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I have always been passionate about music, but I also love math, science, and technology. Day-to-day I work as a software developer, while also remaining very active in the local music community as a pianist, including with the University Choir at Grebel and with various theatre companies. I love being able to continue exploring multiple areas I’m passionate about.

Music is a vital part of my ministry work at Fairview Seniors Community, where I have been the Spiritual Care Coordinator for four years. Throughout my work at Fairview, and especially during the pandemic, music has been a source of connection, reflection, meaningmaking, comfort, and wellness (emotionally, mentally, spiritually and relationally) for the residents.

Learn the names of the three winners ...

The nominations for the 52nd Annual Juno Awards were announced this week, naming some of Canada’s top musicians, singers, songwriters, producers, and more. Included in the nominations is Mark Vuorinen, Associate Professor and Chair of Music at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo, along with The Elora Singers!  

As the Artistic Director and Conductor of The Elora Singers, Vuorinen and the choir have been nominated for a Juno Award in the category of Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble) for their release of Radiant Dawn: Music for Advent and Christmas.

The “Lichti Voice Studies Scholarship Award” was graciously established by Daniel Lichti for vocal music students at Conrad Grebel University College.

Peace and Conflict Studies, with Music Minor 

“I love music. Creating music is a joyful experience for me, but it is also a meaningful connection point in my life,” shared Selah Woelk. She is a second-year student at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo majoring in Peace and Conflict Studies with a minor in Music. Selah finds a sense of community in creating music with others and is part of various music groups such as the Grebel musical and UW choirs and ensembles.

Honours Arts French, with Music minor

Tessa is a second year Arts student specializing in French Teaching with a Music minor. She enjoys learning languages and her dream is to become a French immersion teacher. At the same time music has always been an integral part of her life, which she hopes to incorporate into her teaching. At Conrad Grebel University College she seized the opportunity to take part in various University of Waterloo Music courses, Voice Studio, Chamber Choir—both in-person and virtually—and is currently a member of the Chapel Choir.

Living in Village 1 in his first year, Christopher felt the walk to Grebel in the dead cold night of winter was daunting. Although, it was where he longed to be. Reflecting on that time, he wishes he would have taken that walk and got to the practice rooms more than he did to play his percussion instruments. However, this circumstance, among others, led Christopher to choose to live at Grebel for his second year.

Last month, the Theatre of the Arts at the University of Waterloo was brimming with thrumming beats, haunting voices, layered melodies, and a unique blend of electronic cello and traditional Indigenous music. As part of the Indigenous-Mennonite Encounters conference organized by Conrad Grebel University College, Indigenous and Mennonite musicians offered a concert that addressed relationships, beauty, nature, hope, and betrayal.

Are you passionate about classical music?  Enter the 2023 orchestra Concerto & Aria competition, which will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Conrad Grebel University College.