Sponsored by Cindy Lapeña & John MacLean

A graduate of UPEI’s Bachelor of Music program, Jessica is currently active as a hornist, singer, and collaborator based out of Halifax, NS. Jessica competed twice in the Kiwanis Music Festival, and both times went on to represent PEI in the brass and winds category at the National Music Festival of Canada, also performing at the Indian River Music Festival. In 2019, she received the Suzanne Brenton Award and was invited to play with the PEI Symphony Orchestra as a featured soloist in their opening concert for the 2022 season.

Currently Jessica is a co-director for the Halifax Queer Ensemble. She has also helped in roles as assistant or guest conductors for various small ensembles and groups over the years. During her time at UPEI, Jessica studied choral and instrumental conducting, directed the UPEI Multicultural Choir, and led UPEI choir and chamber ensemble as a guest conductor. With experience in classical, contemporary, and popular music, Jessica has performed with a variety of ensembles in the Maritimes including the PEI Symphony Orchestra, Luminos Ensemble, the Halifax Camerata Singers, Galileo Chamber Choir, Eastern Horizon, Nova Sinfonia, the Confederation Brass Quintet, and the UPEI Wind Ensemble.

Apart from musical pursuits, Jessica has a background in technical support and works in a coach role at Blue Ocean Contact Centers, overseeing a team of agents and supporting them to improve performance and meet short- and long-term goals, while managing risk for the company and client and communicating between teams. Outside of work, she loves her cat and has passion for cooking, technology, and fitness.