About Rich

 Rich Dubé, S.V.M., M. Ed., B. Mus. Mus. Ed.

Rich Dubé has been taught music at inner city schools in Saskatoon for 15 years. Both his Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal middle years and high school students put their heart and soul into creating their very own Native American style flutes. They take great pride in learning how to play a version of the authentic instrument that was created by North America’s First People. He is currently teaching music in French at École canadienne-française in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

He has studied teaching music through the Orff approach at the University of Saskatchewan and University of Alberta in Edmonton. Richard has had the privilege of studying with Professor Jos Wuytack from Belgium, subsequently receiving his Masters Certification in Orff Shulwerk. Richard has completed his Level III of the World Music Drumming course that is held annually at Oconomowoc, WI. Richard has also received his diploma as a PianoClub/Keyboard Club teacher from Yamaha Music Canada Ltd. He has enjoyed using this group method of instruction with at-risk students in the Heart of the City Piano Program. Richard's earned his Level I certificate in drum circle facilitation at the Facilitators Playshop with Arthur Hull at Camp Mokuleia on the island of Ohau, Hawaii. Richard took HealthRhythms training with Dr. Barry Bittman and Music Therapist, Christine Stevens. He looks forward to sharing his newly developed skills with his colleagues and using them in his work with the"Circle of Peace".

Richard has served as President of the Saskatchewan Chapter of Carl Orff Canada, Director of Region 4 for the Saskatchewan Music Educators Association and he is a member of the Music, Drama, and Dance Committee for the Saskatoon Public School Division. Richard was selected as the recipient of the Kirkpatrick Travel Award for 2000-2001. He used this award to further network and train with World Music Drumming enthusiasts from across North America. In the fall of 2001, the Saskatchewan Music Educators Association awarded him the "Outstanding Achievement Award" for his work with the Heart of the City Piano Program and the Circle of Peace. In 2003, Richard was recognized by the Saskatoon Preschool Foundation and received an award as an “Educator of Distinction”. Richard founded and developed theHeart of the City Piano Program, a volunteer piano program that provides piano lessons for over 250 at-risk children in 5 cities across Saskatchewan, as well as in Edmonton and Ottawa. Richard’s started the Circle of Peace in 2000. This program is in its eleventh year of World Music Drumming with at-risk youth living in disadvantaged situations. Richard has recently been awarded a Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan. This medal recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to our province and is a symbol of the pride and vision of Saskatchewan and its people. Richard is an ardent Music Advocate and works hard to promote quality music education for all Saskatchewan students. He believes that music helps us to connect to the Spirit within in a way that helps us to ground ourselves spiritually and emotionally, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

You can check out the programs for youth who are at risk of not meeting their full potential at their web sites:

Ø      Heart of the City Piano Program:www.heartofthecity.ca

Ø     Circle of Peace:www.heartofthecity.ca/circleofpeace.html

 Brief Resumé