Artistic Staff

Director

Zach Goerlitz

Zac “Zedgie” Goerlitz, M.Mus., B.P.A., B. Ed.

Zach Goerlitz is a classically trained singer and certified conductor. His first Bachelor’s degree is in Performing Arts at Capilano University. He completed a Master of Music at University of Toronto in the field of Music Technology and finally completed a Bachelor of Education at UBC. He worked as a conductor, music director, music clinician, adjudicator, tenor section leader, composer, audio engineer and freelance singer in many ensembles and organizations throughout Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, Kelowna, Oliver, Penticton and Summerland. His musical interests range from modern/classical/romantic/renaissance/medieval (aka, “Classical”) music to almost all forms of pop music, including film/T.V. Score, instrumental, video game, jazz, country, hip hop, swing, etc. 

Zach began his musical career as a hobby guitarist self-learning songs mostly by ear and tablature, well before Google and YouTube existed. As time went on, he filled out bands in church playing whatever instruments were needed most at the time (bass and drums in this case). Later, he developed an interest in singing and playing piano, ultimately leading to a nine-year university career. After completing a sufficient number of years in university, Zach began a teaching career with SD67 and SD53 and currently works as a district humanities, careers and numeracy teacher when not making music. 

After three successful concert seasons with Musaic performing music from great composers like Mozart, Vivaldi, Tavenor and Eric Whitacre,  Zach is excited to bring some film/T.V. music out in 2025, including selections from Canadian composer Howard Shore, Persian/German composer Ramin Djawadi and several film greats and Broadway showtunes (007, Phantom of the Opera, and a few original arrangements). Zach is excited also to bring Musaic’s first triple-ensemble collaboration specifically with Penticton Concert Band and Naramata Community Choir, performing the Trifecta concert at the Cleland Theatre in Mar. 2025. Zach is excited to bring three new original arrangements to the upcoming concert season and is very excited to build relationships and perform with Musaic in the upcoming seasons.

Pianist

Dennis Nordlund

Dennis Nordlund is known for being an intuitive and sensitive music teacher who communicates his love of music by performing in many ensembles throughout the Okanagan. Dennis began his musical career in Vanderhoof, B.C. and continued studies in Penticton, Victoria and Vancouver. He acquired his A.R.C.T. through the University of Toronto, as well as a B.Sc. through U.B.C. in Vancouver. He is a member of the BC Registered Music Teachers Association.

Dennis is an active teacher, performer, collaborative pianist, vocal coach, and
clinician working primarily in the Okanagan valley of British Columbia. He performs as a soloist, as an accompanist for vocalists, choirs, instrumentalists, and theatrical productions, and as part of both a jazz trio and a chamber ensemble group. Versed in repertoire from many genres and ages, Dennis’ versatility is highly sought after by soloists and ensembles alike. He has performed with the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, Musaic Vocal Ensemble, the OSO Symphony Chorus, the OSO Youth
Orchestra, Soundstage Productions, Okanagan Valley music festivals, BC Performing Arts Festivals, the Penticton Vineyard Community Church and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.

Dennis can be found unravelling the mysteries and wonders of music with his students at his private studio in the old CPR station building in Penticton. There he teaches piano, music theory, composition and collaborative piano to students ranging from young beginners to advanced adults.

When he is not listening to or interpreting a musical score, Dennis enjoys playing tennis, golf, fishing, a good Pinot Noir, and spending time with his wife and four wonderful kids.