2023 - 2025

The CADME Contemporary Vocal Festival is a dynamic annual celebration of today’s vocal music, bringing together singers, educators, and audiences to explore the power and versatility of the human voice. The festival offers an inspiring mix of learning and performance, focusing on contemporary styles and techniques that connect with today’s students.

Throughout the festival, participants work with acclaimed guest artists who bring a wealth of professional experience and a passion for teaching. Students refine their vocal technique, deepen their musical expression, and gain confidence through rehearsals, workshops, and interactive sessions.

CADME is proud to sponsor and support this festival, ensuring that contemporary vocal music continues to inspire and empower young singers in our community.

2025

The YYC Music Education Summit was a landmark gathering for Calgary’s music education community—bringing together, for the first time, educators from both local school districts alongside colleagues, partners, and friends from across the region. Nearly 200 band, orchestra, and choir teachers spent the day in shared learning, professional growth, and community building, creating an atmosphere described by participants as “the best PD of my career,” “immensely educational, satisfying, and motivational,” and “the highlight of my entire professional growth journey.”

The day’s extraordinary presenter lineup was nothing short of an all-star team. Led by keynote speaker Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser—whose influence on music education has inspired generations—the summit featured Erin Brodie Cole Steele, Richard Saucedo, Frank Troyka, John Phillips, John Meehan, Nathan Gingrich, Kimberly Denis, Nicole Hounjet, Edmond Agopian, Juliane Gallant, Sheila Garrett, Dr. Jon McCaslin, and many more. Their expertise, passion, and generosity made for an unforgettable learning experience.

As a proud sponsor and supporter, CADME was honoured to help make this day possible alongside the many dedicated individuals and organizations who contributed to its success. The YYC Music Education Summit was more than a conference—it was a testament to what happens when a community comes together with shared purpose, passion, and vision for the future of music education.

2023 - 2025

The CADME YYCMA Music Educator (and/or Ensemble Director) of the Year Award honours music educators whose work leaves a lasting mark on their learners, colleagues, and the wider Calgary music community. Presented in partnership with the YYC Music Awards, this annual recognition celebrates teachers and ensemble directors—whether in schools, community programs, or other educational settings—whose dedication, vision, and leadership strengthen music opportunities, inspire learning, and create meaningful, equitable access for all.

These educators go beyond teaching notes and rhythms—they cultivate curiosity, creativity, and confidence. They intentionally create inclusive, welcoming spaces where diversity is valued, every voice is heard, and all participants feel a sense of belonging. They encourage people to explore their potential while honouring their individual identities and experiences. Their influence extends far beyond rehearsals or lessons, as they mentor others, collaborate with community partners, organize performances and events, and advocate for the value of music in our city.

Nominees for this award are known not only for their musical expertise but also for their ability to connect, to foster a love of music that lasts a lifetime, and to build programs that endure and grow. Their impact is seen in stronger, more diverse ensembles, inspired audiences, and learners of all ages who carry music—and the lessons it taught them—into their futures.

By shining a spotlight on these exceptional educators, CADME and the YYC Music Awards affirm the vital role music education plays in building vibrant, inclusive, and connected communities—and celebrate the people whose passion and commitment make that possible.

2008-2025

Holiday Tubafest is a beloved CADME-sponsored tradition that has been filling Calgary with the rich, resonant sounds of the season for more than fifteen years. Each December, tuba and euphonium players—from beginners to seasoned professionals—gather to form one joyful, booming ensemble, performing festive favourites in a way you have to hear to believe.

More than just a concert, Tubafest is a celebration of community and connection. Musicians of all ages and backgrounds share the stage, united by their love of music and the spirit of the holidays. Audiences are treated to a warm, uplifting experience where familiar carols are transformed by the powerful, velvety tones of dozens of low brass instruments.

The event is open to everyone—whether you bring your horn to play, your voice to sing along, or simply your ears to soak in the sound. Over the years, Tubafest has become a cherished seasonal highlight for participants and listeners alike, a reminder that music can lift spirits, bridge generations, and bring people together in the most joyful way.

