Welcome to New SRMTA Council Members!
Lynette Sawatsky
Dorothy Bee Scholarship, Convenor
Summer Music Camp Award, Convenor
lsawatsky@srmta.com
Lynette Sawatsky was born in Langham, Saskatchewan, and began her music education at the age of four, being part of the first group of students at Yamaha Music School in Saskatoon. She completed her ARCT (performer’s) in piano during her grade 12 year while studying with Walter Thiessen. She holds a Bachelor of Education (elementary) degree, earning the U of S President’s Medal for academic achievement in her studies there. She has taught in the public school system as a music specialist, and she continues to teach group and private lessons in her piano studio in Saskatoon. As a composer, Lynette is a musical storyteller. Her pieces are carefully crafted to draw students in with descriptive titles, engaging melodies, and accessible concepts for them to work on. In her leisure time, Lynette enjoys hanging out with her family, drinking coffee with friends, playing word games, and going for long walks.
Janet Gieck
Composers’ Division Appointee
jgieck@srmta.com
Janet Gieck grew up surrounded by rural Saskatchewan culture and landscape, a fact which has profoundly affected her musical output. After completing music degrees from Prairie Bible College (Three Hills, AB) and the Royal Conservatory of Music, she has had her compositions performed at many concerts, New Music Festivals and on CBC radio. Her pedagogical compositions are now listed on many different syllabi across the country. Passionate about sharing music with those in her community and beyond, Janet is a member of the Alliance for Canadian New Music Projects, the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers’ Association, and the composer’s collective Red Leaf Pianoworks. Currently, Janet works as a member of the fine arts department at Millar College of the Bible in Pambrun, SK where she lives with her husband and children. She is also in demand as a piano teacher, adjudicator and clinician. Janet is excited to have a chance to be part of SRMTA.
Gillian Rice
Canada Music Week, Convenor
grice@srmta.com
Gillian Rice (Leson) found her love of music at a young age in her hometown of Canora, Saskatchewan. Studying both voice and piano, she participated in many music competitions and festivals both locally and provincially winning many awards. Gillian holds a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from the University of Saskatchewan, where she enjoyed performing with chamber ensembles, choirs, and as a soloist. As a pianist, Gillian attended the Vancouver International Song Institute where she was introduced to many fine musicians such as Rena Sharon, Laura Loewen, Terence Dawson, Cameron Stowe, Darryl Edwards and Michael McMahon. She has also composed a series of lullabies inspired by her two beautiful boys. Her latest passion has been encouraging women to find their voice through her vocal activation workshops. A sought after adjudicator and pedagogue, Gillian continues to teach and compose and is forever grateful to the many musical influences she’s had the pleasure of working with. Currently she is the owner/operator of Eighty-Eight Keys Music Studio where she teaches private piano and voice lessons. Gillian continues to spread her love of music where it all began for her, in her hometown of Canora, Saskatchewan.
