From Laurier to the Classroom: Lisa Dal Bello (BMus ’91)’s 33-Year Music Career

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When Lisa (O’Mahony) Dal Bello (BMus ’91) was choosing a university, it was the recommendation of her private flute teacher, a Laurier student at the time, that made all the difference.

“She had such good experiences to share that it made me want to go there too,” says Dal Bello. “I liked that it was a small faculty where everyone seemed to know each other. I got into other schools, but Laurier was always my first choice.”

As a student, Dal Bello immersed herself in campus life and music studies and made memories that still make her smile.

“Moving from MacDonald Hall into the brand-new music building in my third year was so exciting. I loved Dr. Santosuosso’s history classes. They were fascinating. One of my favourite memories was the medieval feast hosted by Dr. Greene, our instructor and former dean. It was such a unique experience.”

Some moments were more humorous than historical.

“I once tried to haul a string bass across the street to the practice rooms and a stranger stopped me and said, ‘You don’t look like a bass player. You look like you should be playing the flute.’ Which was true. I was a flutist.”

Another favourite? “My family collapsing in laughter when I tried to learn violin for a class. They were used to hearing me play flute beautifully, so hearing me struggle was hilarious to them.”

Dal Bello recently retired after a remarkable 33-year teaching career in the Waterloo Region District School Board, where she taught instrumental music to more than 15,000 Grade 7 and 8 students.

“Teaching beginning band has been a real joy. So many of my students would never have had the chance to try an instrument if it weren’t for school music. Helping them pick an instrument, showing them how to hold it, and hearing that first sound is amazing.”

“It might not sound like music at first, but in just a few months they go from squeaks and squawks to full-page band arrangements. My goal was always to capture their interest, make music fun, and show them that progress comes with perseverance.”

Her music room was more than a classroom. It became a creative, supportive hub.

“I gave up most of my lunch hours to run bands, small ensembles, and just offer a safe space where students could make music and be themselves. It is a lot of work, but when you are standing in a room with students before or after a concert and they are buzzing with excitement or pride, it is worth every second.”

For students considering music education today, Dal Bello offers practical advice.

“Learn the basics of as many instruments as you can. Don’t be afraid to volunteer or observe in classrooms. A lot of teacher candidates want to go straight into high school teaching, and I did too, but teaching beginning band to Grade 7 and 8 students is incredibly rewarding. I always recommend trying an intermediate practicum.”

She also emphasizes the importance of community.

“At my first school, I was the only music teacher in the building. There was no one who really understood what I was dealing with. But I found a small group of other intermediate band teachers, and we would meet for coffee after school. We shared ideas, stories, and challenges. Those women are still my friends today.”

Now retired, Dal Bello is enjoying a less structured pace of life. She fosters rescue dogs through Pound Dog Rescue, gardens, knits, reads, and continues to play flute for fun.

“Laurier’s music education program truly helped prepare me for my career. I still have some of my class notes after all these years, and they are just as meaningful now as they were then.”