PAINTING AND CRAFTS
Stef Pham, is a multidisciplinary artist originally from Colombia who calls Canada her forever home. Implementing acrylic she presents a vibrant touch of art that inspires and reflects nature, life and abstract elements with the goal of creating something beautiful. Throughout her life, art has been the voice to express her joy, sadness and deepest thoughts; after becoming a mother she found a new passion in her art and is now determined to make a positive impact with any interaction involving her craft, she has been a painting instructor to dozens of children and adults alike, her pieces tell a story that goes beyond the two dimensions. You can see some of her work at: https://stefpham7.wordpress.com/
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This class will be dynamic and filled with creativity, kids and teens will learn the meaning and utilization of concepts such as: composition, depth of field, colour usage and exploration of new brush techniques, while creating vibrant and beautiful pieces they can take home to feel inspired and motivated at their work and achievements!
Having in mind the age gap of each group, this class will be adjusted to the level of understanding of the children facilitating the enjoyment and participation of all the students.
THEATRE
confidence, creativity, leadership, and cultural connection for young people.
With experience across Africa, Asia, and Canada, Thandi has led youth workshops, theatre programs, leadership initiatives, and community education projects focused on identity, wellness, inclusion, and creative expression. She is a former 2x Malaysian National Public Speaking Champion and emerging professional with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra under
the Unganisha Project, experienced emcee, debate leader, and performer with a background in theatre, dance, music, and storytelling.
Thandi is passionate about creating safe, interactive, and grounded spaces where children and youth can learn, grow, and feel empowered to use their voices with confidence.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Courage • Confidence • Be Bold
This exciting performing arts class invites children to discover their voice, build self-confidence, and express themselves through theatre, music, movement, storytelling, and collaborative play.
● Drama games & theatre activities
● Lion-themed storytelling adventures
● Spoken word & confidence-building exercises
● Music, rhythm & movement
● Team challenges & creative play
Children will work together to create “Courage Jungle”, a fun and uplifting final performance
celebrating bravery, teamwork, creativity, and self-expression.
Designed for all experience levels, this program helps children:
● Build confidence and public speaking skills
● Strengthen creativity and communication
● Develop teamwork and leadership abilities
● Improve stage presence and self-expression
● Feel seen, encouraged, and empowered in a supportive environment
Led by Dr. Thandi Mphoka (educator, storyteller, youth mentor, and performing arts facilitator) this camp combines creativity, wellness, and community-centered learning to help every child
find their roar.
DRUMS
Mark Calis is a veteran drummer and percussionist who has been in music since a child; dancing and just loving the beat of songs as a young boy. Mark always drummed in the air to songs He heard and knew he wanted to play the drums. At 8 years old he took piano as a starter
instrument thus learning theory and the count of notes in music. His dad bought him a drum set at the age of 14 and drumming became a passion for Mark; practicing hours a day after school and jamming with friends. Mark has taught now for over thirteen years people of all ages and wants to always bring his expertise and knowledge of this amazingly fun instrument to everyone that wants to learn the art of drums and percussion.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Play and have fun is number one! In the class, music will be an integral part of learning the instrument; learning the songs the student wants to play is essential in the growth of a drummer. The student will always be engaged in music theory and drum rudiments that will enhance the overall development of the student’s academic understanding of percussion. Students will learn how to read notes and count them and grasp rhythmical concepts to take them to amazing heights.
MUSIC AND ARTS
Joy Andaya is a music and arts educator who teaches voice, piano, guitar, painting, and drawing. She has been singing and taking music lessons since the age of six and has developed a deep appreciation for the impact that music can have on people’s lives, emotions,and personal growth.
Joy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree. She is passionate about creating welcoming and supportive learning environments where students feel encouraged to explore their creativity, develop confidence, and discover what music and art mean to them personally. Her teaching philosophy centers on helping students build strongfoundational skills while fostering self-expression, imagination, and a lifelong love of the arts.
Joy believes that every student has unique talents and potential. Through engaging and age-appropriate instruction, she strives to make music and visual arts accessible, enjoyable, and meaningful for learners of all backgrounds and experience levels. Whether teaching a beginner’s first notes on an instrument, guiding a young singer, or encouraging creativity through painting and drawing, Joy is dedicated to helping students experience the joy and accomplishment that come from artistic growth.
In addition to her work as an educator, Joy is passionate about the connection between music and well-being. Her long-term goal is to become a music professor and advocate for the use of music as a powerful tool for mental health, personal growth, and human connection. She is deeply grateful for the opportunity to share her passion for music and the arts and to support students on their own creative journeys.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
- Beginner-friendly music and art classes designed for younger children and beginner students.
- Students will explore creativity through piano, voice, guitar, painting, and drawing in a fun, supportive, and encouraging environment.
- Music students will develop foundational skills such as rhythm, pitch, listening, technique, and musical expression through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
- Art students will create simple, step-by-step projects inspired by everyday objects, animals, nature, and imaginative themes.
- Classes focus on building confidence, creativity, self-expression, fine motor skills, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
- Lessons are tailored to each student’s age, abilities, and learning goals.
- No previous music or art experience is required.
