for the Grande Prairie Regional College Conservatory. She is currently employed at Harmony Musical Theatre Arts in Bonnyville where she teaches Voice, Drama and Choreography. Tara is pleased to be assisting Legacy in introducing children and youth to the wonderful world of Musical Theatre and Voice.
Program: Cold Lake Music Factory
Tara’s Bio
Tara grew up in a small city and began performing in musicals early on at the age of 10. She has performed in Fiddler on the Roof, Evita, Oliver, Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, The Sound of Music and more! She has acted in everything from chorus, small parts, to leading roles, as well as Directed, been choral Director, and in the Orchestra Pit. Tara also had the opportunity to work with her local Theatre's summer camp program. With Tara's hard work, the program became it's most successful yet. She also headed up the theatre's first All Children's Cast and Crew Musical (Annie Warbucks), which they then added to their regular theatre season. Besides theatre, she has performed across Canada in provincial music festivals, and has toured Europe with the United States Collegiate Choir. She has won various awards for voice and musical theatre. She was MC for the Televised Opening Ceremonies for the Canada Winter Games. Tara has a Vocal Performance Diploma from Grand Prairie Regional College and many of years experience as a Voice/Musical Theatre Instructor for the Grande Prairie Regional College Conservatory. She is currently employed at Harmony Musical Theatre Arts in Bonnyville where she teaches Voice, Drama and Choreography. Tara is pleased to be assisting Legacy in introducing children and youth to the wonderful world of Musical Theatre and Voice.
Chad Schroter-Gillespie
Legacy Music Instructor: Guitar
Program: Calgary Music Factory
Chad's Bio
Although Chad didn’t begin playing guitar until the age of 12, music has always been a focal point in his life. He is a multi instrumentalist (guitar, drums, bass) and has taught and played music professionally for over a decade. Chad’s favorite thing about teaching is the opportunity to share his passion for music and help others realize their own potential. He completed the Jazz Performance Diploma at Vancouver Island University in 2005 and later went on to complete a degree in Media Production. In addition to teaching with The Legacy Children’s Foundation, Chad also works with The National Music Centre as an Educator and Video Editor.
Program: Calgary Music Factory
Chad's Bio
Although Chad didn’t begin playing guitar until the age of 12, music has always been a focal point in his life. He is a multi instrumentalist (guitar, drums, bass) and has taught and played music professionally for over a decade. Chad’s favorite thing about teaching is the opportunity to share his passion for music and help others realize their own potential. He completed the Jazz Performance Diploma at Vancouver Island University in 2005 and later went on to complete a degree in Media Production. In addition to teaching with The Legacy Children’s Foundation, Chad also works with The National Music Centre as an Educator and Video Editor.
Challena Zellick
Legacy Music Instructor: Guitar and Piano
Program: Calgary Music Factory
Challena's Bio
Challena has been the owner/primary instructor of Flamingo Music in Calgary for the past 7 years. She plays Piano, Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Bass, Wind Instruments (assorted) and teaches music theory. Currently chasing an eventual ARCT in music, Challena has previously worked with Creative Kids Music Programs and currently handles 2 group classes in keyboard for the Calgary Centre for Newcomers in a volunteer capacity. She also offers tutoring and coaching to band students, while continuing to advocate for access to music education for all regardless of background, disabilities, or income level.
Program: Calgary Music Factory
Challena's Bio
Challena has been the owner/primary instructor of Flamingo Music in Calgary for the past 7 years. She plays Piano, Acoustic/Electric Guitar, Bass, Wind Instruments (assorted) and teaches music theory. Currently chasing an eventual ARCT in music, Challena has previously worked with Creative Kids Music Programs and currently handles 2 group classes in keyboard for the Calgary Centre for Newcomers in a volunteer capacity. She also offers tutoring and coaching to band students, while continuing to advocate for access to music education for all regardless of background, disabilities, or income level.
