ZYSO
Est. 2003
ZION YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Ed Candland
Edwin J. Candland began his music education early with piano lessons as a child, and band classes in seventh grade. In ninth grade, he joined the Utah Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra, where he found a love for classical music in general, and full symphony orchestra in particular. In ninth grade he discovered another love, playing music in pit orchestras for musical theater. This enthusiasm has followed him through his entire career. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Utah, and a Master of Music Education degree from Boston University. During studies at U of U, he played trumpet in: the U of U Honors Brass Quintet, U Marching Band, Wind Symphony, U of U Jazz Ensemble, and co-founded the Wasatch Brass Quintet. Mr. Candland started teaching in Washington County School District in 1994, directing choirs and bands at Hurricane High School for six years. In 2000 he began teaching band and orchestra at Pine View High School, taught orchestra at Pine View Middle, and currently teaches band and orchestra at Fossil Ridge Intermediate School. Many doors of opportunity have opened since the beginning of his career, as they do, when one goes into music. Ed Candland has been on staff for the following organizations, among many: John Philip Sousa National High School Honor Band; The American Music Ambassdors honor band; Utah Ambassadors of Music honor band and choir. He is a current member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and the International Society of Bassists (ISB), and is a bassist in the Southwest Symphony Orchestra and the Southwest Symphony Strings.
Kirsten Candland
Kirsten Candland is an accomplished violinist and educator. She studied violin with John Chatelain, Terry S. Hill and Lawrence Sardoni. While concertmaster of the Gunnison Valley High School orchestra, Kirsten performed with the Utah Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Summerhays Youth Philharmonia. She toured Europe with the Rocky Mountain Camerata under Ted and Jack Ashton, and performed as a member of the Southern Utah Youth Symphony directed by June Thorley. While studying at the University of Utah, Kirsten performed with the U of U Symphony orchestra and the Mormon Youth Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, (currently the Orchestra at Temple Square) under the direction of Robert Bowden. She holds a Bachelor degree and a Masters degree in Education from the University of Utah. She presently teaches orchestra at Sunrise Ridge, Desert Hills Middle school and Desert Hills High School, and also maintains a private violin studio. She is a current board member of the American String Teachers of America (ASTA) and the Suzuki Association of Utah
Kiley Kolodziej
Kiley Kolodziej began preparing for a life of musical adventure at the age of seven. Studying privately and through college, she obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah. Kiley has been influenced by many musicians and educators including Kate McLeod, Lynn Rosen, and Xun Sun and has been following in their lead in music education since 2006. With two years as an Elementary Music Educator, nine years in the orchestra programs at the middle school level, and twelve years conducting a private violin studio, Kiley is enthusiastic about the importance of music for all ages. She is currently teaches elementary strings at Legacy Elementary, and orchestra at Tonaquint Intermediate, and Dixie Middle School. Kiley maintains a professional career in performance as well as teaching. She has played in the pit orchestra for several musicals for the Utah Shakespearean Festival, Tuacahn Center for the Arts, and also performed for Busch Gardens Tampa annual Christmas on Ice Shows. She also performs at events and weddings as a soloist or in small ensembles.
April Nielsen
April began playing violin when she was 6 years old. Her love of Orchestra began in 7th grade and grew as she participated all through high school and college. She was able to play with her high school orchestra at the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. She was selected to participate in All State Orchestra and also received many superior ratings at solo festivals. April received the Music Sterling Scholar award as a Senior at Snow Canyon High School and then went on to attend Dixie State on a full music scholarship and was concertmaster for the Dixie State Chamber Orchestra. She has had the opportunity to play many seasons in the pit orchestra at Tuacahn and is currently teaching the orchestra program at Lava Ridge Intermediate School and loving it.
Kamille Brooks, lower strings specialist
Kamille Brooks is a music lover from a very young age, a pianist since age eight, a cellist since age 11, and a music teacher for the last three years. Kamille studied cello through her school years with Larissa Humphries Cello Studio in Bountiful, Utah. She performed in various festivals and competitions, receiving superior ratings and recognition as a young soloist. She also sang with the International Children’s Choir in Salt Lake and toured with them through New York, singing in Carnegie Hall, and later through Italy where she was able to sing for the Pope.
For Kamille, music was always a passionate hobby while she trained and excelled in the medical profession. Three years ago, through a combination of perfect timing and kismet, Kamille became the orchestra and choir director for Hurricane Intermediate School. Since this fortuitous time, Kamille has conducted three superior-rated orchestras and two superior-rated choirs. Kamille knows the importance of music study in the development of adolescents, and finds joy in helping these youth find their ability through instrumental music. She has studied conducting with Dr. Bryant Smith and Dr. David Fullmer. She has also recently become an assistant conductor for the Zion Youth Symphony Orchestra, and looks to continue her conducting and teaching opportunities.
This will be the third season Kamille has participated in DSU’s cello festival and she looks forward to more seasons performing as a member of Cello Society of Southern Utah. She is also a contributing member of the Utah chapter of the American String Teachers Association, an active member of NAfMe and UMEA. She also is the wife of an avid music appreciator and the mother of four lovely string instrumentalist and vocalist daughters.
Audrey Wood, woodwind specialist