October, 25 2024
Guelph Youth Music Centre Announces New Executive Director
The GYMC is pleased to announce our new Executive Director will be Damian Weston. He will join the GYMC on November 4, 2024.
“We are thrilled to welcome Damian to the GYMC community,” commented Liz Sandals, GYMC Board Chair. “He has an extensive and successful background in arts management, as well in social services. We are confident he will be a wonderful addition to the team.”
Damian is a recent transplant to Guelph (born in Saskatoon, raised in Toronto) and has held management & leadership roles within both the arts and social services, serving organizations such as the Guelph Arts Council, Ontario Film Authority/Ontario Film Review Board, The Caritas Project, Habitat Services and countless others. He has attended Toronto Metropolitan University for Film Studies, Carleton University for International Human Rights & Development and OCAD for Integrated Media.
Artistically, Damian is an award-winning filmmaker, a classically trained pianist and a multi-instrumentalist composer of music for media, including a decade-long tenure as the musical director of the Canadian Children’s Theatre Company. He is the primary songwriter for Guelph-based electronic rock band Season Of The Senses, has released solo alternative albums under the name Peace Without Victory, experimental electronic music under his own name and when he’s not working or composing can often be found in the kitchen, covered in almond flour and icing sugar.
“I’m beyond thrilled to join GYMC’s mission,” said Damian. “Music has always been my first love and the heart of my artistic journey. I firmly believe in its transformative power—it’s more than sound, it’s humanity’s voice of hope, connection, and community. Through music, we express love and warmth, sadness and joy, struggle and triumph. Music education goes far beyond mastering a skill; it helps us discover and express who we are, both as individuals and as part of a larger community.”
Sandals added, “We are looking forward to working with Damian as we navigate the next steps in fulfilling GYMC’s mission of bringing music and arts education to Guelph’s young people.”
September 16, 2024
In Loving Memory of Susan Bard: A Dedicated Volunteer and Friend
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Susan Bard, a beloved volunteer at the Guelph Youth Music Centre who dedicated countless hours to maintaining our beautiful gardens. We extend our deepest sympathies to Sue’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Her contributions to the GYMC will be forever cherished, and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. For those wishing to reflect on Sue’s life and legacy, Guelph Today has published an article in her honour. Please take a moment to read and remember the impact Sue made on our community.
August 28, 2024
GYMC JOB POSTING: Executive Director, Guelph Youth Music Centre
The GYMC is seeking an energetic and creative Executive Director who cannot only drive current programs and secure long-term revenue growth but also play a pivotal role in helping our organization realize its full potential. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact, and we are excited to welcome the right candidate on board.
The executive director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the leadership and operational management of the GYMC and its programs. The successful candidate will work with the Board to identify and secure funding sources through corporate and private sponsors, grants, foundations, and other fundraising activities. The Executive Director is also responsible for developing, planning, implementing, and evaluating youth music and arts programs, fostering volunteerism, and sound financial and facility management.
Music training, arts programming experience, and collaborative skills are not just assets but integral to our mission. Grant writing experience and strong communication skills are essential. Proficiency in using digital tools such as Google Suite, QuickBooks Online, social media platforms, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems is required.
Salary $60,000–$62,000 (Basic benefits include medical, dental, and life insurance, but not long-term disability insurance.)
For more information please visit our Careers page.
July 17, 2024
Samantha Zimmerman steps down as Executive Director of the GYMC
The Guelph Youth Music Centre shares the news of Samantha Zimmerman’s departure as its Executive Director with mixed emotions.
Ms. Zimmerman joined the GYMC in January 2023, as the Centre was recovering from closures during the pandemic. She and the Board of Directors set out to aggressively rebuild GYMC activities, focusing on increasing program offerings to meet the diverse needs of the Guelph community, growing and building collaborative relationships with fellow community organizations, and improving our overall operations and financial position.
During her tenure at the GYMC, Ms. Zimmerman and the administrative team have implemented strategic changes by modernizing and digitizing operations to improve financial management. The new and highly successful Youth Concert Series brought A Sharon, Lois & Bram Singalong with Sharon & Randi and Fay & Fluffy: Drag Storytime and Singalong to the GYMC. Ms. Zimmerman has also been instrumental in the renegotiations with the City of Guelph on a new 10-year lease of our building, a testament to her dedication and leadership.
Ms. Zimmerman will be taking on a new role as Finance Manager with the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, where she will focus on digital transformation and supporting team-focused financial management processes, which have been among her many passions.
In her own words, Ms. Zimmerman expressed, “It is bittersweet to share with you the news that I am stepping down as Executive Director of the Guelph Youth Music Centre for a new adventure. We have achieved so much together in my time at the GYMC, and I am grateful and honored to have been a part of the next evolution and transformation of this beloved organization. Thank you for welcoming me into the community and trusting me to lead this amazing organization during a challenging time. I look forward to remaining connected to the GYMC as a parent and community member, and I am excited to see the continued growth and transformation of this valuable cultural institution in our city. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
The Board of Directors, with full confidence in the future, has formed a search committee and will be looking to fill the Executive Director position over the coming months. Retired Executive Director Gabriella Currie-Ziegler will return to serve as Interim Executive Director while the board completes its executive search.
The staff and Board of Directors extend our deepest gratitude to Ms. Zimmerman for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the GYMC and arts in our community. We wish her the best and continued success in her career.
