Peter VanDuzer completed an undergrad in Economics at UWO before going on to computer science at McMaster University. Notwithstanding his left-brained studies, Peter has always nurtured a not-so-secret appreciation for Music; he played trombone in band and made sure his own sons had as much musical training as possible. His elder son was a cellist with the Halton Youth Symphony, and his youngest played with the Oakville Symphony as a Young Artist (Double Bass) for several of his high school years.
Outside of his work commitments, Peter co-founded a not-for-profit dedicated to bringing music to as many school-aged kids as possible, and has for many years advocated for music education and ensemble collaboration. Thanks to a long career with Rona/Lowes in management, he brings to the Arts a strong understanding of how to work within organizational structures and yet ensure an open approach to opportunities and alignments. Peter understands, above all, that community music-making is one of our greatest gifts, essential to general and mental health, something to be fostered and promoted. Social commitment has always been important to him, from Board work with Big Brothers in his 20s and long-term committee participation on The Lawson Foundation to many years of volunteering with local schools and music outreach. He has presented on music advocacy to conferences in Chicago, Cleveland, and Burlington, VT, as well as several Ontario professional forums.