Mr. D. Stewart
Mr. D. CravenFrom 1980-1986 Mr.Stewart began his teaching career as a district elementary band specialist, creating a comprehensive highly sucessful program in Port Hardy. In 1986 he accepted an elementary secondary music position in Ucluelet, B.C. where he taught until 1991. During his tenure he established a strong concert band program and developed jazz band, vocal jazz and concert choir programs. The expansion of the music program lead to a elementary music specialist being added to allow more time for a full Secondary music position.
In 1991 Mr. Stewart accepted a music position in Qualicum Beach, where he taught band and choir at Kwalikum Secondary and Qualicum Beach Middle schools for one year. A rapidly expanding program led to the hiring of a second music specialist at the middle school. Over the course of five years the high school music program expanded from four bands and choir to nine performance groups. The program developed a national and international reputation for excellence in concert band, jazz band, vocal jazz and jazz combos. In 1998 the program had become too large for one music specilist and with the support of parents and administration a second music specialist was hired. The program at present has fifteen highly sucessful choral and instrumental ensembles.
Mr. Stewart shares his musical
experience with his students as a brass and vocal specialist, as well as
drawing on his diverse rhythm instrument background. He is currently a member
of the Arrowsmith Big Band, free lances on trumpet in a pit-orchestra in
a local theatre company and local gigs. Mr. Stewart has had the
fortune to perform with many professionals who have helped to share their
valuable knowledge which benifits him as well as his students.
That summer he accepted a position at Fort Nelson Secondary School in Ft. Nelson, BC. He spent three years developing a grade 6 to 12 band program, culminating in a Music Fest Canada B400 (senior high) Gold standing with a grade 8-12 band at the end of his time there.
In 1998, Mr. Craven applied and was accepted for a second music teaching position at Kwalikum Secondary School. He was happy to join Mr. Stewart in the direction of such a dynamic, active, diverse, and successful music program.
Mr. Craven is a woodwind player and saxophone specialist, and brings the benefit of extensive performance experience to his students. He has had the honour of sharing the stage with players like Mike Herriott, Arnie Chycoski, Dave Roberts, Bruce Hurn, Joey Smith, Miranda Sage, Anita Bonkowski, Don Leppard, and others. He has performed in major productions including West Side Story, Kiss Me Kate and Company, and is currently a member of the Oceanside's Arrowsmith Big Band and Courtney's Jazz Noir.
Mr. Craven believes that a successful performance at any level is measured by the degree of pride his students take in it. He has a great deal of respect for the people under his direction, and a strong belief in their abilities and potential.