ADJUDICATION
VOICE ADJUDICATOR
Amanda Kind
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Amanda Kind is a commercial voice teacher, singer, songwriter, and performer. She works with a broad range of clients including professional singers, indie artists, and aspiring performers of all ages in many genres. Amanda teaches
commercial music at Wilfrid Laurier University. She has been a guest lecturer, adjudicator, and workshop facilitator for many
other music education programs.
As an artist, Amanda has recorded a wide variety of music from jazz and pop to country. Her recent country singles include
“Another Round” (with James Downham), and “Slow Dance” (#1 on SiriusXM Top of the Country). Find her music on all digital streaming platforms. As a stage actor, select roles include the Witch in Into The Woods, Miss Hannigan in Annie, Miss Stacey in Anne of Green Gables, Sophie in Masterclass, among others.
Her education includes music and theatre performance
certificates from Kwantlen University College and the Canadian
College of Performing Arts, as well as a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Waterloo and professional development in vocal pedagogy at the Boston Conservatory, Shenandoah
University (Levels, I, II, II at the CCM Institute) and an Evidence-
Based Vocal Pedagogy certification from MTVS.
She is currently finishing her Masters at Laurier. She is a
member of the Songwriter’s Association of Canada, SOCAN, the Canadian Country Music Association, and is the Interim
President for the National Association of Teachers of Singing in Ontario (NATS). Amanda is the Artistic Director of the award-
winning pop organization KW Glee, and has been fortunate to
help launch the careers of many artists.
For more about Amanda, visit www.amandakind.com
STRINGS ADJUDICATOR
Carole Bestvater
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Carole Bestvater, violinist, strives to share her joy of music with those around her. She is equally at home in classical and folk genres, maintaining a full schedule as a performer and educator. Carole relocated to St. John’s to pursue a Master’s Degree in Violin Performance with Dr. Nancy Dahn at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and loved it so much that she decided to stay.
As an educator, Carole is also on faculty of the Suzuki Talent Education Program in St. John’s, and maintains a private studio. Passionate about community, Carole founded the Strong Harbour Strings Program, an after school music program based in the belief that communities can be strengthened through the learning and sharing of music.
In her performance life, you are just as likely to find Carole playing folk music with groups such as Youngtree & The Blooms, Crooked Stovepipe, or LadyLike, as you are seeing her performing chamber music with the Strong Harbour Strings Collective, or in her role as Assistant Principal Second in the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra.
PIANO ADJUDICATOR
Dr. Evgeny Chugunov
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Dr. Evgeny Chugunov, currently Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Music of Lakehead University, holds a Doctorate in Piano Performance (D. Mus.) from the University of Montreal and a Ph.D. in Music Education (Moscow State Pedagogical University). He was a faculty member in the Department of Methodology and Psychology of Music Education at Moscow State Pedagogical University and taught piano performance both for the University of Montreal and the McGill Conservatory of Music.
Dr. Chugunov often offers master classes and workshops at various international music festivals and schools in Canada, the USA, Italy, Finland, Norway and Russia. He has served on several national and international juries for piano competitions, including the Cremona International Piano Competition in Italy and the Crescendo International Music Competition in New York City. His students have won prizes in international piano competitions.
He is the recipient of Lakehead University’s Merit Award in Teaching and Research/Creative Activities (2022), Lakehead University’s Teaching Innovation Award (2019), the first prize in the Paul and Verna Gelinas Competition in Montreal (2001), and the second prize of the Russian National Student Piano Competition in Glazov (1997).
Dr. Chugunov’s internationally recognized innovations in pedagogy rest on an equally internationally acclaimed research program. Using advances in neuroscience to the teaching of piano, Dr. Chugunov focuses on the benefits to performance and injury prevention of the levels of motor control and the uses of imagery.
Dr. Chugunov performs regularly as concert pianist, both as soloist and collaborator, in the U.S.A, Canada, Russia, Italy, Norway and Switzerland, at the Carnegie Weill Recital Hall, the Pollack Hall and the Redpath Hall at McGill University, the Salle Claude Champagne at the Université de Montréal, the Chapelle Historique du Bon-Pasteur in Montreal, the Live Radio Lac Recital Hall in Geneva, and the Auditorium della Camera di Commercio in Cremona, Italy.
“Associate professor Chugunov is a sensitive artist and a critically acclaimed concert pianist. He expresses a rare musicality, charming his audiences around the world.” -The Chronicle Journal
DANCE ADJUDICATOR
Janice Lynn
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With an illustrious career spanning over three decades, Janice emerges as a distinguished dance educator, internationally acclaimed dance adjudicator, and visionary choreographer. A beacon of inspiration and knowledge in the competitive dance arena, she stands as a sought-after authority, revered for her insightful commentary and unwavering passion.
For 27 years, Janice served as the Artistic Director and owner of a highly successful dance studio, leaving an
indelible mark on the dance community. Her commitment to fostering the development of dance transcends age and skill levels, as evidenced by her students’ notable achievements across renowned stages in Canada, the UK, Florida, New York, California, and the Bahamas. Among the pinnacle moments are the triumphs of North American Championship dancers in Tap, Jazz, and Ballet, and the recognition of a British Championship Winner in Ballet, along with a British Championship Runner-Up in Tap, Jazz, and Song and Dance.
