Education

10 SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2022 EDUCATION GUIDE Brandon University's School of Music back in full swing BRANDON UNIVERSITY BY TODD LEW YS A t long last, Brandon University's School of Music is back in full swing. Live concerts have returned, new faculty members are being added, and the school has been tapped to run the Brandon Jazz Festival. All this is a breath of fresh air after dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic for two years, says Greg Gatien, dean of the university's School of Music. "Everyone is excited. We've got- ten through what we all hope is the worst of COVID, and we're starting to get back to normal. I know for myself, my role had drifted into signing forms, going to meetings and doing spreadsheets and man- aging operations," says Gatien, an accomplished saxophonist. "Ev- eryone has a spirit of joy about them these days." Much of that joy stems from the fact that live music is once again on the itinerary for School of Mu- sic students. "Performing in front of live au- diences is essential to their edu- cation. They learn timing, pacing, and it helps them learn how to adapt to changing environments," explains Gatien. "It tests students. It's something they need to devel- op." At the same time, playing in front of an audience after an ab- sence of two-plus years has been — and will continue to be — very therapeutic. "Being in a hall together and playing and hearing music again reminded us about how much we missed it and the void that not playing in front of people created in our lives. Ensembles are going to be performed, there will be re- citals, and our chamber players' concerts will also return," he says. "Audiences have been starving for music." In fact, the appetite was so strong, COVID restrictions didn't create any objections among au- dience members and musicians alike. "There weren't any complaints about social distancing, guest lists or verifying vaccination status. Everyone was so happy to come out to hear the great music that was being played. It will all con- tinue in September. We're veter- ans of pivoting and will do it again if we have to. We realize just how important it is to come together." Students will also get to learn from accomplished musicians come September, including bass- ist Marika Galea, saxophonist Ken Gold and voice teacher Sarah Hall. "Marika is a gifted bassist who will work with bass players and teach improv and composition," Gatien says. "She made a great im- pression last year when she filled in for a retirement; now she has full tenure. She has an impressive skill set and became really en- gaged in her work. We're thrilled to have her." The same sentiment applies to Gold, who is one of the most ac- complished sax players on the Manitoba music scene. "He's one of the best veterans of the local music scene and is so well-established," he says. "He'll connect students to local music history and will show students how to build a career." Last but certainly not least, SUPPLIED PHOTOS CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 It's okay to share notes in class. Choose from music and much more at BrandonU.ca/Future-Students CANADA'S finest regional university BE a gil e • BE c o ur a ge o u s • BE inc l u si v e

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