Teachers - Bakerview Music Academy

Allan Jr. Perpose, Musicianship Teaching Artist

Allan’s love for music began in his elementary school band room where he started snare drum. Today he plays drum-kit and marimba as his primary instruments, along with a variety of percussion instruments. He has played in concert and jazz bands and enjoys many genres from funk to jazz. Allan is a UBC Bachelor of Music graduate. He started post-secondary music studies at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, studying under both Daniel Tones and Aaron Graham, and then transferred to the University of British Columbia where he studied under Vern Griffiths.

Cheryl St. Pierre, Musicianship Teaching Artist

Cheryl’s passion for music began back in her middle school band program, where she got to
learn and experience a variety of instruments and ensembles. She has also been involved in many
woodwind ensembles such as the Fraser Valley Winds Ensemble and the Greater Vancouver Youth
Music Academy. Cheryl has recently graduated from the University of British Columbia for General
Studies in Music, after starting her post-secondary studies at Kwantlen Polytechnic University for a few years. At both schools,
she studied saxophone under Julia Nolan. Since graduating, Cheryl has spent the last few years privately
teaching woodwinds, including flute, clarinet, and saxophone. Outside of teaching, she has recently joined
the Cascadia Wind Ensemble and will be playing with them for the upcoming season.

Chris Savage, Violin/Viola Teaching Artist

Chris has been playing violin for more than a decade, during which time he studied with Dr. Calvin Dyck for six years. After playing with the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra from 2012-2016, Chris studied Violin Performance at Kwantlen Polytechnic University from 2016-2017. Chris has taught at multiple music schools in BC and in Ontario, and was previously an Assistant Teaching Artist at BMA during the 2016 season. Besides teaching, Chris loves to perform, putting on successful concerts throughout the year, as well as performing for weddings, banquets, and other events in the Fraser Valley. His hobbies include studying other instruments such as guitar and piano, wearing colourful suits, and adding to his large collection of dress shoes.

Heidi Kettner, Choir Teaching Artist

Heidi was born and raised in the Lower Mainland, where she enjoyed making music from a young age. Her musical journey began with piano studies before she started her vocal training at the Chilliwack Academy of Music in her teens. She later spent a year enrolled at S. K. Lee College on the campus of the Vancouver Academy of Music, before completing her Bachelor of Education with a Music Specialization at Burman University in Alberta. Heidi enjoyed spending many years serving as a classroom music teacher, band, and choir director before taking time off to facilitate her children’s home learning education. Her approach to teaching encompasses the passion she has for instilling a life-long love of music and learning in her students. Heidi lives in Abbotsford with her husband, son, and daughter.

Jennifer Schaubel, BMA Junior Teaching Artist

Jennifer brings a versatile mix of passions and talents to the Bakerview Music Academy. Her training began at the age of five at the Vancouver Academy of Music, where she studied piano, violin, and Kodály well into her teens. Most of her life has been dedicated to advocating for and working with children and at-risk youth. When the creative spirit that exists in every child is nurtured and inspired, the seeds of endless possibilities become rich for development. It is these very seeds that Jennifer is dedicated to planting with the Juniors at BMA.

Julin Giesbrecht, Cello Teaching Artist

Julin is a high school student who has enjoyed music throughout his entire life. He began taking piano lessons at age seven, and later started taking cello lessons at 10. He enjoys music thoroughly and is happy to be able to share it with BMA and the rest of the world. During his years as a cellist, Julin has participated four times in the Langley Community Music School festival, where he won the Cello Club Award (2019), the Colin Hampton Musicianship Award (2022, 2023), and the Ernest Collins Award (2024). He was also the recipient of the Beth Nickel Memorial String Award in 2024. Currently, Julin is taking cello lessons from Joel Stobbe at the Langley Community Music School. Additionally, he plays as the principal cellist in both the LCMS Senior Orchestra and the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra. During his free time, Julin enjoys messing with computers, playing with Rubik’s cubes, doing card tricks, and hanging out with his dog, Pierogi.

ASSISTANT TEACHERS

Alina Nicolenco, Assistant Teaching Artist – Violin/Viola

Alina began to study violin at the age of five and has pursued music for the past 10 years. She is currently studying under Dr. Calvin Dyck and holds the position as Concertmaster of the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra; she is also part of the Langley Senior Youth Orchestra. Previously, Alina has been a guest soloist with the Vancouver Island Symphony, Fraser Valley Symphony, Abbotsford Youth Orchestra, and the 2024 Symphony in the Park concert. In 2024, she was nominated for the BC Provincial Competition, where she was previously awarded second place as part of the Nicolenco String Trio in the Chamber Division. She is a valued musician known for her passion and emotional connection through music. Alina is delighted to be part of the BMA teaching team and is looking forward to sharing her love for music with others.

Jayne Tobin, Assistant Teaching Artist – Violin/Viola

Jayne has been playing violin for 12 years and is pursuing post-secondary plans. Before graduating from MEI last year, she was able to tackle many years of violin and music while being homeschooled from grades two to eight. In addition to violin, Jayne is self-taught on the ukulele and bass. She enjoys music of all kinds, from rap to renaissance choral music. Jayne looks forward to working with new and returning BMA students, helping them grow their love and passion for a wide variety of music. When she’s not playing or teaching music, you’ll find Jayne spending time with dogs, her friends, and working in creative environments. This year, Jayne has also started privately teaching from her own home studio.

Tearyn Heaven, Assistant Teaching Artist – Strings

Tearyn has been studying music theory and piano for nine years with Music Language Studios in Mission, the double bass for the past five years with Michael Vaughan in Coquitlam, and is currently a senior member of the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra directed by Dr. Calvin Dyck. He thoroughly enjoys listening to, performing, and making music, especially when he can share and play it with others. Tearyn likes to spend time outside, go on hikes, and take flying lessons. He also enjoys being with his family, friends, and three cats. Tearyn is excited to join the BMA team this year.

Tobias Kettner, Assistant Teaching Artist – Piano Accompanist

Tobias began taking piano lessons in Ontario when he was four years old. When
he and his family moved to Abbotsford, British Columbia, he continued his music studies with
Jean Ritter. He is currently working towards taking his grade 10 Royal Conservatory of Music
exam in piano. Tobias enjoys playing piano at his church and also at local retirement homes.
In his free time, Tobias likes to play tennis, read, and play board games. He also enjoys
listening to orchestral music and going for hikes. This will be Tobias’ first year with Bakerview
Music Academy.

VOLUNTEERS

Elan Chow, Volunteer Assistant Teaching Artist – Violin/Viola

Elan Chow is a 16-year-old violinist from Abbotsford, BC. He is currently in Grade 11-French Immersion at W.J. Mouat Secondary School. Elan has studied violin with Carla Birston at the VSO School of Music since he was four years old. Elan is actively involved in music; he plays both violin and viola in chamber music and orchestra. Outside of music, Elan enjoys drinking bubble tea, hiking, and baking.

Zachariah Breitkreuz, Classroom Assistant Volunteer

Zachariah, or Mr. Zack as he’s known to the students, was one of the original BMA students. He learned with our music academy from its very first year in 2013 until he graduated from Abby Senior. Then, happily for us, Zach asked if he could volunteer as a classroom assistant. Not only is Zach a reliable and dedicated volunteer with our academy, he’s a quiet, kind, and patient assistant who enjoys helping our students learn and focus without getting discouraged. You’ll often see Zach at drop off and pick up, when he watches the door to keep our students safe.