Dave Martin
Legacy Music Instructor: Guitar
Program: Tervita Instruments of Change, Fort McMurray
Dave's Bio
Dave currently lives, works, writes and plays in Fort McMurray, Alberta. He is a teacher and has had the privilege of teaching Kindergarten, Lifeskills Programs and Music. Dave is currently working on learning the art of recording and is collaborating with musicians from Fort McMurray and Edmonton. These aspects of music, for Dave, have been an on-going learning experience for the last 20 years. Dave is pro-active when it comes to his development and self-improvement as a musician and values opportunities to develop the craft of songwriting. He enjoys: teaching ukulele; Music Mondays; performing live; listening to people's stories; writing songs; helping youth and local charities meet their goals; promoting and co-hosting open stages; and participating in 'Songwriters in the Round’.
Program: Tervita Instruments of Change, Fort McMurray
Dave's Bio
Dave currently lives, works, writes and plays in Fort McMurray, Alberta. He is a teacher and has had the privilege of teaching Kindergarten, Lifeskills Programs and Music. Dave is currently working on learning the art of recording and is collaborating with musicians from Fort McMurray and Edmonton. These aspects of music, for Dave, have been an on-going learning experience for the last 20 years. Dave is pro-active when it comes to his development and self-improvement as a musician and values opportunities to develop the craft of songwriting. He enjoys: teaching ukulele; Music Mondays; performing live; listening to people's stories; writing songs; helping youth and local charities meet their goals; promoting and co-hosting open stages; and participating in 'Songwriters in the Round’.
Darin Nicholle
Legacy Music Instructor: Guitar
Program: Tervita Instruments of Change, Fort McMurray
Darin's Bio
Darin started playing music at age 10 and picked up the guitar at 12. He has enjoyed playing the guitar and other instruments in all types of settings. Studying with several private teachers including James de Sousa, Joel Gray, Peter Ellis, and Ken Lister, Darin has gained much musical experience. After studying music at Keyano College and Vancouver Island University Darin hopes to use his knowledge and skill to teach others to be successful musicians.
Program: Tervita Instruments of Change, Fort McMurray
Darin's Bio
Darin started playing music at age 10 and picked up the guitar at 12. He has enjoyed playing the guitar and other instruments in all types of settings. Studying with several private teachers including James de Sousa, Joel Gray, Peter Ellis, and Ken Lister, Darin has gained much musical experience. After studying music at Keyano College and Vancouver Island University Darin hopes to use his knowledge and skill to teach others to be successful musicians.
Kelly Baker
Legacy Music Instructor: Guitar
Program: Cold Lake Music Factory
Kelly's Bio
Kelly has taught and played guitar, off and on, for about 30 years. In the last few years, through the initiative of his wife Carolyn, they started Gideon Studios, which provides piano, voice, drums, violin, bass and guitar lessons. The studio has been very successful, with over 100 students taking lessons. Kelly believes in constantly improving in whatever field of endeavor he involves himself in. Though fairly accomplished musically, he continues to upgrade and expand his skills and knowledge through other even more qualified instructors, than himself. At present, he has been working on acquiring higher levels in Royal Conservatory, in classical guitar, and is also actively pursuing more proficiency in harp. He has always had a passion for writing songs, and has had some success in that area, and continues to hone his craft through qualified instructors. Kelly joined the Legacy team in the Spring of 2012, and believes in the mission and vision of the Foundation, to reach troubled kids through the avenue of music. Kelly considers himself very fortunate to be able to do what he loves, and get paid for doing it.
Program: Cold Lake Music Factory
Kelly's Bio
Kelly has taught and played guitar, off and on, for about 30 years. In the last few years, through the initiative of his wife Carolyn, they started Gideon Studios, which provides piano, voice, drums, violin, bass and guitar lessons. The studio has been very successful, with over 100 students taking lessons. Kelly believes in constantly improving in whatever field of endeavor he involves himself in. Though fairly accomplished musically, he continues to upgrade and expand his skills and knowledge through other even more qualified instructors, than himself. At present, he has been working on acquiring higher levels in Royal Conservatory, in classical guitar, and is also actively pursuing more proficiency in harp. He has always had a passion for writing songs, and has had some success in that area, and continues to hone his craft through qualified instructors. Kelly joined the Legacy team in the Spring of 2012, and believes in the mission and vision of the Foundation, to reach troubled kids through the avenue of music. Kelly considers himself very fortunate to be able to do what he loves, and get paid for doing it.
