³Ô¹ÏÍø

Jan. 30, 2025

Laurel Swinden, DMA

Artistic Director

Artist Faculty

An international performer and pedagogue, Dr. Laurel Swinden teaches flute at ³Ô¹ÏÍø, the , the  and the ³Ô¹ÏÍø Academy of Music and Arts. She has appeared in concert around the world - in Peru, Argentina, China, Belgium and the United States as a soloist and as member of the Pan-American Trio and NAFTA Duo. Laurel is the Principal flute of the and Associate Principal Flute/Piccolo of the and freelances with orchestras around Ontario. She has performed with the Memphis Symphony and New World Symphony. 

As a member of the , Laurel co-commissions new works for flute. Her CDs and  promote works for flute by women composers.

Dr. Swinden is sought-after worldwide as a teacher, clinician, and adjudicator. Laurel has taught by invitation in Peru, Mexico, Argentina, China, the US and across Canada. She is a member of the  College of Examiners, examining in person and remote wind RCM examinations. She has been a clinician and adjudicator the CMC National Music Festival, festivals throughout Canada and internationally.  

Laurel and her spouse Kevin are volunteer puppy raisers for the . 

-"Flutist Laurel Swinden has a sweet and distinct tone… Swinden’s lengthy held notes are breathtaking in colour and duration." – The WholeNote

~"The program offers few challenges for a flutist as gifted as Swinden." – Audiophilia.

~"full of vibrant colors and virtuosity" – Alice Ho, composer

Brielle Frost, DA

Artist Faculty

Dr. Brielle Frost is an Assistant professor of Flute at . She has performed and given masterclasses throughout the United States, Peru, Brazil, Italy, Costa Rica & Canada. As an orchestral musician, she is a substitute player with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and has performed with the Valley Symphony Orchestra (TX), Steamboat Symphony Orchestra (CO), Topeka Symphony Orchestra (KS), Midland-Odessa Symphony Orchestra (TX) and the Colorado Dance Theatre Company (CO). Brielle has been a featured soloist with the Opus Chamber Ensemble (TX) and the Bailey Bach Festival (CO). She is a founding member founding member of the NAFTA Duo, PanAmerican Trio and the Ambrosia Flute Trio and has performed throughout  North and South America.  Dr. Frost actively presents performances, clinics and lectures at conventions of the National Flute Association, Texas Music Educators Association, College Music Society Conference and the American Single Reed Summit. Prior to her appointment at Lamar University, Dr. Frost served on the faculty at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley and Western State Colorado University.

Alheli Pimienta

Guest Clinician

Born in Mexico, Alhelí Pimienta is an exhilarating performer who uses music to mentor and motivate emerging flutists, addressing issues of racial tolerance, the importance of community, commitment and self-reliance. She directs an academy of 25 award-winning passionate flutists of all ages and levels in her Flute Sprint International Studio. A proud graduate of the University of Idaho Lionel Hampton School of Music, the Glenn Gould of Music, and a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Toronto, Alheli obtained degrees and certifications, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Flute Performance, a Master’s in Music, and an Artist Diploma in Orchestral Performance. Alhelí is also a certified Royal Conservatory of Music flute teacher and an . 

Stephanie Mara

Collaborative Piano Faculty

Stephanie Mara received an Associate Diploma in Piano Performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor Degree in Piano Performance from ³Ô¹ÏÍø, where she studied with Garth Beckett. She is a collaborative pianist and coach for ³Ô¹ÏÍø, where she works with students majoring in brass, bassoon, clarinet and cello. Stephanie has assisted in master classes with Alain Trudel, Dennis Najoom, James Campbell and Norman Engel and has performed in recital and gala events with Canadian soloists James Campbell, Alistair Kay, Mark Fewer and Jasper Wood. She performs on a regular basis with Guy Few in Canada and the United States. Recording projects include collaborations with flutist Laurel Swinden (Celebrating Women!), a CD of music for flute and piano by women composers and with Guy Few (Vocalise), exploring the instrumental “voice’ of ecstasy through songs without words. Festival and series appearances include the Elora Festival, Festival of the Sound, Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, Barrie Colours of Music, Quad City Arts and Sun River Festival. Stephanie’s broadcast credits encompass Bravo, CBC radio and NPR.

“dazzling technique” (Huntsville Forester)
“artistry, grace and bravado” (Barrie Examiner)
“Tremendous energy, totally engaging…” (The Audience as Critic – Virtuosi Concerts, Winnipeg)