MEET PAUL SYLVESTER

Paul Sylvester completed his Master’s in Music Education at VanderCook College in Chicago, Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto, and Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario. His career spanned 32 years as Curriculum Leader of Music at both Albert Campbell CI and Dr Norman Bethune CI, including a tenure as Instructional Leader of Music at the Toronto District School Board.

Paul creates an open and inviting environment for student musicians, with a philosophy of inclusion that has resulted in countless students continuing their studies of music at a post-secondary level. He has led numerous special projects to cultivate meaningful musical experiences for his students, including conducting the TDSB All City Orchestra, and Camp Director for Music By the Lake, welcoming 400 students every year from across the Board.

At Albert Campbell he coordinated annual recording sessions culminating in six full-length CDs of band repertoire and produced five full-scale live musical productions. Paul has published arrangements for concert band and chamber music for low brass ensembles, expanding the performance opportunities for more young musicians.

He brings a wealth of knowledge to both band and string pedagogy, working with groups of all types for festival preparation, enrichment programs, and ensemble work. An active performer on both Tuba and Double Bass, Paul is a member of various ensembles in the GTA, reflecting his firm belief that performance is a fundamental part of each student's music education.

For 25 years, Paul was a member of the Royal Regiment of Canada. Now retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and the TDSB, Paul continues to maintain a busy schedule of teaching and performing.