Foley Art & Sound Explorations
Derek Haussecker is an artist and musician from Calgary, Alberta. He works through a variety of mediums including painting, drawing, sound, video, installation and performance. His audio-based practice often addresses the relationships between the body in the creation/perception of sound. His visual art practice utilizes rhythm, pattern and movement to form dream-like imagery into compositions highlighting a sense of motion or action. He graduated from the Alberta University of
Art in 2023, with a BFA in Media Art. He is a percussionist, educator and active member of the local music scene. Performing in a number of groups but most notably with Calgary-based indie rock band Bad Bodies, and touring with Polaris Prize winning artist, Yves Jarvis, through Europe and the UK in September of 2022.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
In this workshop students will learn about the use of sound in a narrative context.
● Beginning with an overview of foley art and sound fx, understanding the role that these play within storytelling to enhance imagery and elaborate settings and actions.
● Students will have an opportunity to explore sounds and engage with them in a meaningful way, responding to prompts asking what they are hearing, and what imagery or ideas these sounds evoke
● After a large group discussion, we will break into smaller groups with the task of finding sounds for the use of storytelling.
● Students will then be prompted to craft a story and use a variety of unique sounds to aid this narrative process or tell the story solely using sound.
● This playful and oftentimes loud, workshop will expand upon understanding of the role that sound plays within our lives and art as well as creating an opportunity to be creative and explore these ideas in a practical way.
PIANO AND ARTS
Marie is a classically trained vocalist and multi-instrumentalist with a Junior Specialist Diploma in Music Education from Kamianske Music College, Ukraine. She specializes in classical and jazz singing and also teaches piano, violin, ukulele, and beginner guitar. Marie is a jazz performer and a songwriter who helps students develop their creativity, stage presence, and songwriting skills, using game-based learning to keep students motivated and engageWith over 7 years of teaching experience, Marie has worked with students of all ages and backgrounds. She has taught privately in Ukraine, led preschool music classes in Thailand with groups of up to 30 children, and spent the past three years teaching in Calgary.While studying music, Marie also attended art school. She loves painting oil portraits and sketching with ink. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and visiting art galleries around the world.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Vocal
Singing your favorite songs
- Breathing and vocal exercises
- Pitch and rhythm training
- Building confidence and stage presence
Piano
Learning songs and pieces
- Reading music
- Technique and finger exercises
- Rhythm and ear training
Violin
Proper posture and bow technique
- Learning songs and pieces
- Reading music
- Developing tone and musical expression
Ukulele
Basic chords and strumming patterns
- Playing popular songs
- Rhythm exercises
- Playing and singing together
Guitar
Chords and strumming techniques
- Learning songs
- Basic music reading and tablature
- Rhythm and finger coordination
Music Theory
Reading music
- Understanding rhythm and notation
- Scales, chords, and harmony
- Ear training and musical games
Preschool Music Lessons
Singing and movement
- Rhythm games
- Creative musical play
- Exploring instruments and sounds
Drawing
Sketching and observation
- Shading techniques
- Perspective and composition
- Drawing people, animals, and objects
Watercolor Painting
Color mixing
- Brush techniques
- Layering and washes
- Painting landscapes, flowers, and more
Acrylic Painting
Color theory
- Blending and texture techniques
- Painting on canvas
- Creating finished artworks from start to finish
BEGINNERS KNITTING
FOR AGES 6-14
Pascale Lessard .
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Learn the Basics: Knit Your First Row!
Class Length: 30-60 minutes daily for a week
Goal: By the end of the class, students will be able to cast on, knit basic stitches, complete a few rows, and bind off. They will know how to hold the needles to avoid losing stitches, and how to fix errors in the process.
🪑 Setup & Materials (10 mins)
Each student needs:
- A pair of medium-size knitting needles (US size 8) & corresponding yarn
2. Step 1: Cast On (10–15 mins)
- The “thumb method”
- Practice casting on 10 stitches.
3. Step 2: The Knit Stitch (15–20 mins):
- In through the front door (needle through stitch)
- Around the back (wrap yarn)
- Out through the window (pull loop through)
- And off jumps Jack (slide stitch off)
- Practice one row. Repeat for 4-5 rows.
4. Step 3: Binding Off (10 mins)
- How to bind off once you have enough rows.
- Knit two stitches, lift the first over the second, repeat.
GUITAR
Pascale Lessard .
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Theme: Learn 3–4 basic chords, rhythm styles (rock & Spanish), and play simple songs
🔹 Setup
- Tuning with the piano or by ear
- Name the strings (EADGBE)
🔹 Learn Basic Chords
- Teach G, C, D, and Em (easy beginner chords)
- Practice finger placement and pressing clean notes
- Use chord diagrams on board or handouts
🔹 Chord Switching Drill
- Practice switching between 2 chords (e.g., G ↔ C, G ↔ D)
- Slowly build to quicker transitions
🔹 Strumming Rhythms
- Downstrokes and upstrokes, 2 rhythm styles:
- Rock: Down-down-up-up-down-up
- Spanish-style: Rasgueado (finger flicks)
Play Simple Songs (2–4 chords)
Choose songs kids can recognize and sing along to:
- 🎵 “Three Little Birds” (A, D, E)
🎵 “Horse with No Name” (Em, D6)