Faculty

With playing described as a “...fine blend of artistry and bravura” (Edmonton Journal), flutist Michelle Cheramy is an artist recognized for the beauty of her sound, the fluidity of her playing, and her interpretive skills in repertoire from the 18th to the 21st centuries. One of the few flutists in Canada to hold a full-time university appointment, Michelle is tenured professor of music at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland, where she enjoys mentoring a diverse studio of undergraduate and graduate flute students and teaching in the areas of music pedagogy, flute pedagogy, and musicianship. With Michelle, students of all levels flourish: “She always has a million ways to fix any problem.” “Under Dr. Cheramy’s supervision I was able to develop critical pedagogical skills….” “Her clarity of sound and technical prowess inspired my practice every week….” “Dr. Cheramy is an amazing educator.”

Michelle is also an acclaimed performer who has has appeared in recitals and as soloist with orchestras in Canada, the United States and Russia. She has been featured in numerous radio broadcasts, including nationally on CBC Radio’s Symphony Hall, In Performance, Two New Hours and The Signal. A rare combination of outstanding scholar and player, Michelle is past winner of the Canadian Concerto Competition, prize-winner in the Montreal Symphony competition, and winner of the National Flute Association’s annual research competition for her dissertation on the late work of André Jolivet. Past orchestral appointments include second flute/piccolo positions with both the Thunder Bay and Augusta Symphony orchestras.

Michelle holds degrees from the University of British Columbia (B.Mus.), Indiana University (M.M) and Rice University (D.M.A.) where she was a student of Camille Churchfield, Peter Lloyd, and Leone Buyse.

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)