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Nicholas Wong graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2020 with a joint degree in Statistics and Music, studying two subjects with “very different study styles.” Though he always dreamed of becoming a conductor, statistics was an area of expertise for Nicholas, and a skill he thought would be useful regardless of his future plans. Throughout his studies, Nicholas enjoyed every moment, especially “taking part in different ensemble rehearsals.”

Music has always been an important part of Emily Yarascavitch’s life. As a toddler, she took an immediate interest in the fiddle after attending her brother’s lessons, and at age four, she began lessons of her own. Soon after, she was competing in fiddle competitions across Ontario, which further led to North America-wide competitions, Royal Conservatory of Music Violin examinations, church choir performances, weekly fiddle clubs, and performing anywhere from nursing homes to big stage events.

Helen Martens, Conrad Grebel University College’s first music faculty member, passed away on Thursday, April 9 at the age of 92, surrounded by family in Winnipeg. She last visited Grebel in 2013 during the College’s 50th anniversary.

Grebel staff and faculty remember Helen Martens for her extensive contributions to the Music Department and the College community.

In light of the current COVID-19 outbreak, the University of Waterloo has decided to CANCEL March Break Open House on March 21, 2020.

The powerful voice of Mary-Catherine Pazzano delivered a captivating rendition of Leonard Bernstein’s musical works, both well-loved and little-known. On February 26, she was accompanied by accomplished pianist Paul Stouffer as part of Conrad Grebel University College’s Noon Hour Concert Series. A University of Waterloo and Grebel alumna herself, Mary-Catherine remarked that “it’s always good to be back!”

The orchestra@uwaterloo held its 2020 Concerto and Aria Competition on February 1 at Conrad Grebel University College. Any student or recent graduate of the University of Waterloo is eligible to compete in this biennial competition hosted by the orchestra. The Department of Music at Conrad Grebel University College is grateful to Professor Emeritus David Taylor, whose generous and ongoing support of the orchestra has made these competitions possible.

From a young age Melissa was heavily involved in music, taking lessons and performing, honing her talent. But, her second love was math and she come to the University of Waterloo with the goal of becoming a math teacher. Melissa filled her schedule with all the courses she needed to take to progress in the math program, without room for electives. Yet, math was not as fulfilling as she had expected, and she knew something was missing. It wasn’t until her third year that she allowed herself to take an elective, a music course on conducting, when she realized how much she missed music!

Every Tuesday, a diverse team of UWaterloo students gathers for prayer, small group discussion, song teaching, and worship service planning. These students are part of the Worship Apprentice Program offered by Grebel’s Music Department as a skill-building opportunity within the Church Music and Worship Program. 

The founder and artistic director of Waterloo Region Mass Choir led a dynamic gospel music workshop for students at Conrad Grebel University College on Monday, January 27. Darren Hamilton is an accomplished musician and is experienced as a vocalist, arranger, songwriter, and music educator. He joined students from the Chapel Choir and Grebel’s Worship Practicum course to discuss the African American gospel tradition.