Sierra Olsthoorn began her musical education at the age of 5 under the direction of Liz Biswas before continuing to study with Anita Buttemer and Bénédicte Lauziere. She has been taught through the Suzuki philosophy throughout her entire musical education. As a student Sierra completed the Suzuki violin mentoring course with Elayne Ras, and has been a practice buddy for other young violinists at STEW. After graduation from high school Sierra began her Suzuki teacher training, completing the Every Child Can course with Pandora Bryce and Suzuki Unit 1 Teacher Training at the Montréal Suzuki Institute with Elayne Ras.

 

Sierra continues to hold the concertmaster position in the KWS Youth Orchestra for the 2018-19 season. She has also been concertmaster of the STEW Senior Ensemble, and both of Waterloo Collegiate’s Senior and Chamber Orchestras. Sierra has performed as soloist with the KW Chamber Orchestra, and with the WCI Chamber Orchestra. She is looking forward to her upcoming performance as a soloist with the KWS Youth Orchestra  December 2018.

 

Sierra has participated in the Southwestern Ontario Suzuki Institute (SOSI) Young Artists Program, receiving instruction from Brian Lewis, Jerzy Kaplanek and Jeremy Bell. Other master instructors at SOSI have been Allen Leib and Ed Sprunger. In 2017 and 2018 Sierra competed in the Ontario Provincials music competition (OMFA), receiving an Honourable Mention in 2018. She has received scholarships from KW Kiwanis, the Suzuki Association of Ontario, and the KWS Youth Orchestra program.

 

Outside of violin, Sierra enjoys a rich athletic life. She has teaches both group and private Tennis lessons at the Northfield Racquet and Fitness Club. Sierra enjoys playing tennis, badminton, and soccer. In 2018 Sierra was athlete of the year at Waterloo Collegiate Institute.