March 23-April 1, 2025
2025 Adjudicators
GILLES TURCOTTE - BAND/STRINGS
Gilles Turcotte was born in Saskatoon where he studied with Margaret Wilson and obtained under graduate degrees in both clarinet performance and in French education from the University of Saskatchewan in1985 and 1993 respectively. He recently retired from a 21 year career with the Saskatchewan Health Authority to devote more time and energy to return to performing music and instructing clarinetists of allages. It feels good to reestablish connections with the broader music community while returning to the career he maintained for 30 years.Gilles has performed in recital as well as in large and chamber ensembles from Ontario to British Columbiaand North of the Arctic Circle. Career highlights include performing with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra for 10 seasons; participating in the Music Performance and Communication program in Toronto,organizing and participating in 4 Northern tours under the guidance of George Zukerman and producing and recording a solo CD entitled “Demografx” for which he was nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award. Gilles has also been recorded by the CBC. Gilles has had considerable experience as an educator. He directed grade school bands and served as an adjudicator for the SMFA for a number of years. Gilles has extensive experience as a clinician and private instructor offering his services for lessons, sectionals and master classes for the SBA Honour Band, SBA Summer Band Camps and several schools throughout the province. Gilles pays particular attention in finding the key issues that prevent young musicians from fully realizing their potential on their instrument. He is the first to celebrate when his students begin to understand and control these key concepts. Gilles is currently performing with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and other chamber groups as opportunities arise. He also contributes to the community by rehearsing and performing with groups such as Reedy, Set, Go – Saskatoon’s Clarinet Choir, North Saskatchewan Wind Orchestra and the newly formed Saskatchewinds. He lives on an acreage with his wife, Juliane, 2 horses, 4 cats and their dog, Sadie. Their son, Félix, has been living and studying in Berlin, Germany for over 10 years. When not involved in music or farming related activity Gilles loves scuba diving extensively throughout the province and Mexico.
Lynette Sawatsky - Piano
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Lynette Sawatsky began her musical training at the age of four and completed her performer’s A.R.C.T. in piano while in high school. She holds a Bachelor of Education (elementary) from the University of Saskatchewan. Lynette has taught both group and private lessons, worked as a music specialist in the public school system, and participated as a guest workshop clinician and piano adjudicator across Canada. Lynette currently directs a group of enthusiastic youngsters from core neighbourhoods during a weekly lunch hour choir program in her community. She believes that music is a gift that brings joy and enriches lives. Lynette’s piano compositions are being played and enjoyed by students of all ages. Several of her pieces have been recently selected by Conservatory Canada for their new Mosaics repertoire series. Lynette's music has been described as “imaginative”, "charming", "lyrical", and "pedagogically sound." One of her greatest pleasures as a composer is to connect with teachers and students who are playing her compositions. Lynette has an active piano studio in Saskatoon. She and her husband Joel have four adult children and three granddaughters. In her leisure time, Lynette enjoys spending time with family, drinking coffee with friends, and going for long walks along the beautiful South Saskatchewan River
BETTY ALLISON - VOCAL/MUSICAL THEATRE
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​Teaching artist and soprano, Dr. Betty Allison is a professor of voice at the University of Saskatchewan. A graduate of the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble, major credits include the world premiere of Mary’s Wedding with Pacific Opera Victoria, the title role in Floyd’s Susannah with Florentine Opera, Alice in Verdi’s Falstaff with L’OpèraThèâtre de Metz Mètropole, and Rosalinde in Die Fledermauswith Edmonton Opera. Betty has performed a varied repertoire, demonstrating her natural ability and talent, from the Countess (Le Nozzedi Figaro) and Tatiana (Eugene Onegin), to Vixen (Cunning Little Vixen) and Elizabeth I (Gloriana). She is equally comfortable on the concert stage, with her rich and florid interpretation of pieces such as Mahler’s Symphony VIII, Brahms’ Requiem, and Gubaidulia’s Galgenlieder À 3.Recently, Betty completed her doctorate at the University of Toronto. Her research focused on the connection between a singer’s voice and their overall wellness and resilience. Specifically, she examined the non-musical stressors and coping strategies that elite singers use to maintain their voices and careers.
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