William (Bill) Rolfe, B. Mus.
Most recently Bill Rolfe has been appointment to the teaching faculty of the Guelph School of Music. This is a well-established music school which is now part of the Guelph Youth Music Centre family of programmes. Bill also continues to offer private lessons for woodwind instruments in the Burlington and Hamilton area. Online lessons remain a big part of Bill’s private teaching activities. He is committed to providing engaging and stimulating instruction to all people who have a passion to participate in private studies in the meeting format of their choice.
Bill has been associated with several teaching studios. Most notably he formerly served as a faculty member at the Oakville Branch of the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto. Other former private teaching activities have included providing services for independent schools in Oakville and Hamilton. Bill also directed a private school band programme for several years.
Bill once served on the Faculty of the National Music Camp of Canada. He was also an instructor for a series of Summer Concert Band Workshops offered by McMaster for high school students. Other coaching and clinician activities have included services for local community-based programmes and ensembles throughout the Halton and Hamilton regions. These activities have included working with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets 735 Firebird Squadron in Dundas as a Civilian Instructor. As the Music Director / Band Officer he was the Officer In Charge of the squadron’s band programme. He has also served as an advisor to music festivals in Hamilton and Burlington.
Bill’s music career started while he was still in high school. While a student Bill began teaching privately and performing for several orchestras and bands in the Hamilton area. These freelance activities also included playing for numerous local theatre companies, Big Bands and smaller combo groups that covered all styles of music. He has continued these activities throughout his career.
Bill earned his B.Mus. degree from McMaster University. Bill received awards including McMaster Senate and Graduate Scholarships during his time as a university student. While at McMaster University Bill became a teaching assistant while pursuing postgraduate studies. Other awards include an Ontario Arts Council Scholarship for private studies.
Bill’s interest in music and technology involves him in activities that simultaneously embrace both fields. These interests include his work as an engraver in the music publishing industry. Bill continues to actively offer his services as a recording engineer. Bill has done highly sophisticated multi-track recordings as well as simple stereo recordings. He has recorded audio projects for various local ensembles of all styles and sizes.
Bill became the Music Director for the Dundas Concert Band in 1985. Bill was also the Associate Conductor for the Lincoln Concert Band for several years. Bill has also offered a band programme that utilized synthesizers and sampled audio backing tracks to accompany and interact with the musicians in the band. He has also provided conducting services for several other ensembles.
Bill has many interests outside of his music career. These include astronomy, photography and computer technology.