PVO

Peter Van Ooyen Oct. 2011 Peter Van Ooyen has been an instrumental music teacher for 35 years. He developed and led string orchestra programs at a number of schools in North Vancouver, BC. Previously he founded Band and String programs in Surrey Christian School (Fraser Valley Christian High School) and Vancouver Christian Schools. He has worked from the philosophy that all children have wonderful potential and should be given as much opportunity as possible for participation in music. Participating in musical opportunities has the power to transform children, families and communities. Since retiring in 2010 from his teaching career Peter is exploring ways to support non-profit music education programs for social transformation. After receiving his B.A. at Calvin College and earned an M.A. in Education at the University of British Columbia. Having studied violin and viola in Michigan and in Vancouver, he has performed in numerous small ensembles and with the West Coast Symphony. Peter’s broad interest is in organizational culture and processes. He has served on various boards and committees in volunteer positions for the last 30 years. Currently he volunteers at St James Music Academy in Vancouver, serving on the Music Advisory Committee and also recently led a successful facilities development process for his church. His other activities include such outdoor pursuits as ocean kayaking, hiking, gardening and he also enjoys woodworking. Peter is married with four grown children.