WHO WE ARE

PASO Executive

DEAN BERNIER

Director/Conductor

Dean Bernier has been playing the violin since he was twelve years old.  He specialized in old tyme fiddle, but holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan where he played classical violin and viola.  He officially started Bernier Music in 1990 in Prince Albert and has taught students of various ages, from every western Canadian province including the USA.  Dean is a multi-award winning musician, former Saskatchewan Fiddle Champion, and SCMA 2003 Humanitarian of the Year recipient. After writing the orchestra curriculum in 2003, Dean continues to teach school. He is also the founder and director/conductor of the Prince Albert String Orchestra (PASO), which has played for a variety of events in Prince Albert and the surrounding area.  PASO welcomes string players of all ages, practicing once a week at the Rivier Academy auditorium.  Working in several weekend bands, Dean is always willing to do studio work or freelance, whenever called upon.

ADELE GAUDET

President

Fransaskoise from St-Isidore-de-Bellevue, grade 8 homeroom teacher at ECF-PGD, theatre alumna of the University of Ottawa, education alumna of the University of Regina, and current student of the University of Calgary seeking a Masters in Education.
Adele's interests lie in the fine arts, especially theatre and music.  A former student of Dean Bernier's from 1994 to 2006 and PASO member off and on since 1996, she was elected president for the first time for the 2016-2017 season. Adele is looking forward to continuing in her position as president and helping to create one of our best seasons yet!
"Good teaching is one-fourth preperation and three-fourths pure theatre." - Gail Godwin

MAUREEN SAFINUK

Vice-President

Bio coming soon!

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

JOY BEAM

Secretary

Joy Beam was born and raised near Shellbrook, SK. She received early instruction in piano from Darcy Piguet. She then studied with Billie-Jean Thompson and Lorna Gibson, eventually completing her ARCT in Piano Pedagogy. Joy has had several years of piano teaching experience in Shellbrook and Prince Albert. She instructs using a variety of approaches tailored to the individual and finds no greater reward than to pass on her love of music to her students. Joy also plays the violin/fiddle and guitar. She joined PASO in 2012 and thoroughly enjoys the positive and energetic learning atmosphere. Joy served as Vice President for PASO last year and is looking forward to another fulfilling season on the executive team.

HAYLEY JOHNSTON

Treasurer

Bio coming soon!