IN CONVERSATION
Mia Harris is a musical performer and vocal teacher from Penticton. An opera graduate of UBC, the Vancouver Academy of Music and the University of Toronto, she will be among the featured performers in Broadway Musicals Part 2 which opens Wednesday at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
She spoke with Herald editor James Miller at a rehearsal Sunday.
HERALD: When was your first time on stage and what was your role?
HARRIS: I was a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz at age 7. HERALD: Did you always love to sing? HARRIS: Yes. HERALD: How’s the production coming along?
HARRIS: The process of getting a show onto its feet is always fun.
HERALD: What’s your favourite number in the Broadway Musicals Part 2 show?
HARRIS: The Raven scene from Nevermore, which is a Canadian musical about Edgar Alan Poe that originated in Edmonton.
HERALD: What has been the highlight of your career as a performer?
HARRIS: I performed the role of Der Komponist in Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss, and there was a moment when the music transported me and it literally felt as though time stood still.
HERALD: Tell me about your early childhood music program.
HARRIS: I teach for Little Tree Music Together, run by Maiya Robbie. We offer family classes for parents and tots between ages birth to 5, as well as big kids classes for children ages 5 to 7. We will also be starting a generations class for families and the elderly.
HERALD: Why is music a great thing for kids to learn?
HARRIS: All children are born with musical potential and studies have shown that music learning supports all other areas of learning such as math and language. Furthermore, if a child is exposed to music before age 9, neural pathways are developed so that they will have musical potential later in life.
HERALD: Of all the great musicians and artists we lost in 2016, which one were you most touched by? HARRIS: Leonard Cohen HERALD: What was it like being part of the Leonard Cohen tribute with Shane Koyczan?
HARRIS: That concert was one of my most gratifying performance experiences. I enjoyed everyone’s creativity and was humbled by their graciousness and sensitive artistry.
HERALD: You perform often with your husband, Tavis Weir, who is an awesome guitarist and vocalist. Is it truly a collaboration or does one of you have more input than the other?
HARRIS: I love performing with Tavis because we are a great balance for each other. He is great at writing and arranging music and I enjoy adding the theatrical elements.
HERALD: Have you ever had the audition from hell?
HARRIS: Yes, auditions are always nervewracking regardless of the outcome.
HERALD: Who were some of your earliest mentors and teachers in music that you can credit some of your success to?
HARRIS: Lynne Leydier (Soundstage), David Meek (UBC), Bob Pritchard (UBC), Kim Mattice Wanat (Edmonton), Peter Wylde (Toronto) HERALD: Do you ever get stage freight? HARRIS: Only if I feel unprepared. HERALD: What advice can you offer to aspiring musicians?
HARRIS: Becoming a musician/performer takes time and life experience. Be patient and gentle with your spirit. Be curious and ask questions; there is always someone eager to help you.
HERALD: Let’s end this with a fun question. If I could give you four tickets to any show in New York past or present, what would you love to see?
HARRIS: Einstein on the Beach by Philip Glass.