K’JIUPUKTUK/HALIFAX, NS – Debut Atlantic is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to the Board of Directors. The Board provides leadership for carrying out Debut Atlantic’s mission to support and facilitate access to innovative, diverse classical and global music performances by Canadian artists through concerts, education, and outreach across Atlantic Canada.

Aaron Prosper is a member of Eskasoni First Nation and resides in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In 2017/2018, Aaron served as President of the Dalhousie Students’ Union, becoming the first Indigenous person to serve in this role. A graduate of Dalhousie’s Bachelor of Science (Neuroscience) program, Aaron was project manager of the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Nation Cancer Care Strategy and was recently hired as Indigenous health consultant for the Nova Scotia Health Authority – making it easier for Mi’kmaq to understand and access health-care programs in the province. Aaron is a member of the Eastern Eagle Singers, a contemporary Mi’kmaw drum group based out of Sipe’knekatik First Nation, and lead vocalist and drummer with Alan Syliboy & The Thundermakers.

For over 20 years, Andrew Mercer has been a pioneer in online music education. Since 2002, he has been teaching music to public school students throughout Newfoundland and Labrador entirely over the Internet. Much of Andrew’s innovative work in technology and music education has been featured in numerous publications and media sources such as Canadian Music Educator, Popular Science, The Wall Street Journal, The Globe & Mail, CNN, Nippon TV, and his educational YouTube channel has over 6.2 million views. Andrew has also had the opportunity to share his work at national and international conferences and symposia including the ISME Conference, TEDx, MTNA National Conference, NAMM and MENC.

Marshall Feit (he/him) operates the Grace Arts Centre in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia. The Grace oversees the operation of the Ice House Gallery and the TataFest Music Festival, an all-ages, alcohol-free, folk & hip-hop festival that prioritizes building community and resources for emerging and professional performers. The Grace also provides diverse, year-round programming that focuses on bringing meaningful cultural experiences to rural Nova Scotia. Marshall is also an editor for Folly House, a rural poetry press, and an organizer for Shelterwood, an annual winter festival focused on raising environmental awareness, mindfulness, and community belonging in Tatamagouche through visual art and music.

Please help us welcome Aaron Prosper, Andrew Mercer, and Marshall Feit!

Debut Atlantic also bids farewell to two extraordinary Board members, Kelly Rice and Erin Barnhardt. Kelly’s voice has been an impactful guide for Debut, and he has helped advise the organization through the pandemic, and into a changed world for music-making. He was a member for 5 years, lending us his expertise in development, governance and so much more.

Erin is an irreplaceable voice, having thoughtfully served on the Board of Directors for the past 6 years. Representing Newfoundland and Labrador, her extensive work as an arts presenter and arts service provider has been invaluable in providing extensive insight and knowledge both at a local and national level. We extend our most sincere thanks to Kelly and Erin, and will never forget their guidance, work, and insight into further developing our organization. Thank you!

For more information on Debut Atlantic’s Board of Directors, please visit www.debutatlantic.ca/about-us/board-administration.