Dr. Dylan Maddix, Facilitator and Clinician

Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador

Originally from Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Dr. Dylan Maddix is Assistant Professor of Instrumental Conducting and Community Engagement at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John’s. In this role, he conducts the Memorial University Wind Ensemble and Concert Winds, teaches conducting at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Prior to his appointment at Memorial, Dr. Maddix was Professor of Music and Head of Wind and Brass Studies at Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ontario, where he conducted the Cambrian Wind Ensemble and taught courses in music theory, wind/brass methods, and pedagogy. He also served on the conducting faculty at Laurentian University.
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An active leader in the Canadian band community, Dr. Maddix serves on the Board of Directors for the Newfoundland and Labrador Band Association and is a past Chair of the Canadian Band Association. He is also the founder and co-host of The Band Room Podcast with composer Cait Nishimura, and the host of Changing Your Pattern, a podcast exploring leadership and conducting.

A Yamaha True North Master Educator, Dr. Maddix has served as a guest conductor and adjudicator for ensembles across Canada, including work with the CBC Music Class Challenge, MusicFest Canada, and the National Music Festival. He has adjudicated and conducted honour bands in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, and has also contributed his expertise as a conducting and music consultant for television productions such as Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy and Global TV’s Private Eyes.
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As a versatile and accomplished trumpeter, Dr. Maddix has performed with artists and ensembles including Sarah McLachlan, Roger Hodgson of Supertramp, The Video Games Live Orchestra, Johnny Reid, The Broadway Tenors, the Hannaford Street Silver Band, the Toronto Concert Orchestra, Hogtown Brass Quintet, and the Vox Aeris Trio.

Dr. Maddix enjoys presenting clinics and workshops and is known for his work integrating Servant Leadership principles into conducting and music education. Recognized as a conducting pedagogue, he leads the Memorial University Wind Conducting Workshop each October. 

Dr. Maddix holds a Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University, a Master of Music in Trumpet Performance from the University of Toronto, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from Arizona State University. 

Dr. Gillian MacKay, Guest Clinician

University of Toronto

Gillian MacKay is Professor of Music of the University of Toronto, where she conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting. She serves as Associate Conductor of the Jack Long Honour Band, the national honour band held in conjunction with MusicFest Canada each year. Dr. MacKay has adjudicated and guest conducted in Canada, USA, Asia, and the UK. 

Known for her earlier research into the relationship between conducting and mime, Gillian is currently exploring the application of the Michael Checkhov Acting Technique in the development of expressivity and character in conducting gesture. She has also undertaken study of clown to encourage joy and spontaneity in rehearsal and performance. Her current sabbatical work explores philosophies of non-violent social action, and proposes a reduction of the toleration of casual violence in wind band repertoire.

Dr. MacKay leads the University of Toronto Wind Conducting Symposium each July, and has been the guest instructor at other symposia in Canada and abroad. She has been honoured twice by the Canadian Band Association, receiving both their National and International Awards. Gillian earned degrees and diplomas from University of Lethbridge, University of Calgary, McGill University, and Northwestern University.