Jenna Figueiredo
Vocal

Jenna started singing a dancing since the age of 3 and It's been full speed ahead ever since. Starting with the Mississauga Children's choir and dance lessons her love for performing grew stronger. She went to the Etobicoke School of the Arts where she got to play "Rosie" in Bye Bye Birdie and perform for Stephen Sondheim at the Liberty Grand. She attended Sheridan Institutes's prestigious Music Theatre Performance program and has been performing ever since. Her well rounded experience in all levels of performance has helped to make her a better teacher, which is something she loves as much as performing and constantly challenges herself week to week to make sure her students get the kind of lessons that will make them better musicians and artists. She is thrilled to be a part of The Rock School and is excited to be a part of this amazing school.

 

Jason Wilford
Guitar

Video Clip

Jason has been playing guitar for over 10 years, and has experience in live performance, songwriting, recording, and touring. He attended Humber College in 2006 for a one year program in Jazz, and received his certificate with Honours. He currently plays and tours in his band Keepin’6, who have recently released an album nationally on the Stereo Dynamite Recordings (EMI) label. Jason’s playing style incorporates Jamaican rhythms, with a punk-rock edge. His other influences range from jazz and blues, to 90’s alternative, funk, and (some) metal.

Link to Jasons Keepin'6 Myspace Site

 

Mark Vella
Drums/Percussion

Video Clip

Mark is a teacher for the Dufferin-Peel board. He has been playing for over thirty years, and has been teaching students for over twenty years. His musical styles include multiple genres from rock, to jazz, to classical. In addition to drum set, Mark also plays other percussion instruments including: vibraphone, and hand drums. Mark has studied with various artists over the years, most recently he attended a one week percussion workshop at Johnson State College, Vermont where he participated in master classes with some of the world’s leaders in percussion such as: Carmine Appice, Gregg Bissonette, and Dom Famularo. Mark is active in the music circuit; he plays in a number of bands including 9th Street. He also has a strong RCM background in piano, and theory.

 

Amanda Vella
Vocals/Piano

 

Before Amanda could talk she could sing, music has been her passion in life since she was a small child. Coincidentally, that is when she started studying music. Studying piano and vocal for her whole life has led Amanda to her successful completion of numerous RCM examinations (vocal/piano/theory). She is also an active participant in the Brampton-Caledon/Peel music festival competitions. The Mayfield Regional Arts Program (R.A.P Program) has been the foundation to Amanda’s success in the vocal community, participating in multiple chamber, and mass choirs in Brampton and Caledon. 

 

Dave Ljubanovich
Guitar

Dave has been studying, performing and recording music for 10 years.  He has recently graduated with honors from the Independent Music Production program at Seneca College in 2007.  He has an extensive musical background ranging from European folk music to heavy metal. He currently is playing, recording and touring with his band, The Underworld, and are in the process of releasing their second CD. His main playing styles are Rock, Blues, Country and Heavy Metal.

 

Mary-Anne Braganca
Piano Instructor

The two passions in Mary-Anne's life are music and children. She has been studying music since the age of 4 and has achieved a Grade X cetificate in piano studies. As a wedding musican, Mary-Anne enjoys meeting new people and sharing her talents. Working with children is an element of Mary-Anne's past, present, and future. Not only has she taught piano in the past but, she continues to dedicate her life to helping children learn through her vocation as a certified elementary school teacher. Being a new school teacher excites Mary-Anne because it allows her to share her passion for learning and her zest for life. Mary-Anne is looking forward to being a part of your journey as you explore music and all it has to offer!