Glendale Music Alumni

My name is Claire Collins, and I am a 2019 Glendale Alumni. In high school I played tenor saxophone and was involved in concert band, jazz band and choir. I fell in love with the Glendale Music program after my first grade nine class, and since then I couldn't stay out of the music room! I'm so grateful to have grown so much as a musician and a student through Mr. and Mrs. Lam and the friendships I made through music. I am now a second year Classical Voice Performance major at the University of Western Ontario. I hope to one day be a music teacher either in a classroom setting or a studio!

I’m Gillian Derer, a 2018 Glendale Grad, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music (with honours in flute performance) from the University of Western Ontario. I was heavily involved in the Glendale music department as a member of Junior Band, Senior band, Choir, and Music Council (Presidency in 2018) from grade 9 up until my graduation. I continue to remain as involved as I can and love returning to GHS to volunteer in the music room!

Since then, I have been lucky enough to study flute and piccolo performance internationally and currently perform in UWO’s Wind Ensemble as well as the UWO Chamber Orchestra. I have been the recipient of multiple scholarships, including the Betty Scholtz Memorial Scholarship, the Bruce and Helen Mills Instrument Award, the Wendy S. Hunter Memorial Award, and the Sandra Towler Flute Scholarship. Most recently, I was named the winner of Western University’s Winds, Brass and Percussion Concerto Competition- I look forward to performing my winning piece accompanied by UWO’s Wind Ensemble in 2021!

I hope to pursue a Masters in Flute Performance in 2022, and continue my flute journey for many years to come.

Follow her music journey on INSTAGRAM; @gill.flutes

My name is Hunter Devolin. I'm a 2011 Glendale graduate. I went to Durham College in Oshawa, where I studied Music Business Management, and later Graphic Design, before graduating and working as a graphic designer for Dine Alone Records in Toronto, Canada's largest independent label, getting to work on albums for City and Colour, Alexisonfire, The Sheepdogs, The Lumineers, Arkells, and more.

In 2016, I started working for Massey Hall & Roy Thomson Hall, two of Canada's premiere performance venues, working in marketing, managing all their email communications, and getting to work on shows for several artists I love and admire, like Buddy Guy, Nick Cave, Haim, Feist, Mavis Staples, Herbie Hancock, and countless others.

I worked at MHRTH for six years, before accepting a position with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 2022 as their Digital Communications Manager, overseeing their website and email communications, where I've been able to work with and experience the TSO's incredible performances on a weekly basis.

I've been lucky to work so close to music throughout my career, and have had incredible opportunities and experiences over the years, working with and seeing some of my favourite artists. My life has always revolved around music, and I'm fortunate to be in the position I'm in, surrounded by music all the time.

My name is Kevin Fishback and I am a 2015 Glendale graduate. After graduating, I went to Fanshawe College and studied Music Industry Arts. I was able to learn about the music industry through performance, recording/editing and music business. This program helped me develop my musical knowledge with real industry experts, who have awards to show for it (e.g. Junos, Grammy nominations).

The industry is highly competitive, but is very fun! After graduating in 2017, I didn't get a full-time job in the music industry, and I still don't have one, similar to many of my classmates. It takes time to develop skills and be noticed. Outside of my non-music, full-time job, I have been able to perform with a few bands playing keyboard, run live sound for various events, and have recorded an EP with a local church, as well as a few other songs. I try to take every opportunity that comes my way. Starting February 2021, I will be starting a part-time job at a church, coordinating music and performing on a weekly basis.

Even though my college program didn't focus on classical or jazz music specifically, all of the musical techniques learned at Glendale were very important for the many different genres of music that are played in today's culture. Comm. Tech compliments the GHS music program very nicely when taking that path, as it helps develop basic techniques related to technology, which can be later applied to music. I love this industry and plan to continue working in it when opportunities come my way. 

Hi, all! My name is Quinlan Fletcher and I am a 2021 (yes, THAT 2021) Glendale High School graduate. Currently, I am enrolled at Laurier University to pursue a degree in History. If all goes well, I may also decide to pursue a Master's degree and a Ph.D. in the subject!

I can honestly say that the Music Department at Glendale is both irreplaceable and unforgettable. Music has always been important to me and it was such a pleasure to say that I was a part of it. I was a part of the bands (playing both flute and piccolo), the choir, and also had the pleasure to be a (virtual) Music Council co-President during my last year there. Glendale Music became my second family and the memories I made there I will always hold fondly.

Whether new or old to music, I and so many other people found a home there.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Hello! My name is Katie Vermeeren, formally known as Katiekins, and I am a graduate of the Glendale Music Program since 2020. It holds a special place in my heart as I progress through my studies in music education as a saxophone major at Western University. Now finishing my third year, I have gained the experience of playing with university ensembles and solo performances, as well as performing with my saxophone quartet this year. Glendale gave me the tools I needed to get where I am today, and I will be forever grateful for the Lams' continuous support. I will always come back to visit! You can follow me on my journey on Instagram at @katie.plays.the.sax