News
Three exemplary contributors to the development of youth orchestral music in New Brunswick are the 2015 Lieutenant-Governor's NBYO Award recipients. Don Bosse, Muriel and Robert Buckley were formally presented their awards by Her Honour NB Lieutenant-Governor Jocelyne Roy-Vienneau and NBYO President and CEO Ken MacLeod during the spectacular NBYO Keeping Faith / Gardons espoir season finale on Sunday, March 29th in the Richard J. Currie Center gymnasium/auditorium on the campus of the University of New Brunswick.
UNB President and Vice Chancellor Dr. H. E. A. (Eddy) Campbell and NBYO Board Member Joanne Toner welcomed concert patrons to the event. The University of New Brunswick was the presenting sponsor, and the concert was attended by over 800 patrons from Greater Fredericton and Oromocto.
Special tribute was paid to members of the Royal Canadian Legion Women's Auxilliary, veterans, and Canadian Forces families from CFB Gagetown.
Guest performances were staged by the Fredericton Youth Orchestra (co-directed by Sam Arnold and Jason Flores), the Leo Hayes High School Band (co-directed by Jennifer Horsman and Charissa Smith), and the Fredericton High School Band (directed by Don Bosse).
The concert concluded brilliantly, with a combined orchestra performing Verdi's Grand March and Danzon No. 2 by Arturo Marquez, under the baton of NBYO Music Director and Conductor Antonio Delgado.
Notes about Don Bosse
A Madawaska, Maine native—Don Bosse attended Berklee College of Music in Boston. He later studied at St. Thomas University, where he obtained his BA and B.Ed. In 2007 he completed his Masters in Music Conducting at Memorial University. Early in his career, Don established an elementary school band program involving 90 students in a school of 245, and setting the standard for elementary school bands in the province. Don recently received an email from one of those first students. Here are a few excerpts:
“Dear Mr. Bosse –I just came to a realization of how big of an impact you've had on my life…I came from severe poverty. At 10 years old, I didn't understand what poverty meant. And…I want to thank you. You treated me like I was an equal and provided me with opportunities…Being involved in music at an early age helped me to feel confident in my abilities, provided me structure… and kept me from getting into drugs/alcohol… music helped me to have confidence in myself...which enabled me to pursue higher education; something nobody in my family has ever had the confidence or opportunity to do. Thank you for helping to steer my life in a direction that has enabled me to…feel like I have value in the world. I hope that this story reminds you that your work is invaluable. Your influence changed the direction of my life and I am forever grateful.”
Don has taught at Fredericton High School for 21 years. He continually innovates curriculum—including keyboard, guitar, choral, instrumental, and world music classes. He incorporates technology to assist students with learning difficulties, and challenge those with advanced skills.
Don instills a sense of community pride in his students. In December he took his instrumental class to perform for CBC Radio’s Feed a Family campaign show, and raised $2,000 for the Fredericton Homeless Shelters by performing music at the local mall.
His passion is rewarded by enthusiasm and respect from his students. Don conducts professional development sessions and adjudicates music festivals. He has mentored dozens of university interns who have gone on to become music educators.
Don remains in contact with former students and often involves them in the St. Thomas University Jazz Ensemble, a group he conducts and founded in 1995. He also performs with his own jazz quartet, and lectures in the Fine Arts Faculty at STU.
A devoted husband and a proud father of two wonderful and talented daughters, Jessica and Emily—Don is also a proud new grandpa. He credits his wife Heather for being his main supporter and music critic for the past 32 years.
Muriel and Robert Buckley receive their 2015 Lt. Governor's NBYO Award from NB Lieutenant-Governor Jocelyne Roy-Vienneau and NBYO President & CEO Ken MacLeod (PHOTO by Keith Minchin)
Notes about Robert and Muriel Buckley
Muriel was raised in a large, single-parent family in Toronto. She left high school to work and help support the family. She would love to have learned to play an instrument, but there was no such opportunity. Robert was born in Boston, but moved to Quispamsis when he was two years old. His five sisters learned piano, while Bob became right hand man to his father. Bob went to Toronto in 1951 to work in the electrical trade. Muriel and Bob met at a dance in the big city.
They married in May of 1954 and raised eight children—Tim, Ron, Kathy, Chris, Peter, John, Ellen, and Joanne. Over the years the Buckleys plunged headlong into the deep end of the music scene. Several were musically reared in the orchestra of Mrs. Jessie Ward Parker. In the beginning, Muriel and Bob drove their kids into Saint John for daylong music lessons. By 1973 the Brunswick String Quartet members were musicians-in-residence at the University of New Brunswick. So for eight years, Bob devotedly drove his gang to Fredericton for lessons with the members of the quartet.
By September of 1976, seven of the eight Buckley children were members of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, dominating the string section. Muriel jokingly once said to their dentist, “Danny, we primarily spend money on two things—teeth and music.” Muriel and Bob truly enjoyed home rehearsals and attending the myriad performances over the years. They also enjoyed meeting and befriending the other students and their families. Countless members of the NBYO have enjoyed the Buckley home hospitality.
While on the School Board in the late ’70s, Muriel was instrumental in bringing the string program to School District 19 (later named District 6). Knowing the positive effects of music, she was determined to find a way to offer youngsters the benefits of learning how to play an instrument as well as the experience of being part of an orchestra. As a result of her efforts, many children in our area have had a richer, fuller musical education.
Three of the Buckleys became music professionals. Many have taught music and have coached sectionals with NBYO. Peter Buckley played violin and viola in the orchestra, later became a Board Member, and even served a vial term as President of the Board. Chris and Peter currently serve Sistema NB with pride.
Muriel and Robert Buckleys’ love for music created a legacy of musicians who entertain, educate and share their knowledge with others. Along with everything else that goes along with being a parent, they provided the funds, transportation, encouragement and support, which enabled their offspring and the wider community to develop musically.
