Dennis Tupman

Tupman, Dennis

Dennis Tupman. Teacher, administrator, adjudicator, choral conductor, b Victoria, BC, 19 May 1936; B ED (British Columbia) 1964, M ED (British Columbia) 1969. After teaching elementary and secondary school in Kitimat, BC he became performing arts district principal for the Vancouver School Board in 1971. Tupman has dedicated himselfto promoting the notion that 'the arts are for everyone and that we should strive for excellence in artistic performance and learning.' He has been active in support organizations including the Vancouver Foundation, and the BCMEA, of which he was president 1975-7. He became president of CMEA in 1991. Tupman has been director of many church and community choirs, and in demand as an adjudicator of choral and instrumental ensembles at music festivals across Canada. A frequent guest lecturer on the arts, he has contributed to educational journals including the Canadian Music Educator, BC Music Educator, and BC Teacher. In 1988 the BCMEA recognized Tupman's influence on music education in the province by awarding him honorary life membership.