Behind-the-Scenes with the Canadian National Jazz Orchestra gave local music students a rare and unforgettable opportunity to see how Canada’s top jazz musicians prepare, rehearse, and bring world-class performances to life. In partnership with JazzYYC, CADME helped open the doors to this exclusive experience, offering students a front-row seat—not in the audience, but in the rehearsal room.

Participants observed the Canadian National Jazz Orchestra up close, gaining insight into the artistry, discipline, and collaboration that go into performing at the highest level. They saw professional musicians refine arrangements, shape solos, and respond to the conductor’s vision in real time, turning individual talent into a unified sound.

The experience went beyond observation—students had the chance to ask questions, interact with the musicians, and learn about careers in jazz directly from those living it. It was an inspiring and eye-opening glimpse into the inner workings of a professional jazz ensemble, and for many, a powerful motivator to continue their own musical journeys.

2022

"Watching big-time musicians be humble, gentle, and polite was inspiring." --music student

"It was better than a regular concert, we got to watch them talk to each other and to talk with us.  We got to know them way more than we would if it was a regular show. " --music student

"Thanks to CADME for sponsoring this beautiful jazz experience with a mentoring group from NYC - the musicians were so engaging and interactive, the rehearsal was enlightening." -music educator

Of course, an enormous thank you to Arts Commons for all of their hard work and organization and for Jazz at Lincoln Center for inspiring the future!!

The Dance of Reconciliation through Music and Storytelling with Walter Macdonald White Bear and Samantha Whelan Kotkas was a virtual live event with over 200 attendees at the time of the event, and many more were able to take in the recording after the event.

Walter MacDonald White Bear, a Cree flute player, singer songwriter and facilitator and Samantha Whelan Kotkas, a Classical trumpet player, storyteller and producer will discuss the work they have done for the National Arts Centre of Canada as a cross- cultural team touring in and around Alberta since 2013.

Together they will explored these questions and much more to help teachers start to lead authentically in their own communities while enriching their arts programs.

CADME commissioned Walter MacDonald White Bear and Michael Gardner to create a cross-cultural project to bring together an indigenous and non-indigenous composer to undertake a collaborative project to contribute to the reconciliation process and to fill a the need for resources for beginner bands.

Twenty-eight member schools received a copy of the piece, Mother Earth - Spring, as well as an educational guide to encourage the rehearsal and performance in schools of this new and exciting composition.

CADME designated a fund of $15000 to create educational resources for YYC music students created by local musicians and teaching artists.

These educational materials serve to bolster the current distance learning of students, and to create a legacy of resources for the future.

Many of these resources continue to help students and teachers alike on our Youtube Channel.

Jazz Jams have become a much-loved CADME tradition—three times each year, we open the doors for an all-ages, all-levels night of jazz, improvisation, and community. Students, amateur musicians, and jazz enthusiasts come together to share the stage, trade solos, and learn from one another in a welcoming, high-energy setting.

These evenings are guided by master band directors who create an environment that is equal parts supportive and inspiring. The focus is on fun, collaboration, and skill-building—whether it’s your first time stepping up for an improvised solo or you’re a seasoned player looking to stretch your creativity. The room is always filled with music, encouragement, high-fives, and big smiles.

Open to the public and free to attend, CADME Jazz Jams are an important opportunity for musicians to connect, experiment, and grow. They give students real-world experience in improvisation, help build confidence, and foster the kind of musical friendships that last well beyond the final note of the evening.

CADME was proud to help present this year's Music Conference Alberta, including supporting the keynote session with Bramwell Tovey as well as numerous other sessions at this provincial conference for music educators.  CADME was proud to coproduce this event with Choir Alberta, The Alberta Band Association and the  Alberta Music Education Foundation.  The conference was the best attended in history and a wonderful success for all involved.  

CADME was thrilled to invite Melissa Aldana from New York to work with students for a two week residency in 2019.  Melissa ran workshops in dozens of schools and performed nightly with students at the Ironwood Stage.  

Aldana graduated from Berklee in 2009, relocating to New York City to study under George Coleman. She recorded her first album, Free Fall, released on Greg Osby's Inner Circle Music imprint in 2010. Her live shows in this period included performances at the Blue Note Jazz Club and the Monterey Jazz Festival, and her second album, Second Cycle, was released in 2012. In 2013, aged 24, she was the first female musician and the first South American musician to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition