meet the Ensemble
LA ISLA Guitarists, Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. laislaguitarists@gmail.com
My name is LIAM STEVENS, and I currently live in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. At the age of five, I began taking acoustic guitar lessons before transitioning to classical guitar with one of Helga's former students. In 2009, I began lessons with Helga, and have been having a lesson once a week, except on holidays, ever since. Even halfway around the world, Helga still makes time for me over Skype. Besides my guitar, I also play the tenor saxophone and would like to learn how to play the piano. When I'm not practicing my instruments or doing homework, I enjoy reading, playing all sorts of sports (soccer being my favorite), and performing in musical theater. When possible, I ride my bike and hang out with friends.
LINNAEA CRAWSHAW is an eleven year old student who lives for music, horses, family and adventure. She started Orff music classes with Helga when she was five and began learning guitar when she was seven. In addition to playing classical guitar, she plays trombone in her school band and the ukulele in a local performing ensemble, 'Pacifica Ukes'. No stranger to hard work, Linnaea is a keen horseback rider and advocate for the BCSPCA (British Columbia Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), for which she works on fundraising projects throughout the year. Travelling and having adventures is an important part of the fun Linnaea has with her family...you will often find her camping, boating, skiing and exploring the BC coast in her kayak!
​NIGEL NEUFELD is fourteen years old and attending Carihi School in Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Nigel has been interested in music since he was four years old. He plays piano, trombone and electric guitar in addition to classical guitar. Some of Nigel's hobbies include drawing, reading, writing as well as riding his scooter and bike. Nigel's favourite sport is auto racing and he started racing stock cars when he was twelve years old. Last year, Nigel finished the race season in third place overall and was voted most improved driver. Nigel's favourite music genre is classic rock, and his favourite band is the Canadian legend, April Wine. Nigel hopes to become a graphic designer or a creative writer.

My name is HANNAH READ. I am fifteen years old and live with my mum and brother in Campbell River, British Columbia. I attend Timberline High School with many good friends. I moved to Canada from New Zealand almost four years ago. I have a passion for singing, I love to write songs and of course I love to play classical guitar. In my free time I also enjoy long distance running. In the future, I hope to become an interior designer and carry on singing and playing guitar as a hobby. 
My name is ANDREW DANIELS, and I started playing guitar when I was six years old. My first teacher was from Chile. After that I took lessons from Natalie, the mother of one of the other players in our ensemble (Linnaea). Helga has been teaching me for the last three years. I am extremely excited to venture to Scotland and play in the International Youth Festival, that is if we are accepted. I am involved in many activities, such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, triathlons, snowboarding, downhill mountain biking, sailing and kayaking. I have also recently started learning how to play the tenor saxophone. 
My name is LUKAS LUND and I am fourteen years old. I have been playing guitar for four years and received a Royal Conservatory Gold Medal on my Grade 2 Exam. Currently, I am preparing for my Grade 6 Guitar Exam and my Grade 7 Exam in piano, which I've been playing since the age of six. In my school band, I also play the trumpet and bass guitar. I play elite ice hockey, as well as lacrosse, baseball and basketball. 
MEGAN NUTTALL is sixteen years old and has been playing classical guitar for ten years. Her other interests include snowboarding, soccer and track and field.  She also enjoys playing the piano. Megan previously travelled with La Isla to Carinthia, Austria.
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My name is ISAIAH BRABAZON, I am a sixteen year old classical guitar student. I have been playing for as long as I can remember. When I was three years old, all I wanted in life was a guitar, or a garter snake, naturally my mom went with the guitar. I then started taking Orff music lessons with Helga, which was of no interest to me. During the classes I would persistently bother Helga to let me play the guitar, eventually she realized that there was no way around it but to appease me. I have played ever since even though there were a couple bumps along the way. Aside from classical guitar I enjoy playing electric guitar, hockey and spending quality time with friends and family. I look forward to continuing my studies in guitar and other instruments.