Our music program at SDSS is lucky to have very dedicated and passionate music teachers.
Ms. K. Regier
Kelsey Regier is the head of music at Stratford District Secondary School and teaches instrumental music classes. She directs the Symphonic Band (Gr. 10-12), Concert Band (Gr. 9), Jazz Stage Band, and oversees the Music Council. Ms. Regier graduated with her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Western Ontario in 2019 and Bachelor of Education in 2021. She previously taught instrumental music in the Thames Valley District School Board in London, Ontario before moving to SDSS in September, 2024.
Ms. Regier's primary instrument is the clarinet and she has performed in competitive ensembles at the provincial and national level. Prior to teaching in the school board system, Ms. Regier taught a private studio of clarinet, saxophone, flute, and piano students for eight years, which allowed her to enjoy teaching a wide variety of skill levels and ages. This included preparing many students for post-secondary auditions. She has taught music in a wide variety of settings including in elementary schools, Montessori schools, inner city secondary schools, and rural secondary schools. Ms. Regier has also previously been a guest lecturer at the International Music Festival in Loja, Ecuador.
Currently, Ms. Regier serves on the board of directors for the Ontario Music Educators’ Association as university liaison. In this role she frequently provides workshops and networking opportunities for aspiring music educators at the post-secondary level. She is also a member of the Ontario Band Association and Canadian Music Educators’ Association. She continues to enjoy teaching a small studio of private students and performs with the Wellington Winds Symphony.
Mr. M. Weston
Matt Weston is an accomplished music educator and multi-instrumentalist who teaches guitar and instrumental music at Stratford District Secondary School. With a Bachelor of Music from the University of Western Ontario and a Diploma in Audio Recording Technology from Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology, Mr. Weston brings valuable musical knowledge and technical expertise to his classroom.
Drums serve as his primary instrument, though Mr. Weston began his musical journey on saxophone and also plays guitar, bass, and piano. This versatility helps him connect with students across various musical interests. His teaching career with the Avon Maitland District School Board began in 2007, including positions teaching music at South Huron District High School and Stratford Central before joining Stratford District Secondary School.
Beyond teaching, Mr. Weston maintains an active presence in the regional music scene, regularly performing on drums with various bands. He has received multiple nominations in the producer and rock band categories of the Forest City London Music Awards and won in the Folk/Roots category in 2019.
Mr. Weston is actively involved with both the Ontario Music Educators' Association and the Audio Engineering Society, having contributed articles for OMEA and presented at meetings for both organizations. As a passionate music producer with his own home recording studio, he regularly creates music projects, bringing contemporary production techniques directly into his teaching approach and providing students with insights into both performance and technical aspects of today's music industry.