Janice’s expertise extends beyond the studio floor; she has adjudicated at both regional and national levels in Canada and is a distinguished member of the Professional Adjudicators Alliance. Holding several certifications with Acrobatic Arts and possessing an Acro Dance Adjudicator Certification, she completed her teacher training course at the Tap Dance Centre in 2018. Janice remains at the forefront of her field by participating in seminars and conventions annually, underscoring her unwavering belief in the pivotal role of education in dance.
For the past 15 years, Janice has wielded her expertise as an adjudicator at esteemed dance competitions across Canada, enhancing her reputation as a discerning judge. In Ontario, she has presided over the competitive stages of Dance Attack, StarCatchers and Believe, contributing her insightful critiques to elevate the standards of performance. Her influence extends to British Columbia, where she has adjudicated at Dance Power and Evolve, showcasing her discerning eye for talent and artistic expression.
Janice’s adjudication prowess is not confined to specific regions; she has also graced the panel at Standing Ovation in Alberta, where her seasoned judgment has played a pivotal role in shaping the dance landscape. Her
commitment to fostering artistic growth is further demonstrated by her involvement in dance festivals, including the prestigious Prince Albert Dance Festival in Saskatchewan, where she imparts her knowledge to aspiring performers.
Beyond competitions and festivals, Janice adds her discerning perspective to the annual Canadian National
Exhibition Talent Competition, Rising Star. Here, she evaluates entries across vocal, dance, and novelty categories, contributing to the discovery and recognition of exceptional talents. Janice’s presence on the panel underscores her standing as a respected figure in the industry, known for her keen insights and dedication to nurturing emerging performers.
Currently, Janice imparts her knowledge as an instructor of tap, jazz, acrobatics, and pre-school movement classes in the private school system, concurrently teaching at two esteemed studios in the Toronto area. A proud representative of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing (B.A.T.D.), she holds the highest teaching title of Fellow Member certified in Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Modern, Acrobatics, Freestyle, and Stage. In addition to serving as an Examiner, Janice assumes the role of the BATD Toronto Regional District Secretary.
Janice’s true passion lies in dance education, and she extends this ardor to training teachers in the B.A.T.D. professional syllabi. Her students, under her expert guidance, consistently achieve top marks in annual dance
examinations, shine at competitions, captivate audiences at year-end recitals, and contribute to charity events. The impact of her mentorship is evident in the numerous success stories of her students who have embarked on professional careers, becoming studio owners, cruise line performers, theatrical talents, and accomplished singers. Janice stands as a paragon of excellence, shaping the future of dance education with her unparalleled dedication and artistry.
DANCE ADJUDICATOR
Laurie-Ann Matthews
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Laurie-Ann Matthews has been a leader in dance education in Southwestern Ontario for over 35 years. She is certified as a Fellow, Life Member and Examiner in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Free Style, Stage and Modern with the B.A.T.D., holds a Teaching Diploma with the R.A.D, and has completed her Advanced I.S.T.D. Laurie-Ann has been honoured to adjudicate across Canada for over twenty years, promoting the athleticism and artistry of dance. Laurie-Ann has been a studio owner/director, competition choreographer, gymnastics & figure skating
coach/choreographer, workshop educator, examiner, judge and adjudicator. She has inspired many students to continue on as performers and dance educators in Canada and around the world. Through it all her passion for dance forms the basis for her expectation in the areas of technique, performance quality, artistry, musicality and choreography. Remember…”The journey between who you once were and who you are now, is part of the adventure of dance. We experience the journey of our physical, mental and spiritual being as we grow. I am glad to be part of your adventure, let’s DANCE and CELEBRATE.” – Laurie-Ann Matthews
DANCE ADJUDICATOR
Lisa MeyerhoferArad
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Lisa began her dance training in the Waterloo area 40 years ago. She continued locally until age 17 when she was accepted to the prestigious Professional Program at The Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Lisa then moved on to The Alberta Ballet Company. She performed roles such as Grandma, Head Snowflake, Chinese Dancer, Spanish Dancer, and Waltz in the Nutcracker, as well as Head Mazurka Girl and Irish Doll in Coppelia. When Lisa returned home in 1987 she took over her home dance school and Meyerhofer Academy of the Performing Arts was born. Since opening Meyerhofer her students have gone on to receive scholarships for The National Ballet of Canada, Royal Winnipeg, George Brown, Ryerson, Banff School of Arts, and Joffrey Ballet School. Her alumni have gone on to perform in various professional shows including Capitol Theatre (Port Hope), My Fair Lady, Fiddler on the Roof, The Little Mermaid, Drayton’s Footloose, and Rock of Ages, Stratford Festival’s The Sound of Music, Phantom of The Opera Toronto cast and touring, Charlottetown festival’s; Anne of Green Gables, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and MaMaMia! as well as Cirque De Soleil, Celine Dion Vegas Show, My Fair Lady, Bossov Ballet Theater, television shows such as The Next Step, Reign, and Bajillionaires, and multiple cruise ships. Lisa ‘s students have also excelled in the Royal Academy of Dancing exams producing candidates for solo seal exams. Throughout her career Lisa has received many overall awards for excellence in choreography at competitions and festivals throughout North America. She has also worked for world known companies such as Estee Lauder and Walt Disney World. Today Lisa is not only a well-respected dance teacher but a much sought-after adjudicator.
This is your moment, Shine!