Oliver music students Kendra Leinor and Matthew Thomas were recognized during Canada Music Week in Penticton recently.
Photo contributed
Numerous students from the South Okanagan were awarded during Canada Music Week November 18-24.
The BC Registered Music Teachers’ Association – South Okanagan branch has members from Osoyoos north to Summerland.
A student recital was held on Sunday, Nov. 24 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Penticton to conclude the celebrations of Canada Music Week.
This recital tries to promote music composed by Canadian composers. Each of the 15 members chooses students to perform. This year’s recital had music performed by piano and voice students.
There were also two original and fascinating compositions performed by student composers Matthew Thomas (from Oliver) and Wynn Nordlund.
There was a very appreciative audience of approximately 120 people present to enjoy the delightful music performed by all of these young students.
Everyone was treated to refreshments after the recital and awards presentation.
The following is a list of the awards and scholarships presented. The students’ marks and their location are listed as well.
Awards
Grade 1 – 1st Nicola Thompson, piano 83 (Kaleden; 2nd Logan Dougherty, piano 82 (Kaleden)
Grade 2 – 1st Kate Piche, piano 93 (Summerland); 2nd Jacob Weaver, piano 85 (Penticton); 2nd Kendra Leinor, piano 85 (Oliver)
Grade 3 – 1st Nathanial Klassen, violin 88 (Penticton)
Grade 4 – 1st Cole Piche, piano 89 (Summerland); 2nd Arianna Lainsky, violin 88 (Penticton)
Grade 5 – 1st Lara Moshaver, voice 85 (Penticton); 2nd Tamatea Westby, piano 82 (Penticton)
Grade 6 – 1st Natalia Ibanez-Richer, piano 85 (Osoyoos)
Grade 7 – 1st Sacha Perry-Fagant, voice 85 (Summerland); 2nd Carleigh Dean, voice 81 (Penticton)
Grade 8 – 1st Teighan Litke, voice 83 (Penticton) IODE Diamond Jubilee Scholarship
Grade 9 – 1st Evelyn Krieger, piano 86 (Summerland) IODE Diamond Jubilee Scholarship
Grade 10 – 1st Saige Carlson, voice 86 (Oliver); 2nd Mattthew Thomas, piano 85 (Oliver)
Theory
1st Jasper Meiklejohn, advanced harmony 88 (Osoyoos)
Mme Janisch Music Excellence Award – Jasper Meiklejohn (Penticton); Matthew Thomas (Oliver)
Natalia Ibanez-Richer 96 Grade 2 theory Conservatory Canada (Osoyoos).
A plaque and scholarship for Excellence in Music in memory of Madame Janisch was presented to Matthew Thomas of Oliver and Jasper Meiklejohn of Penticton. These two young men are very deserving of this award that recognizes excellence in their music studies but also a commitment to sharing their musical talents with the community.
Thomas recently passed the Grade 10 piano exam with first class honours and is currently taking voice preparation for the Grade 8 exam. He plays and teaches guitar.
For the past seven years he has played weekly on his church worship team and is now its music director. He has mentored several young people in their development on piano, keyboard and guitar.
Thomas enjoys performing and has played regularly for some years in local care homes, the Penticton Kiwanis Music Festival, and a variety of recitals for the Oliver Community Arts Council, as well as RMT recitals.
In Alberta Thomas was part of “Dreamer,” a large production of live theatre. He enjoys composition and has entered work in the festival.
He has recorded three albums of all original music, and is currently writing more songs and planning to record another album in time for Christmas. He is currently trying to support himself as he continues his music studies in theory and voice. His goal is to compose and produce music.
Contributed
