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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.

Friday, March 13, 2020

March Break Open House

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!

Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Learning from unique music traditions

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.

The Noon Hour Concert Series at Conrad Grebel University College includes a range of both local and international musical talent. The performances consist of classical, jazz, world music, and contemporary works and are presented throughout the fall and winter terms. These free events take place on most Wednesdays from 12:30-1:20pm in the Grebel Chapel. This season introduces eight unique concerts, presenting multi-faceted talent.