Words. Truth. Stories
I felt incredibly honoured to be a part of the ensemble at Western that premiered this important and powerful Canadian composition. This composition was written by Mark Sirett with lyrics by Vera Wabegijig, a Nishnaabe (Odawa & Ojibwe) poet. Having Vera at our dress rehearsal and concert to read her poetry in front of our audience was unforgettable. It was hard to sing after hearing her speak her truth. I wiped my tears, took a breath, and dug deeper than I had in any other choral experience.
The three movement work was commissioned by Gloria Gassi, Voice faculty, conductor of St. Cecilia Singers and alumna with the assistance of Western’s Canada 150 fund. Inspired by the events surrounding the efforts of Justice Murray Sinclair in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Ms. Gassi’s aim was to highlight the themes of forgiveness and healing so that the “truth of our common experiences will set our spirits free.”
https://music.uwo.ca/news/2018/sirett-gassi-honoured-by-choral-canada.html
During a rehearsal for this work, the choir was really trying to accomplish a fortissimo on the climax in the final movement “We are standing”. I will never forget the words that came out of Jennifer Moir’s mouth. “It’s not about being loud, it’s about being together.” That deeply resonated with me throughout the performance and will stay with me forever.
Assignments.
Here are some of the assignments that challenged me and stand out to me from my time at Western. I feel incredibly fortunate to have studied there and learned from amazing professors and peers.
Can’t take my eyes off you: Investigating choral conductor modeling and the effect of intentional nonverbal communication in choirs
This was my final research paper for Psychology of Music Education. This was the first time I used empirical research and science to discuss choral conducting. It was a learning curve for sure but I enjoyed looking at arts through a scientific lens for once.
The following are reflections from Philosophy of Music Education. These two-pagers are just meant to voice my opinions and questions about different issues in music education. Don’t expect a full essay with proper APA here!
Canadian identity in Music
Popular music in the classroom
Music is (not) a universal language
Choral Techniques reflection
This reflection comes from my first ever choral conducting class. I talk about my experience observing and learning from Ontario choir “A Few Good Men.” Conductor Dave Anderson had a brilliant philosophy: “Take fun seriously!” Having his choir come to our class was amazing, especially seeing the friendships among the boys, their leadership, and thinking about the importance of a positive male role model for young boys like Dave is the choir. I also talk about some discoveries as a new conductor and what I feel the role of a conductor may be.
Now, time for some old fashioned promotion.
In Spring of my graduating year, I was asked to be interviewed with a few other students to promote the Don Wright Faculty of Music. They will be editing and using this for promotional purposes, hopefully I don’t become too famous from my terrifying thumbnail.
