Faculty

An international performer and pedagogue, Dr. Laurel Swinden teaches flute at Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Waterloo, the University of Guelph and the Laurier Academy of Music and Arts. She has appeared in concert around the world - in Peru, Argentina, China, Belgium, Puerto Rico, the United States and across Canada as a soloist and as member of the Pan-American Trio and NAFTA Duo. Laurel is the Principal flute of the Stratford Symphony and Associate Principal Flute/Piccolo of the Scarborough Philharmonic and freelances with orchestras around Ontario. She has performed with the Memphis Symphony and New World Symphony. 

As a member of the Flute New Music Consortium, Laurel co-commissions new works for flute. Her CDs Celebrating Women!and Celebrating Canadian Women! promote works for flute by women composers.

Dr. Swinden is sought-after worldwide as a teacher, clinician, and adjudicator. Laurel has taught by invitation in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, China, the US and across Canada. She is a member of the Royal Conservatory of Music College of Examiners, examining in person and remote wind RCM examinations. She has been a clinician and adjudicator for the CMC National Music Festival, festivals throughout Canada and internationally.  She is a flute teacher at National Music Camp of Canada. 

Laurel and her spouse Kevin are volunteer puppy raisers for the Lions' Foundation Dog Gudes of Canada. 

-"Flutist Laurel Swinden has a sweet and distinct tone… Swinden’s lengthy held notes are breathtaking in colour and duration." – The WholeNote

~"The program offers few challenges for a flutist as gifted as Swinden." – Audiophilia.

~"full of vibrant colors and virtuosity" – Alice Ho, composer

Visit Laurel's website Laurel's YouTube Channel

Born in Mexico, Alhelí Pimienta is an exhilarating performer who uses music to mentor and motivate emerging flutists, addressing issues of racial tolerance, the importance of community, commitment and self-reliance. She directs an academy of 25 award-winning passionate flutists of all ages and levels in her Flute Sprint International Studio. A proud graduate of the University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music, the Glenn Gould of Music, and a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Toronto, Alheli obtained degrees and certifications, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Flute Performance, a Master’s in Music, and an Artist Diploma in Orchestral Performance. Alhelí is also a certified Royal Conservatory of Music flute teacher and an International Yamaha Artist. 

Stephanie Mara received an Associate Diploma in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor Degree in Piano Performance from Wilfrid Laurier University, where she studied with Garth Beckett. She is a collaborative pianist and coach for Wilfrid Laurier University, where she works with students majoring in brass, bassoon, clarinet and cello. Stephanie has assisted in master classes with Alain Trudel, Dennis Najoom, James Campbell and Norman Engel and has performed in recital and gala events with Canadian soloists James Campbell, Alistair Kay, Mark Fewer and Jasper Wood. She performs on a regular basis with Guy Few in Canada and the United States. Recording projects include collaborations with flutist Laurel Swinden (Celebrating Women!), a CD of music for flute and piano by women composers and with Guy Few (Vocalise), exploring the instrumental “voice’ of ecstasy through songs without words. Festival and series appearances include the Elora Festival, Festival of the Sound, Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, Barrie Colours of Music, Quad City Arts and Sun River Festival. Stephanie’s broadcast credits encompass Bravo, CBC radio and NPR.

“dazzling technique” (Huntsville Forester)
“artistry, grace and bravado” (Barrie Examiner)
“Tremendous energy, totally engaging…” (The Audience as Critic – Virtuosi Concerts, Winnipeg)