News
SHANNON MACLEOD MIRAMICHI LEADER
After nearly a month of studying theory, rhythm and the essentials of classical music, a group of eager young Miramichi musicians have received their actual instruments.
On Wednesday, Feb. 10, about 100 people gathered in the gymnasium at St. Andrew’s Elementary School in Chatham to see their budding musicians trade in a papier maché instrument for the real deal.
The 34 Sistema New Brunswick students, from St. Andrew’s Elementary School, Ian Baillie Primary School and Napan Elementary School received their violins, violas and one student received a cello. Since January 2016, the students have been active in the Miramichi Sistema NB program, which is operated through the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra.
Don Matheson, executive director of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and chief operating officer for Sistema New Brunswick, kicked the evening off by asking for a show of hands from the audience of parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters and grandparents to the beginner musicians.
“Your attendance here tonight is a real sign of your love, your community support and of the importance of supporting what these wonderful young people do every day,” said Matheson. “Thank you for coming, the concerts will only get bigger and better with every instalment.”
Sistema NB is a program that offers elementary-school aged children training in classical music, free of charge. Students have access to upwards of 15 hours of training on a weekly basis.
Sistema NB has been in place since 2009 with the help of the youth orchestra. Schools in Moncton, Saint John, Edmundston, the Tobique First Nation, Richibucto and now Miramichi provide the free lessons to students.
“Our sixth centre here in Miramichi now represents over 700 children,” Matheson said. “What a fine-looking bunch these kids are.”
Matheson said the students in Miramichi are blessed with great teachers. Carlos Armao is teaching viola and Emily Field is teaching violin; both are graduates of the prestigious McGill University music program.
“Carlos and Emily are not only very accomplished post-graduate orchestral musicians, but they deeply feel the spirit and the mission of Sistema NB and they love your kids,” Matheson said. “We are equally blessed with an incredibly generous community here in the Miramichi.”
Armao said Wednesday’s ceremony marked an important stepping stone for the students, who have spent almost a month learning learning music theory and music notation with a lot of singing.
“The kids not only (move) away from their paper instruments, and accept the responsibility of taking care of the real instrument, but it’s also a very exciting and important step in their journey as a musician,” Armao.“The very first step into their lives as an artist and ambassador of excellence and champion of Sistema.”
After welcoming remarks from Matheson, community partners came forward to show their commitment and support for the music program. There was representation from the Anglophone North School District by superintendent Beth Stymiest, Mike McCallum from the Kinsmen Club of Miramichi, Stephen Ross, grand knight of the Knights of Columbus; Paddy Quinn, on behalf of Miramichi Liberal MLA Bill Fraser, minister of tourism, culture and heritage; Bill Donald and Paul Stewart from the Highland Society of New Brunswick at Miramichi and Sheree Allison, executive director of the Miramichi Big Brothers Big Sisters Boys and Girls Club; and André Hachey, chair of the board of directors of Miramichi Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Matheson said the City of Miramichi is also a partner and Councillor Joan Cripps was on hand for the ceremony.
“The City of Miramichi has been incredibly supportive of our program,” Matheson said.
Hachey said students in the Sistema NB program learn much more than just how to play the violin, viola, cello or bass and that it matches well with the work they do at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Boys and Girls Club.
“What you will get from this whole experience is a lot more than just learning how to play music,” Hachey said. “You will learn how to be a fantastic young musician, a great student who cares for things, looks after your equipment … and music is going to open many, many doors for you.”
Quinn, who’s just recently been hired as special assistant to Fraser, read a letter on the minister’s behalf, as the minister could not attend due to commitments in Fredericton.
“Sistema is a proven program designed to inspire children and youth to achieve their full potential and to acquire the full values they need to grow to have a positive impact on society,” Quinn read from Fraser’s statement.“Tonight, as you receive your instruments, you should be very proud to reach this point, to have shown tremendous dedication, focus and discipline.”
The evening culminated with the students reciting the Sistema pledge.
