Musécole explains Why we Sing
students.
SES music teacher and founder of the United in Music Festival, Tracey Rivette, said the donation will be greatly appreciated.
“There’s no real room in the budget for music classes. There are no funds. We have to figure it out ourselves,” said Rivette. “We’re lucky at SES because there’s a music program, but it’s still difficult to manage.”
Rivette knows how music can impact the lives of students. She’s seen it firsthand.
“It’s proven to develop the brain. Not just listening but playing, actively participating, it’s like fireworks in the brain; it exercises every part,” she explained. “I often make jokes about how music makes you smarter but it does! The brain is a muscle. You have to use it to make it stronger.”
The theme of this year’s Musécole show is ‘Why we Sing’, featuring a collection of songs that have had a positive impact in the world.
“I started thinking of songs that I wanted people to hear, and then I questioned why I wanted people to hear them,” Mccully said.
“We’re living in some pretty heavy times right now,” he added. “Music can provide a voice to oppose oppression, to unite people, to be a driving force for change.”
The set list, according to Mccully, is a well-kept secret. The goal of the show is to present as an unknown narrative.
“I want the audience to be a blank slate when the show begins,” Mccully said. “There will be someone there to guide the audience, to be a kind of narrator,” he explained. A program will be handed out to introduce the band members to the audience, but the song listing will only be made available after the show.
“My hope is that everyone in the audience will hear songs that they haven’t heard in a long time, songs that are new discoveries, and songs that they turn to on a regular basis as a source of comfort,” shared Mccully. “I think the audience will be pleasantly surprised,” he said, pointing out program includes songs from different time periods and a variety of genres.
‘Why we Sing’ will have a diverse casting. Musécole’s mandate is three-fold, Mccully explained; to highlight the talent of local musicians, to provide opportunities for young emerging artists to gain stage experience alongside industry professionals, and to pay forward any profits to the next generation of musicians.
The beneficiaries of last year’s concert have assembled The Musécole Choir, a group of over 40 singers from SES, directed by Rivette.
The choir has been practicing since last year to get ready for the show. Mccully, who saw them rehearse just last week, praised their skills.
“It was incredible. I was blown away by the emotion of their performance,” he exclaimed. “They knew all the words, and even had choreography, they were wonderful. And so organized! It’s a challenge for me to organize rehearsals for 20 adults; Tracey made magic with 40 students.”
Rivette and Mccully will be joining The Musécole Choir to perform their songs.
“We’ve got some super talented singers” commented Mccully, regarding the rest of the invited guests.
They range from well-established local performers to high school students.
Tim Brink, Marie Bélisle and Amos Joannides require no introduction, having all participated in the French television singing competition, La Voix.
Singer songwriter and artist Kate Morrison has participated in a number of music projects with Mccully and is happy to return to Centennial for Musécole’s second production. “Kate brings an incredible energy to the stage,” Mccully said.
In the up and coming category are second year BU student Canda Habonimana, Champlain student Sarah Wells and Ember Gendreau, a Massey-vanier High School student.
Sonia Patenaude is a regular fixture on the local music scene, performing with a number of ensembles.
Kathryne Owen is a well-kept singing secret. While currently focused more on visual artists, having sung on stage a number of times with Mccully years ago, she agreed to share her talent in the ‘Why we Sing’ show.
Mccully added that the audience shouldn’t be surprised if there happen to be approximately Eight Misbehavin’ individuals making a special appearance.
The concert will be held at Centennial Theater on September 30th at 8 p.m.
Tickets are on sale for $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. They can be purchased directly from the Centennial Theatre box office or via Matthew Mccully at 819-580-0964.