Meet the fourth of our 2026 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year nominees — Isabelle Lemieux from École Caps-des-Neiges in Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, QC.

The MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Anthem Entertainment, recognizes and honours exceptional Canadian music teachers annually.

Tune in to The 2026 JUNO Awards on Sunday, March 29 where the winner will be announced, and on our website & social media platforms @MusiCounts.

What is the music program like at your school? And how did MusiCounts make an impact on those programs?

Ever since I left Sistema NB to move back to Quebec in 2013, it has been my professional dream to start my own wind ensemble at my school. As someone who was once a shy student struggling in school, I am deeply aware that ensemble music saved me. It built my character, boosted my self-esteem, and led me to where I am today. This is why I believe more than ever in the power of music in our schools — especially for students who are struggling or who tend to fly under the radar. With the support of Twigg Musique, I was able to launch a clarinet ensemble in 2023, but thanks to MusiCounts, I have been able to diversify our instruments and offer this program to more students at a lower cost. Additionally, five parents join us every week, reconnecting with music themselves. In addition to teaching concert band and an intergenerational extracurricular choir, I am the music teacher for two school buildings, where I love putting concepts into practice through rotating workshops for all grade levels. I enjoy bridging music with other subjects — history, mathematics, or practicing French by writing song lyrics. All of this culminates in our Christmas and year-end concerts, which celebrate everything the students have accomplished in class. It is no longer just an extracurricular program; it is a community finding its harmony.

What does it mean to you to be nominated for the 2026 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award?

It is a whirlwind of emotions all at once: surprise, joy, and, most importantly, profound gratitude. Knowing that we are valued in our community and that what we do truly makes a difference is the greatest gift of all. I must also recognize that I could not lead these initiatives without the support of my school’s staff and the friends who stand by me and believe in my vision. I am surrounded by other teachers who inspire me daily and who are just as deserving of being named “Teacher of the Year”. They often say it takes a village to raise a child. I have come to realize that it takes an entire community to support a teacher.

Do you have a music teacher or mentor that has inspired you?

Yes, there are many. First of all, my dad, who has always played the guitar; he’s the one who introduced me to music, still attends all my events today, and has always supported me. Later, in elementary and high school, I had two fantastic music teachers who are now my colleagues and continue to support me: Chrystine Desgagnés and Manon Jobin. In the Cadets, a teacher who made a world of difference in my instrumental journey was my instructor and friend, Warrant Officer Richard Lambert, a former clarinetist with the Royal 22nd Regiment. During CEGEP and University, I had numerous professors who guided my growth, helped me make several major decisions, and truly believed in me: Marcel Rousseau, Ms. Huguette Morin, Marie Picard, Conductor René Joly, and Maestro Gilles Auger. I also want to mention the inspiring friends and music teachers who make a profound difference every day for their students, their colleagues, and for me: Christine Pleau, Marc-André Bean, Jonathan Bolduc, Brigitte-Louise Lessard, Marie-Noëlle Lord, Marie-Pier Lapointe, Karine Lévesque, Michel Hénault, Clémence Cottinet, Julie Laverdière, Isabelle Désy, Conductor François Dorion, the entire team at Sistema NB, and many more.

What are you looking forward to doing at the 2026 JUNO Awards in Hamilton?

Quite honestly, I have zero expectations, but I hope to explore the city and its hidden spots, make meaningful connections, spend time and share ideas with the finalists, and meet artists. Regardless of the outcome, I am already grateful for this huge opportunity.

*This interview was edited for clarity.