Kevin Willms is Director, Artistic and Educational Development for Music Mentors International. Kevin is currently on personal leave. Direct any inquiries to Ardith or Dale.
Kevin Willms was born and raised in Calgary. In June of 2018, he finally “graduated” after teaching instrumental and choral music for the Calgary Board of Education for 31 years. During this time, his ensembles consistently performed at “Superior” levels and received much recognition for their outstanding performances at local and international music festivals. His ensembles commissioned several new works for wind band and jazz ensemble and performed across Canada and the USA as well as in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Spain, China and Cuba.
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Mr. Willms has been the Artistic Director of the Westwinds Music Society for 22 years. Westwinds is an adult community music organization dedicated to providing exceptional music education to adults of all levels of experience (www.westwindsmusic.org)
The Calgary Association for the Development of Music Education, recognized internationally as CADME was formed in 2003 with Mr. Willms as its founding President. He continues to serve in this role. CADME is a not-for-profit charity born from the vision of dedicated music educators committed to enhancing and expanding music education for all students in the Calgary region and beyond (www.cadme.ca).
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Mr. Willms is active as a clinician, guest conductor and adjudicator. He has been the recipient of numerous awards: the Elkhorn Award from the Alberta Band Association, David Peterkin Memorial Award from Phi Beta Mu, Pan Canadian Students Choice Award, Excellence in Teaching Award and the Tommy Banks Award, which recognizes his long-term contribution to music education in Alberta. He was named Educator of the Year by the Calgary Educational Partnership Foundation. In December 2017, Mr. Willms was inducted as Laureate to the John Philip Sousa Legion of Honor.
Mentorship and contributing to the broader development of music education has always been an important priority for Mr. Willms. He is very proud to be the Director of Artistic and Educational Development for Music Mentors International. This unique organization specializes in providing music educators with intensive workshops in rehearsal techniques as well as pedagogical concepts designed to assist teachers in building the best ensembles and musical communities possible (www.mmiachieve.com).