FOM STORIES

A SHOWCASE OF OUR TALENTED people

The views and opinions shared by our members, participants, volunteers, supporters and staff in FOM STORIES or Get The BEAT newsletter features, do not necessarily reflect the official policy, values, beliefs or position of FOM Music Society.  All featured content in FOM STORIES reflects the personal views and opinions of each individual author. 

Jade Chicorelli

The first time I walked into the space; walking down the stairs of the lecture hall turned concert stage, seeing the members playing all kinds of instruments, and finally when I saw the glimmering smiles, I knew I was in new kind of home. My role for the term was to be their photographer, something I had never done before…

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Mark Idczack

“The world is a stage” so says Will Shakespeare. My life has been a continuous series of stages. I believe our lives can be a movie, that is played at the end of our glorious life on earth, recounted by yourself to the creator. This is your life on stage…

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River Chandler

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember; singing in British Music Hall as a young child; singing in choirs; acting, singing and dancing in musical theatre; and playing in the school band. I picked up (and put down) my guitar over the years, playing songs for small children in early learning settings, and learning a few folk songs…

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Sahil Virk

I joined Friends of Music through the Uvic Community Engaged Learning program, which connects students with community-based partners. I am very grateful for the relationships that this program has allowed me to develop and the experience I have gained working with a local organization…

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Craig Ellerman

My name is Craig Ellermann and I have enjoyed the privilege of being involved with the Friends of Music society for three years now. I have been learning to play the bass guitar with the help and support of the instructors and my fellow musicians…

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Clarissa Dawn

My name is Clarissa Dawn and I have a strong passion for playing music.  My journey with music started with learning to play my favorite instrument, the guitar, when I was still in Highschool.  Gradually, I began teaching myself how to sing and added that coordination with guitar playing.  I’ve been playing and singing for at least 11-13 years now…

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Ken Beattie

I have played the accordion for most of my life, and have stuck with it. I started learning the instrument at age 8, when 2 salesmen travelling door to door show up at my home. I took private lessons for 10 years and competed in Victoria and Seattle, in the early years. In 1984 I started busking the Victoria Inner Harbour causeway…

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Ivan Stroek

May the “Muse” be with You — Always! My name is Ivan and I sing, among other things; Gregorian Chats, at Open Mic on Sunday Evenings. Briefly described, Gregorian Chant is a form of medieval Latin church music. I came upon it through my Roman Catholic background.  There isn’t much interest in it these days, but in my case, it really Took!  

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Emma Poole

My music journey started back in September 2009 at the age of 11, where I started to learn the clarinet in school for fun. Jump ahead to January 2018; after taking a break from music to focus on school, I met Janet while I was playing in a marching band.

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Normand The Poet

Life is a marvelous network of beauty. Working unto the Mystery of God Spirit. Paints the majestic glory of God’s Presence. Into the Essence, as life goes on. Creativity Is the canvas in the field of the Universe. Connected to God within us. As the Imagination becomes the channel of the Universal Mind.

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Dan Mckinnon

I was just learning a musical instrument, a flute; handy and light to the touch. I searched out other FOM Music Society groups; but what I really sought was rock. In the habit of previewing notions with the executive director; I said something like; “You know Janet, do you suppose maybe FOM could have a rock band?”. I felt a hidden ability might be awakened there…

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