Louis Williams
Legacy Music Instructor: Guitar and Piano
Program: Stoney Nation Music Factory
Louis's Bio
Louis is a High School teacher at Chief Jacob Bearspaw Memorial School. When he is not balancing valence electrons in molecular compounds and trying to make trigonometry more interesting than Facebook, he is teaching or playing music with students and peers alike. Louis can play guitar, piano, drums, saxophone, and can orchestrate sounds on a variety of other instruments to make music. He teaches guitar, bass, drums, and piano. He also teaches song writing, and performance chops with a few proficient students. He was classically trained in piano for ten years, and then proceeded to teach himself other instruments, starting with the guitar. He has played in many different bands including Eshod Ibn Wyza, Okoto Drummers, Teenage Surf Invasion, The Vanguard, and most recently a band with his students called Back to the Blanket. Being influenced by travel and a globalized world, Louis, like most people loves many types of music, and allows these interests to come out in his own music and in his teaching.
Program: Stoney Nation Music Factory
Louis's Bio
Louis is a High School teacher at Chief Jacob Bearspaw Memorial School. When he is not balancing valence electrons in molecular compounds and trying to make trigonometry more interesting than Facebook, he is teaching or playing music with students and peers alike. Louis can play guitar, piano, drums, saxophone, and can orchestrate sounds on a variety of other instruments to make music. He teaches guitar, bass, drums, and piano. He also teaches song writing, and performance chops with a few proficient students. He was classically trained in piano for ten years, and then proceeded to teach himself other instruments, starting with the guitar. He has played in many different bands including Eshod Ibn Wyza, Okoto Drummers, Teenage Surf Invasion, The Vanguard, and most recently a band with his students called Back to the Blanket. Being influenced by travel and a globalized world, Louis, like most people loves many types of music, and allows these interests to come out in his own music and in his teaching.
Lily Amber
Legacy Music Instructor: Voice
Program: Tervita Instruments of Change, Fort McMurray
Lily's Bio
Lily, a young folk singer from Salmon Arm, B.C., was surrounded by music her entire life, taking music lessons from a young age to her enrollment in the Berkley College of Music's Professional Singer, Song Writer Certificate. Lily has taken the stage in a variety of venues from pubs, festivals to malls and captivated those in attendance. Upon establishing a strong line-up of songs, she has taken a few of them into the studio and with a full band recorded her first EP entitled My Marigolds. After the release Lily has pursued a teaching career in the Vocal and Songwriting genre. She is currently teaching beginner lessons with the Keyano College Conservatory. Lily continues to grow evermore into her own unique style influenced by artists from Frazey Ford, Billie Holiday, The Tallest Man on Earth and Dinah Washington among others.
Program: Tervita Instruments of Change, Fort McMurray
Lily's Bio
Lily, a young folk singer from Salmon Arm, B.C., was surrounded by music her entire life, taking music lessons from a young age to her enrollment in the Berkley College of Music's Professional Singer, Song Writer Certificate. Lily has taken the stage in a variety of venues from pubs, festivals to malls and captivated those in attendance. Upon establishing a strong line-up of songs, she has taken a few of them into the studio and with a full band recorded her first EP entitled My Marigolds. After the release Lily has pursued a teaching career in the Vocal and Songwriting genre. She is currently teaching beginner lessons with the Keyano College Conservatory. Lily continues to grow evermore into her own unique style influenced by artists from Frazey Ford, Billie Holiday, The Tallest Man on Earth and Dinah Washington among others.
