Music Director

Peter Wenzek began his music career at the age of five in Calgary, studying clarinet with Glen Montgomery. Later he studied with Stan Climie and Steve Amsel, and made stops with the Calgary Youth Orchestra and the University of Calgary. He left home to study clarinet performance with Wes Foster at the University of British Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Music. Wishing to share his passion for music with others, Peter then pursued a Bachelor of Education at UBC.

Peter has taught music in schools in Maple Ridge, North Vancouver, and Burnaby, and at the college level at Capilano University. Since 1994 he has led concert bands, jazz bands, string orchestras, and marching bands at Burnaby North Secondary School. His ensembles consistently achieve high ratings at music festivals. Peter’s groups have toured in British Columbia, Alberta, California, Washington State, and Cuba. Some of his past students now work as professional musicians, composers, and educators.

In 2003, Peter completed his Master of Science (Arts and Letters) at the American Band College at Southern Oregon University. In 2007, the University of Manitoba bestowed him with an award for “Significant Contribution to Excellence in Teaching.”

Peter has served as music director for twelve musical theatre productions, including Metro Theatre’s 2011 production of 42nd Street. He spent 10 years playing clarinet with the Pacific Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and has played with the West Coast Symphony Orchestra on many occasions.

Since 1990, Peter has been a member of the British Columbia Music Educators’ Association, and a member and board member of the British Columbia Band Association. He has been the woodwind coach for the New Westminster Symphony Orchestra for more than 20 years.

In his spare time, he is an active curler, both as a player and as a teacher of the sport.