Concert Band of Kanata

Mary Blais

For more than twenty years, Mary Blais has contributed to the community music scene in Ottawa as a performer, educator and conductor. A long time resident, she is a graduate of the University of Ottawa with degrees in Music and Education, focusing on piano and trumpet performance, as well as conducting. Over the past year she continued her studies by attending the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL. Her conducting credits include collaborations with Ottawa River Youth Band, Gloucester Community Concert Band, Nepean Concert Band, as well as the Grande Orchestra di Fiati Città di Grottole and the Concerto Bandistico Città Di Montalbano Jonico in Matera, Italy. 

In 2012, Mary co-founded the Concert Band of Kanata (CBoK), an adult community ensemble where she serves as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor. Now with a complement of over 50 members, CBoK strives to present high quality music while maintaining a fun yet focused environment. The ensemble plays an active role in Ottawa’s musical landscape with an average of 10 performances annually in the community, including appearances at seniors’ facilities and collaborations with various youth programs. Additionally, CBoK travels to the State of New York annually as a regular participant in the Lake George Community Band Festival, an event that attracts ensembles from all over the United States and Canada. 

Mary has taught in the Ottawa Catholic School Board since 2003, is the Head of Music at Holy Trinity High School, and runs courses in both Instrumental and Vocal Music as well as Guitar and a music class specifically designed for students with special needs. Her acclaimed ensembles have garnered awards from both regional and national competitions, including five Gold-standing awards from Musicfest Canada, the largest festival of its kind in Canada.