Victoria Sparks holds a bachelor of Music and Education from the University of Manitoba, where her teachers included Jauvon Gilliam and Rob Gardner. In 2010, Sparks graduated from Butler University, where she had the opportunity to study under Jon Crabiel, completing a Masters in Percussion Performance. Victoria has also had instruction from Craig Hentrick, Julie Spencer, Johnny Lee Lane and Jack Van Geem. She has had the honour of performing with many wonderful colleagues including Beverly Johnston, Dr. Catherine Wood, Dr. Laura Loewen & Eric Platz and has worked as a technical consultant for Dame Evelyn Glennie on several occasions. Sparks has been an active performer and music educator in Winnipeg and during her studies at Butler University.
In 2010, Sparks was appointed the Coordinator of Percussion Studies at Brandon University where she currently teaches percussion techniques, directs the percussion ensemble, and runs a private studio. She also runs the percussion studio at the University of Manitoba and directs their percussion ensemble, as well as teaching at the Canadian Mennonite University. She is the founder and director of the Prairie Percussion Workshop, an education and performance based event for percussion students in middle and high school. Sparks performs regularly with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, the Brandon Chamber Players, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Groundswell New Music Series. Sparks has been an active performer and music educator in Winnipeg and during her studies at Butler University.
Victoria has worked with wind, brass and percussion players in the Pembina Trails School Division and the River East Transcona School Division as a music educator at the middle and high school levels. She has coached mixed chamber ensembles at Brandon University and adjudicated solo and ensemble players at the Saskatoon Music Festival and the Manitoba Band Association Level One Festival.
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Brandon University