Matt Metwalli, a fourth-year music student at the University of Waterloo and Conrad Grebel University College, is preparing for his upcoming grad recital. While practicing the saxophone piece “As I Am,” Matt knew delivering a memorable performance would require meticulous practice and a profound understanding of the piece's composition.

By chance, Matt’s studio instructor, saxophonist Ernie Kalwa, recently learned that Steven Banks, the composer of “As I Am,” would be performing the piece with the Toronto Symphony. Pouncing on the opportunity, Ernie snapped up some tickets and scheduled a private saxophone lesson between Matt and Steven. “In just one hour,” remarked Matt, “Banks opened my mind to a multitude of new things I never would have thought of prior. He is truly a master of the reed.”

“I am extremely grateful to Ernie for putting everything together,” said Matt. “Without him, none of this would have been possible. It shows that Ernie doesn’t just teach — he cares. He wants to watch his students grow to their full potential and will go above and beyond to open the best opportunities for them.”

As for the concert itself, Matt described it as a breathtaking experience. “Banks has a tone of the angels; his knowledge of the saxophone is truly unparallelled.” Banks reinforced all the teachings Matt had received in class, and even played an a capella encore at the end of the performance. On top of this personal coaching lesson, Matt also attended a two-hour masterclass at the University of Toronto where saxophone students performed while receiving live critiques from Banks.

While watching Banks was undoubtedly a highlight experience, Matt has also enjoyed his last four years studying and performing music at Grebel. “I really like the tight-knit community here at Grebel. It’s truly made me feel at home." While living in Grebel's residence, Matt has had easy access to practice rooms and other like-minded peers who share his love for music. "Some of my favorite classes included both my Studio and Jazz Ensemble courses,” Matt remarked. “I also took a conducting class, which provided me with a new kind of challenge. Through it, I learned how to see the musical world from a different perspective.”

Matt credits his professors at Grebel for much of his musical success: “Throughout the years, instructors like Ernie and Willem Moolenbeek have helped me perform at a standard I could’ve only dreamed of at the start of my journey. Professor Vuorinen’s conducting classes have also given me a better understanding of the other side of performing, while Professor Sunabaka has taught me a great deal about music theory,” he added. “I have also learned more on the historical aspect of music – how music has changed throughout different time periods and within different cultures. Studying music here has truly made me a better musician. I owe it all to the great academic family at Grebel.”

“Experiential learning is so important and meaningful for our students,” remarked Acting Music Chair and Professor Maisie Sum. “This includes music-making opportunities that our classes, studios, and ensembles offer, but also the opportunities instructors create for them to connect with professional musicians. Sometimes these happen in the classroom with guest artists and master classes, but they can also happen beyond our doors, as was the case with Matt.” Professor Sum stressed the importance of personal educational experiences like Matt’s. “These interactions and experiences add value to a music student’s education. They ignite inspiration. We are thrilled to be able to support their musical journey in this way.”

Thanks to teachers like Ernie, who himself is an alum of the music program at Grebel, Matt’s time learning music at Grebel will remain a lifelong memory to cherish and look back on. The curtains have not yet closed on Matt’s musical journey at Grebel; Matt is set to perform “As I Am,” alongside several other musical pieces, at his grad recital on April 21 in the Grebel Chapel.

By Jiho Mercer