Sandi Chasson, Music Director
Sandi’s popularity as a conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and educator has captured the attention of instrumental ensembles, schools, and music festivals across Canada and the United States. Sandi is best known as the Music and Artistic Director of the multi-award-winning St. Andrew’s College Wind Ensemble. In 2012 this ensemble was selected to represent Canada and perform at the London Olympics. Under Sandi’s pink baton, this group has developed a reputation nationwide as one of the leading performance ensembles in the country.
Over her 45-year teaching career, Sandi has inspired youth to love and embrace music as a performing art. She began her career teaching in the Inner City of Toronto, where her devotion and dedication to her young students resulted in the creation of the award-winning Inner-City Band, which was featured on the stage of Roy Thomson Hall at the Toronto District School Board Spring Festival.
Leaving the Inner City, Sandi developed the Instrumental Program at the prestigious all-girls school, Havergal College, before leaving to become the Director of Music at St. Andrew’s College. A passionate advocate of music education, Sandi is the Coordinator of the Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival, bringing together 44 schools and 1500 students to perform annually on the Roy Thomson Hall Stage.
Sandi is a much sought-after guest clinician who has lectured extensively in both Canada and USA. A popular speaker with a great sense of humour, she often presents at OMEA, CBA and the NASSPE, York University, The University of Toronto and McMaster University.
Sandi is best known for her conducting. She has been awarded the OBA Conductor Award and was nominated for the John Philip Sousa Award in the United States.
She is presently conducting the Richmond Hill Concert Band. A lecturer and clinician, adjudicator, performer and conductor; Sandi has established herself as a prominent voice in Music Education and has dedicated her career to inspiring her students.