Karin Fehlauer
Department Head – Violin, Suzuki Violin, Viola
Karin Fehlauer is well known as a music teacher and performer in the Chilliwack area. She has taught privately and at Alberta College, and is now String Department Advisor at the Chilliwack Academy of Music. Recent performances include appearances with the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra, the Festival of Trees, and The Mikado with the Fraser Valley Stage Society. Ms. Fehlauer holds her Licentiate from Trinity College, England in both violin and piano, and has completed extensive Suzuki training at Western Washington University and at various workshops in the Pacific Northwest. She is the string section coordinator for the Lions Club Music Festival, and is a long-time member of the local BCRMTA. Ms. Fehlauer is an enthusiastic and dedicated teacher who believes in the power of music to make a positive impact on each and every student’s life.
Gwyneth Jones
Violin, Suzuki Violin, Viola
Gwyneth Jones works part-time at the Chilliwack Library and teaches Suzuki Violin through the Chilliwack Academy of Music. As well as performing with Rob O’Brennan, she teaches beginning fiddlers at the Pacific Fiddle College and performs with the Chilliwack Symphony Orchestra and the Burnaby Symphony Orchestra.
Ken Nachtigal
Cello
Ken Nachtigal is a graduate of the Victoria Conservatory of Music and Camosun College, having received an associate degree in cello performance. His teachers have included Walter Neufeld, James Hunter, Sydney Humphreys, and Ian Hampton. Mr. Nachtigal has given solo recitals in Victoria, Winnipeg, and the lower mainland of BC. He has also performed with professional orchestras in various cities. In addition to his experience as a cellist and musician, Mr. Nachtigal has Bachelor and Masters degrees in education and teaches in the Chilliwack School District.
Nilan Ritter
Guitar (rock/jazz/blues/country)
Nilan Ritter has spent 30 years traveling extensively throughout Europe and North America as a musician, teacher and clinician. Mr. Ritter has performed in numerous settings ranging from the Whatcom County Symphony Orchestra to a Jerry Lee Lewis tour and everything in between. Nilan’s education includes attending the Berklee School of Music, The Guitar Institute of Technology and the Guitar Study Center. Mr. Ritter is also a faculty member of the National Guitar Workshop, has taught at major universities in both the United States and Canada and was the owner and head instructor at the Langley Music Connection. Nilan’s love of the guitar and teaching is immediately apparent to each of his students and he is comfortable teaching in all styles.
Rod Swanson
Guitar (rock/classical), Banjo, Ukulele
Rod Swanson has had many years of experience performing solo guitar in concerts and in the hospitality industry in Western Canada. During that time, he has developed a wide repertoire to accommodate many situations. Since Mr. Swanson has moved to the West Coast, he has performed with Alexander Maier and participates in Early Music Groups and churches. Mr. Swanson also teaches guitar and keyboard throughout the Fraser Valley.
Alisa van Dijk
Violin, Suzuki Violin, Viola
Alisa began studying the violin at the age of seven. In 2008 she completed a Master of Music in violin performance at UBC where she studied with Paul Kling, Eugenia Choi and Joan Blackman. She has participated in several master classes, including the Banff International Festival, Orford Arts Centre, and the Mozarteum in Salzburg. Alisa has performed in many solo and chamber recitals, as well as orchestral engagements in Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. She enjoys playing as a freelance musician. Alisa is active both as a performer and violin teacher, teaching students in the Suzuki and RCM method, as well as fiddling and modern music.