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Catalina Ristic
Catalina began her music education at 6 years of age with Classical piano training. By studying with many teachers, she enjoyed learning from many approaches to piano techniques, allowing her to grow in music appreciation and skill. At 13 years of age, Catalina decided to follow the steps of her father in learning the trumpet. Throughout her high school years at Etobicoke School of the Arts, Catalina established her trumpet playing through The Up Beats family band, playing many jobbing gigs such as Oktoberfest, weddings, street festivals, private functions; also travelling to entertain in Miami, Arizona, Mexico, Germany, Poland, Italy and Spain. Catalina developed a charismatic stage presence with the Toronto All-Star Big Band and became experienced in radio broadcasts for AM740. She also enjoyed touring with Stella Polonia, a Polish folklore dance group in Poland, Mexico and throughout The United States. She was able to expand her horizons in composing her own music to contribute to Civilian Conservation Corp's indie rock sound. Catalina gained commercial experience in film by performing in movies and commercials for The Hallmark Channel and Maxx Films. It was at this age that Lynn Peppas, a writer for The Tribune in Port Colborne, wrote in a review of a Toronto All-Star Big Band concert: "How could such a petite, just turned 18-year-old get such a sound from a trumpet was unbelievable."
During this time Catalina was eager to maintain her piano skills through The Royal Conservatory of Music Program (achieving level 9) and accompanying soloists in their auditions, examinations and recitals. Upon graduating from Etobicoke School of the Arts high school, Catalina took a strong interest in jazz music and attended the renowned Humber College Jazz Studies program for trumpet.
Catalina enjoyed playing the trumpet for numerous Latin projects such as Plan C (fusing Columbian rhythms and hip-hop), Articulo Veinte (Cuban salsa band) and Xtasis (playing bachata and cumbia standards). Catalina has studied privately with local greats such as Chase Sanborn, Steve Crowe, Al Kay, Brian O'Kane, Jason Logue, Steve McDade, Dave Dunlop, Alexis Baro and gained much experience from playing with bands of every genre. Through Humber, Catalina was a part of Luis Mario Ochoa's Latin-jazz projects and Dave Stilwell's Blue Jackets band.
Armed with music business tools learned through Rik Emmett and Paul Novotny, Catalina has a strong drive and passion for providing the best music education for each individual student. By regularly attending seminars on music pedagogy and staying inspired through continued studies in teaching approaches, Catalina is in love with her teaching career and passing on musical gems to her students.
Catalina enjoyed playing the trumpet for numerous Latin projects such as Plan C (fusing Columbian rhythms and hip-hop), Articulo Veinte (Cuban salsa band) and Xtasis (playing bachata and cumbia standards). Catalina has studied privately with local greats such as Chase Sanborn, Steve Crowe, Al Kay, Brian O'Kane, Jason Logue, Steve McDade, Dave Dunlop, Alexis Baro and gained much experience from playing with bands of every genre. Through Humber, Catalina was a part of Luis Mario Ochoa's Latin-jazz projects and Dave Stilwell's Blue Jackets band.
Armed with music business tools learned through Rik Emmett and Paul Novotny, Catalina has a strong drive and passion for providing the best music education for each individual student. By regularly attending seminars on music pedagogy and staying inspired through continued studies in teaching approaches, Catalina is in love with her teaching career and passing on musical gems to her students.