So, here it is – our new Conservatory Canada Blog! We plan to make weekly posts that will discuss our title: WHY MUSIC MATTERS! There will be a variety of bloggers here discussing a variety of topics dealing with the importance of music.

A few years ago I had the privilege of adjudicating the St. John’s, NL, music festival.  What I experienced there set the stage for new programs at Conservatory Canada.  Picture the final night of the festival when group awards are decided – choirs, bands, orchestras, small ensembles, etc.  After 10 days of adjudicating one becomes somewhat familiar with the students as they have competed in multiple classes.

“Oh look! There’s Scott.  What a talented pianist he is…what a wonderful future.”

Scott also plays percussion in the high school jazz band, viola in a string quartet and sings tenor in the school choir.

“There’s Rachel and Ashley who played that adorable duet!”

Rachel and Ashley play flute in the band and sing alto in the choir.

“And that’s Adam who so impressed me with his performance of Debussy!”

Adam plays trombone in the jazz ensemble and is the featured soloist.

It struck me that these kids live and breathe music – it oozes from their pores.  It’s what makes them so alive and so genuine.  I believe that the community of St. John’s understands the social importance of making music. 

Music is not a scholarly requirement…it’s a way of life.

Music is not daily chore…it’s a daily celebration.

Music is not a solo responsibility…it’s a community support system.

My goal from that moment has been to do all I can to enable this type of celebration through Conservatory Canada programs.  I want Conservatory Canada to be the national “ St. John’s community”! Our programs are designed to acknowledge young musicians and to buoy them up through their musical journey.

Our new “Musical Adventure” series is designed to remind us of the social importance of making music.  We will celebrate music through:

• Students
• Parents
• Teachers
• The greater community