Music, Artistry, Friendship ​

Directors' Biographies

 Curt Jantzen - Founder and Music Director                                                      

Curt Jantzen is the founder and current music director of the Delta Music Makers.  He and his wife, Jhandie, started the Delta Music Makers in a modest way in 1983; they advertised an “adult beginner band, for adults with no musical experience,” and through their efforts over the past 32 years Delta Music Makers has grown into a full concert band that is well-respected throughout BC.

 

In 2004 Mr. Jantzen recognized a major need for more events at which adult concert bands could perform for the public. From that 'kernel of need' arose The Ladner Bandfest, an annual music festival of adult concert bands - which attracts bands from all over British Columbia, Washington State and California. 

 

In many ways Curt was a natural choice to found Delta Music Makers given his professional vocation as a music teacher in public schools. He also served as a Fine Arts Coordinator for Surrey School Board, supervising music, art, and drama K-12.  He retired in 2003 after 33 years of service. Curt still teaches band part time at local elementary schools in Ladner, where he lives, giving young children the opportunity to learn a band instrument. 

 

He has a Bachelor of Music Education and a Masters of Educational Administration from UBC. He and Jhandie live in Ladner where they enjoy regular visits from their 3 sons and 8 grandchildren.

 

Curt and Jhandie like to travel as much as possible.  When they’re away, the Delta Music Makers are in very good hands; Margaret Behenna, Assistant Conductor, steps in to conduct the rehearsals and concerts. 

 

 

Margaret Behenna - Assistant Director                                                  

Margaret Behenna is the assistant conductor of the Delta Music Makers, sharing duties with Curt when needed. A multi-talented musician, Margaret also performs with the Delta Music Makers as a vocalist and clarinetist.

 

Now retired, Margaret's professional life was as varied as her musical talent. She taught concert    band, jazz band, choir and guitar at Eric Hamber Secondary School in Vancouver. She was the music director at Delta Secondary School in Ladner from 1985 until 2007.  She conducted the pit orchestra for school musicals, including West Side Story, South Pacific, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Oliver, Fiddler on the Roof and Crazy for You.  Her tour bands have performed around the world, including England, France, Morocco, Tunisia, Spain, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Cuba, Hawaii, Southern California, Seattle, Alberta, Southern California and Costa Rica.

Margaret is passionate about life and music, and whever possible she travels the globe, adding to her list of adventures. She admires and enjoys the Delta Music Makers, and is always delighted when asked to lead one of their concerts or rehearsals.