Meet our Adjudicators
Tammy-Jo Mortensen
Piano, Vocal, Choral
Tammy-Jo Mortensen completed a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Alberta and a Master of Music degree in pipe organ performance at McGill University and she has a second master’s degree in Music (Choral Conducting) from the U of A. While studying organ, she was also studying piano and her teachers have included Barbara Mackin-Ritz, Joachim Segger and Grant Maxwell. She has been a collaborative pianist with many soloists across Canada and has accompanied many choirs. She has adjudicated piano, choral, vocal, handbell and speech classes in many cities in Alberta and was an examiner for the Western Board of Music. She served for many years on the Sherwood Park Music Festival board.
As an organist, she has performed organ solo and chamber recitals in Canada, the US, Denmark and England, has been recorded by CBC radio and television. She has recorded one CD of choral, organ, and handbell music. As a harpsichordist, she has worked with many of Canada’s early music specialists and has been performing with the Alberta Baroque Ensemble since 2004. In addition, she has completed many RCM exams in voice.
Tammy-Jo is the conductor of one of the Cosmopolitan Music Society handbell groups. She was chosen as the Canadian conductor for the International Handbell Symposium in Jeju, Korea. She has worked with many groups as an arts administrator, and is the Choir Manager of the Da Camera Singers, and is the music editor for Gathering magazine, (the national worship publication of the United Church of Canada). She teaches at Concordia University and privately and is the curator of a radio show on bigeradio.com
Marek Orszulik
Guitar, Percussion, Classroom Music, Woodwinds
British-Canadian-Polish classical guitarist, Marek Orszulik, is known for his unique programming in performance. A graduate (MMus) of the Birmingham Conservatoire in the UK, he now has a passion for presenting undiscovered historical gems of guitar repertoire and collaborating with some of today’s leading composers. He has given world premier performances of works by Andrew Glover-Whitley, Lauren McCall, Cole Dorchester, and Stuart Beatch, among others. In ensemble, he regularly works with guitarist Tyson Oatway in Duo Nebula and with soprano Whitney Sloan in Duo Coriolis.
In 2025, Marek released his first solo album, Fantazja, covering repertoire by Polish composers from the Renaissance to the present day. Other career highlights include a performance in the presence of His Highness, Aga Khan IV, and a livestream concert for the National Arts Centre of Canada. In addition to his busy teaching and performing schedule, Marek is a respected writer. From 2021 to 2024, Marek wrote and constructed educational material for tonebase, delivering content to musicians and students worldwide. He is currently Editorial Director for MusiCurate.
Daria Puckrin
Violin
Daria Puckrin is a violin teacher and performer based in the Edmonton area. She has been teaching violin for over 20 years and enjoys working with students of all ages, helping them build strong musical foundations and confidence in their playing. In addition to teaching, Daria performs regularly at community events and festivals. She is pleased to be part of this year’s festival and looks forward to hearing the students’ performances.