Moshe Hammer
Artistic Director

World-renowned violinist and teacher, Moshe Hammer, has seen the scars of war and violence and the power of music to heal them. Born in the ruins of Budapest, Hungary after World War II, Moshe and his family traveled to the new country of Israel as refugees. There, as Israel was struggling to build itself in a troubled region of the world, young Moshe established himself as an award-winning musician.

Moshe has studied at the University of Tel-Aviv’s Rubin Academy of Music, the Julliard School in New York and with violin masters Jascha Heifetz in Los Angeles and Yehudi Menuhin in London.

Ross Inglis
Violinist

Ross Inglis is the Director of Music at Knox United, currently runs a private studio of fifty students and is the conductor of the professional choir for the High Holy Days at Temple Sinai in Toronto.

An accomplished athlete as well as musician, Ross has run 25 marathons or ultra-marathons, including four Boston Marathons, several 50-km races, and races of 50 miles and 100 km.

Brian Baty
Bass Player

Brian Baty is a professional freelance musician who has performed with most professional orchestra’s in Ontario including the Toronto Symphony, the National Ballet of Canada and the Canadian Opera Company.  He also currently holds the position of principal double bassist with the Niagara Symphony Orchestra.

Brian also maintains private teaching studio as well as coaching string sectionals in elementary schools, secondary schools and community orchestras. He has also been a sessional lecturer at Lakehead University and has presented master classes at Western University.

Brian is thrilled to be teaching with Hammer Band. Having received his own start in music through the public school system, he is particularly aware of the impact music can have on a student’s life.

Praise Lam
Violinist

Canadian violinist Praise Lam is thrilled to be working with the Hammer Band. An avid promoter of arts in education, Praise believes in the power of music. Having worked with students and youth orchestras of all ages in the Peel and Toronto School Boards, Praise continues to maintain an active role in music education. Her performances as a award-winning violinist has taken her from her hometown stage in Canada to appearances in Hollywood’s 20th Century Fox Newman Scoring Stage in Los Angeles, California.

An accomplished pianist and composer as well, Praise currently works as a professional freelance musician in Toronto. Praise holds an ARCT Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music, a Bachelor of Music Performance degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Toronto. For more information on Praise Lam, please visit www.praiselam.com.

    Natasha Zado,  Cellist

“Natasha is a young cello and theory teacher who is passionate about teaching and seeing her students reach their full potential. She is a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, and holds an Honours Bachelor of Music Degree in History, Theory, and Critical Analysis, with a concentration in Music Theory. On top of her studies in music theory, she regularly performed in solo and chamber music recitals, as well as orchestra concerts and opera performances as principal cello.

Natasha is a trained cello and early childhood teacher in the Suzuki method,

Natasha has taught at a number of music programs including the MNjcc Suzuki and summer camp, Sistema, and Etobicoke Suzuki Music. She also maintains an active career as a performer, freelancing at weddings and other events. She aims to help her students find their musical voice through a solid foundation of technique and a love of music.”