Sarah Poon, BMus - Cello, Theory, Beginning Piano

Sarah (Tippett) Poon is a music educator, performer, conductor and freelance musician. She began her musical studies on violoncello, studying for many years under John Doerksen and later under Eric Wilson at the University of British Columbia. It was during her undergraduate years at UBC that Sarah fell in love with playing baroque ‘cello and discovered the satisfying beauty of the viola da gamba.

Sarah performs all over the Lower Mainland and on the Sunshine Coast with Vancouver Viols (of which she is a founding member), Grace Notes String Quartet (which she manages), and as a continuo team with her harpsichord-playing husband, David. In addition to performance on ‘cello and viol, she conducted the Coast Chamber Strings, Sunshine Coast Youth Strings, Sunshine Coast Introductory Strings for 7 seasons and continues to direct the Coast Messiah Orchestra, and Coast Messiah Choir, all while maintaining an active teaching studio of more than forty students on the Sunshine Coast and in Vancouver.

Now entering her twenty seventh year of teaching, Sarah’s growing studio of students continues to delight and challenge her to grow alongside them. She is passionate about teaching and about cello-playing in general, and it is her goal to grow that passion in each of her students.

For the past two years, Sarah has also been our piano teacher for young beginners. With her playful approach to the instrument, young pianists will get to know the instrument, basic concepts of music theory and note-reading, and form a solid foundation for their musical studies.

When not teaching or making music, Sarah enjoys puzzling, reading, and watching reruns of Doctor Who. She resides in beautiful Gibsons, BC, with David and their four young children.

David Poon, BMus, ARCT, BCRMT - Piano, Theory

David Poon is a professional organist, harpsichordist, and pianist in demand for performances on the Sunshine Coast and around the Lower Mainland. He owes his enjoyment of music to the fantastic foundation his first piano teacher laid for him, and is pleased to be able to pass that on to anyone else making the decision to learn a musical instrument.

Using RCM syllabi as a basis for repertoire and technical exercises, David aims to develop keyboard fluency through targeted practice methods and careful cultivation of good habits. Historical and theoretical aspects of both the piano and music in general are covered.

David is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers' Association and holds diplomas from both the University of British Columbia and the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. He is currently organist at St. John's Vancouver Anglican Church; pianist for Choralations Childrens Choir and Pender Harbour Community Choir; and music director for Coast Messiah Choir, MOTET chamber choir, and Vespersong.

His transcription projects include barless editions of Tomkins' sacred works, video game boss battle music, and Messiaen for viols. Outside of teaching, performing, arranging, and composing, his interests include owning too many board games, waxing poetic about cheese, and inflicting modes of limited transposition upon his wife Sarah and four young children.

Lessons in harpsichord and organ, especially improvisation, are also offered.

 

Caitlin Beaupre, BMus, MMus - Piano, Voice