DR. DENNIS PRIME is a well known clarinetist, conductor, educator and arts administrator. He has served as Dean of Music at the renowned New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida as well as on the faculties of Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, the University of Wisconsin in Madison, the University of Alberta in Edmonton and served as the Director of Canada’s 2nd largest music school, Alberta College Conservatory for over 15 years.

He has performed as soloist, conductor and chamber musician throughout the world including North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia. He has served as guest conductor for several North American festivals and music workshops and continues to research and commission quality repertoire for a wide variety of ensembles. He has judged several major festivals and is in constant demand as a clinician and adjudicator. His interest in quality music education spurred the creation of the North American Cantando Festivals

Assistant Director, CRYSTAL KRIPS graduated from the University of Saskatchewan, where she studied with Randi Nelson. She studied and received two degrees simultaneously: Music and B.Comm (Accounting major). Crystal is a Certified Management Accountant and has worked for Syncrude Canada Ltd., Keyano College, Sturgeon School Division, and the University of Saskatchewan. She also holds an ARCT in flute performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music. Crystal has presented flute clinics throughout western Canada and continues to be in demand as a clinician locally. She is a freelance performer, plays flute and piccolo in the New Edmonton Wind Sinfonia and maintains a busy private flute and piano studio.