2026 Virtual Adjudicators

Cheryl Ferguson received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance (French horn) and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Mary (Bismarck, ND).  She has also done graduate work at Southern Oregon University, and has earned a Master in Curriculum Studies (Music Education) at Acadia University (Nova Scotia). 

In addition to her University Band and High School Band experience, Cheryl has also taught music at every level, including K-6 general music classes, leading middle school band programs in North Dakota and Winnipeg, and many years of experience in leading high school Marching Bands.

Cheryl has completed the Canadian Wind Conductor’s Development Program Levels I, II and III and engaged in three years of private instruction with Dr. Dale Lonis, her primary conducting mentor.  She is active as a clinician and guest conductor across North America, including conducting many Honour Bands across Canada, guest conducting Adult Community Band workshops, and leading over 20 Professional Development sessions for Music Educators across five Canadian Provinces.  Cheryl and husband Darryl initiated the Canadian Junior Honour Band, a National Honour Band for students in Grades 6-10 in 2020 and have maintained the program ever since.  

Cheryl has adjudicated at Concert Band, Jazz Band and Chamber Music festivals across Canada and the United States.  She has also been a guest conductor for the Red Deer College Adult Concert Band, the Capital Region Junior Winds, the Mike Sakatch Band Workshop, the Alberta Youth Wind Symphony, the Regina Catholic Schools Honour Band, the Toronto Youth Wind Symphony, the Manitoba Band Association Summer Band Camps and has directed jazz ensembles at the Prairielands Jazz Camp in Regina for many years.

Cheryl has also partnered with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra for the past 20 years, writing over 100 lesson plans for the Education Outreach Program, allowing band musicians to engage authentically in the music prior to attending a WSO performance.  

Cheryl has received the Manitoba Band Association Award of Distinction recognizing an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to music education in Manitoba.  She has also received the I. Keith Mann Outstanding Band Director Award, National recognition given to one band director in Canada per year.  Cheryl was also awarded the Community Hero Award from the Manitoba Legislative Assembly in 2018.  

Cheryl also serves as a French horn instructor at Canadian Mennonite University, and maintains a private studio of French horn students.  She continues to perform with the Winnipeg Wind Ensemble and the Ferguson Brass Quartet. She has conducted the Adult Advanced Band at the International Music Camp for over a decade. 

In 2023, Cheryl was awarded the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to the community and prioritizes volunteerism in her free time. Cheryl has also recorded a TED Talk on "Motivating People To Excellence" which has over 356 000 views to date.