The Adjudicators

Caitlin O'Connor is a versatile multi-instrumentalist, voice teacher, and performer based in Peterborough, Ontario. Originally from Bird's Creek, she is a graduate of the St. Clair College Music Theatre program and has built a dynamic career as a vocal and piano teacher while maintaining a strong presence in Ontario’s music scene. Known for powerhouse vocals and a captivating stage presence, she fronts bands: Blue Hazel and The Detention Club, also backing Canadian artists such as Melissa Payne and Nicholas Campbell. Caitlin’s theatre credits include *Spamalot*, *33 Variations*, and *Evil Dead the Musical*, with performances at the Meridian Arts Centre, Kawartha Craft Beer Festival, and Creekside Music Festival. She also serves as the lead vocalist and show director for the annual Harmony for Healing fundraiser event. With a foundation in theory and technique, her performances blend technical precision with an emphasis on authentic storytelling. Whether teaching, directing, or performing, she believes the key to an unforgettable performance is the balance between skill and natural presence. Her goal is to empower performers to trust their own voices, embrace vulnerability, and let the music speak.

Christopher holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Toronto, studying under Dr. James Parker and Dr. Boris Lysenko. He has also taken lessons with world- renowned piano masters including Drs. John O’Conor, Jerome Lowenthal, Peter Bithell, John Perry, Robert Silverman and Edward Auer. Christopher’s love for music resulted in numerous awards and scholarships, including many grand prizes at music festivals both at home and in America. Under the tutelage of Marina Geringas, Christopher took his RCM Grade 10 piano exam at the age of 11, achieving First Class Honours with Distinction, with a mark of 95. Christopher completed his Royal Conservatory of Music ARCT Diploma in Piano Performance at the young age of 14, again with Distinction. Christopher has performed at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts and at the CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio, in addition to performing at the Niagara International Chamber Music Festival for many years. At the age of 12, Christopher was invited to perform with the NYCO Symphony Orchestra at their Season Finale Concert as a result of winning the NYCO Concerto Competition, and had the honour of performing on Glenn Gould's own piano at Roy Thomson Hall. Christopher enjoys collaborating with both musical theatre students and instrumental soloists, covering a variety of classical and contemporary repertoire. He accompanies at various festivals and recitals every year, helping musicians bring out the best in their performances on stage.

Sam Allison a celebrated JUNO and CFMA-nominated artist and producer who resides in Peterborough, Ontario . He has produced film scores albums for such artists as Jenny Whiteley and Sheesham, Lotus and Son.

Sam is known as a busy multi-instrumentalist who plays festivals around the globe and in Canada.

He also performs under the pseudonym Lotus Wight as a solo act and has just released a recording called Sam Allison-Original Works for Voice and Banjo.

This will be his second time adjudicating at the East Hastings Music Festival.

At Western University in London, Ontario, Maggie attained her Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Education and Honours Specialist in Music Education. She taught Instrumental and Vocal Music for over 25 years in Toronto at St. Clement’s School, an independent girl’s school and for the Toronto District School Board at Claude Watson School for the Arts, Winona Drive Sr. School, Summer Sounds, Toronto Music Camp and Music By The Lake. Maggie was on the faculty for the National Music Camp of Canada for 20 years, served on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Music Educators’ Association, taught Additional Qualification courses for teachers at the University of Toronto and directed bands for New Horizons Band Toronto. Maggie, a saxophone player, is very passionate about her latest project with her husband, Craig Thompson. In 2021, they co-founded the local group Adverse Conditions - Highlands Soul Band. The group enjoys performing to raise money for the local community. Maggie is a member of the Haliburton Rotary Club, directs the Highlands Swing Band and works for Breezin’ Thru, an online music theory programme.