By TERRY PUGH
University of Saskatchewan student Emma Gillingham is sharing her love of music with students at her former high school in Hague.
The 21-year-old is directing a choir made up of about 20 students at Hague High School as they prepare for the annual Sask Valley Music Festival at the end of the month.
But, they’ve also got their sights set on a much bigger project: a one-hour musical adaptation of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ tentatively slated for May 23.
Gillingham, an accomplished singer and pianist, said she wanted to provide an opportunity for students in her home community to experience the joy of music.
“When I was in elementary school and high school in Hague, one of the things I missed was a music program,” she said. “I took music lessons and participated in the music festival every year, but it would have been nice to have a choir or band program.
“When I switched later to a different high school – Rosthern Junior College – I participated in their musical when I was in Grade 12, and I really enjoyed it. When I graduated and started university, I wanted to give something back to the place where I grew up.”
Last year, Gillingham approached Hague High School Principal Brett Barry and floated the idea of an extracurricular choir for students.
“He was very supportive,” said Gillingham. “The first year went pretty well, and I felt I wanted to do it again this year. I learned a lot from the experience, and I think I’m a lot better organized this time around.”
She said feedback on the program from students at the high school has been positive.
“A couple of the students who were involved last year are now taking piano or voice lessons on their own,” she said. “The first year of the program, it was new, so some kids were a little reluctant to get involved; but this year it’s more established and seems to be more recognized and valued. The big thing is, I think the kids recognize that it’s not just for ‘odd’ people; music is for everyone.”
Gillingham said leading a choir in her community is proving beneficial to her university studies.
“It’s giving me more insight,” she said, “and it allows me to share the skills I’ve learned with other people. One thing that’s really hit home with me is how much impact music has on a person’s well-being and mental health. Some of the kids who come in to choir practice may not have had a good day; but when they arrive at choir it’s a safe space and they can spend a few minutes talking about their day with a group of people they feel close to. It makes a difference.”
Music also helps brighten the lives of seniors in care homes, she said.
“When we sing at care homes, it’s so nice to see that connection – through the music – between the residents and the students,” she said. “Music touches everyone in a special way.”
Gillingham said the musical slated for May 23 will include the choir, as well as other students in other roles.
“It’s definitely a new thing for me,” she said. “I’ve never directed a musical before, so I’m learning a lot as I go. It’s challenging but it’s also fun.”
A couple of teachers are helping out with the production, but Gillingham said if any community members are interested in stepping up to help with things like costumes or props, the fledgling production welcomes their contribution. They can contact the high school to sign up as volunteers.
Right now, though, Gillingham’s goal is to get her choir ready for the Sask Valley Music Festival that runs March 25 to April 2. She’s enlisted pianist Chloe Kvill as accompanist for the choir’s two pieces at the festival, and is hoping the group can build on last year’s successful performance.
Gillingham’s long-term goal is to do a masters degree in music and find a professional career in that field.
“I have a lot of goals,” she said. “But, they all include music in some form or other. This experience in bringing music to the Hague High School community has really showed me how important it is to share music with others.”