Two high school students at Charles Hay Secondary have been accepted into the honours choir at the British Columbia Music Educators' Association (BCMEA).
The prestigious specialized association delivers programming for the province's most outstanding youth musicians.
BCMEA says that hundreds of students from across British Columbia audition annually for positions in one of five provincial honour ensembles – choir, jazz band, vocal jazz, string orchestra, and wind ensemble. These ensembles showcase guest conductors from around the globe, offering enriching musical experiences for all involved.
Sam Martin and Lily Nguyen are exceptional singers looking forward to their upcoming rehearsals and events at BCMEA in Vancouver.
"I am proud of myself and the work I have put in, the pride I get from my family, it's motivation to work harder and get better at singing," said Sam.
Music was a massive part of Sam's childhood because their grandmother and mother sang and played the piano around them. Their late grandfather, Peter Witherly, was a famous trumpet player, and this had them surrounded by a musical household.
"Singing though, has been especially important to my identity. When I was little, I used to put on shows and concerts in the kitchen for my family," Sam said. They also enjoyed playing drums and the violin, and have been part of the Charles Hays choir for three years.
Contrary to Sam's experience, Lily's musical journey began very recently, as she never considered herself a musical person.
"I've always liked listening to songs and singing along in private, but for a very very long time, I was absolutely terrified of singing in front of other people. It was so bad to the point where the director for the high school musical in my Grade 9 year had me sing Happy Birthday because I was too chicken to do anything else."
However, since Grade 9, she has grown more comfortable singing for an audience with every performance.
"Getting accepted into BCMEA's Honour Choir and scoring a lead role in this year's musical has been one of my proudest accomplishments. Mainly because, only three or four years ago, I never would have fathomed the idea of me singing in front of others and enjoying it. Though, I do choir less to sing in front of others and more to sing with others."
Sam and Lily knew they would incur additional expenses for the travel between Vancouver and Rupert, so they have raised about $1,200 and are continuing their fundraising efforts.
"Without the help of the Museum of Northern BC, Highliner Hotel, Ridge Hotel and Prince Rupert's Arts Council, Lily and I would not be able to afford to be a part of BCMEA," said Sam.
"The next steps for next year include auditioning for the role in the jazz honour choir which only accepts 10 students from B.C., which would be the ultimate dream for my last year in choir."
Lily loves the connections that singing as a group forms.
"I love the idea of being one part of a bigger and more beautiful whole in the form of music. It's like every voice is woven into a living tapestry of song that's beautiful not only in the art but also in the connection that's nothing less than deeply human."
Their first practice was in Vancouver on Sept. 28, and they will be performing at BCMEA's annual conference on Oct. 25.
"Regular challenges I face with choir is the frustration of when you're not able to hit a note or the kind of hidden jealousy of my lower range friends where I wish I could sing like them, but no matter how I train, my voice will always have limitations," said Sam.
While they are proud and excited about their achievement and upcoming journey, they say the stress related to the competitiveness at BCMEA and financial stress about the future poses challenges.
