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Quesnel River City Music Association accepting nominations to fund a young musician

Quesnel and area youth have an opportunity to get six months of music lessons
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Quesnel Music is offering six months of lessons to a worthy music student through River City Music Association’s funding program. Observer file photo

Quesnel’s River City Music Association (RCMA) is looking for letters that nominate a passionate, committed young musician or music enthusiast.

The selected candidate will be given access to six months services at Quesnel Music store, which includes lessons in vocal, piano, drums, guitar, fiddle, etc. This is their pilot program and will increase to a full year of lessons in the following school year, beginning September 2018.

The criteria for the chosen candidate is simply their serious dedication to the time and services Quesnel Music is offering, a true passion for music and who otherwise may not have the funds to participate in the lessons.

Candidates must be between grades K to 12.

Nominations can be sent in by family, friends or even an individual who would benefit from what Quesnel Music has to offer.

The lessons are flexible, giving the winner the freedom to get a feel for what fits him or her best.

RCMA vice-president Jeanette McDonald says, “Our main [goal] is to foster musicianship with kids.”

To achieve this, RCMA has raised funds by hosting open mic nights at The Occidental on the first Saturday of the month through the school year. The all-ages event is held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and charges an entry fee to non-members of $5 per person, and $15 for a family of up to five.

Funds raised by these events have given RCMA the ability to give bursaries to the country bluegrass association. They have been involved in Secret Santa events giving students $500 from Quesnel Music to go toward their education and have given high school music teachers $100 for the purchase of equipment needed.

Now, RCMA would like to give a young member of the community the opportunity to expand their musical endeavours, where they may not have had the chance to before.

RCMA president JP Pinel expressed his appreciation for the individuals attending these events. The funds raised would not be possible if not for their attendance, he says.

Pinel says his goal is to extend funds raised to be used for lessons with other music teachers in the area. To do this, RCMA strongly encourages new members who can help establish their main objective to advocate musicians, musical education and endorsement making music an essential part of our community.

Says Barry Mckillican, owner of The Occidental: “I’ve seen the value of music. I’ve seen what it does to a kids self-esteem; the direction they take in life.”

The deadline for nominations is Nov. 30, 2017. Following the application process, the lessons will begin in January 2018.

Nomination letters can be sent to McDonald at jeanette_mcdonald@live.ca.