The impact of Selkirk College’s Contemporary Music & Technology Program has rippled across the industry’s landscape for 35 years and for one night only, the instructors at the heart of the program will perform for the community that has embraced their talents.
The “Unite & Reunite: A Selkirk College Music Faculty Extravaganza Concert” takes place at Nelson’s Capitol Theatre on October 26 with 20 current and former instructors showcasing the chops that have helped learners follow their own passions into music careers.
“It’s important to recognize the legacy of the music program at Selkirk College,” says Melody Diachun, the chair of the School of Arts & Technology and an instructor in the program for more than decade.
“There is a lot of passion behind this project and getting a chance to play music with these amazing faculty members in front of a community that knows them… it’s going to be a great evening.”
The once-in-a-lifetime reunion concert will showcase the exceptional talent of faculty with timeless classics and original works. Featuring the 10 current faculty members and 10 former instructors, the evening will celebrate the rich legacy, lasting friendships and bright future of the music program.
All performers are generously donating their time and talent, with proceeds from this event directly benefiting Selkirk College music students through scholarships.
“Getting to collaborate is always special, the way we communicate best is by playing music together,” says Diachun, herself an award winning vocalist and songwriter who actively records and tours.
“When you play together it solidifies a relationship and it’s a beautiful bond. It’s very meaningful and something we instill in the students we teach every semester.”
The Right Spot for Music Immersion
The Selkirk College music program came to life during a time in post-secondary when the provincial government was encouraging unique programming. The college’s leadership and board of governors felt that a contemporary music offering would fit the vibe of the region and attract budding talents from across the country.
In 1989, Madonna released “Like a Prayer” and Guns N’ Roses were topping the charts with “Paradise City.” At that time, the Canadian International College was the main tenant at Nelson’s Tenth Street Campus and the English-language school wanted to bring a vibrant mix of cultures together by welcoming a Selkirk College program. With provincial government approval, the Professional Music Program—its name at the time—began accepting students in September 1989.
The program was headed by saxophonist Darcy Hepner—who moved from Eastern Canada—and welcomed students with four faculty members that included recently retired instructors Paul Landsberg and Steven Parish. Over the last three-plus decades, the industry-veteran faculty have helped nurture and embolden the talents of more than 800 graduates of the program. Thanks to a transfer partnership with renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, many have also gone on to further formal education.
“When I first arrived to Nelson, one of the first things I noticed is a respect for artists in this community,” says Diachun.
“People appreciate music, they ask questions and they talk about their experience with the arts. It’s an attitude that extends to all of our programs in the School of Arts & Technology. People are excited about what our students are doing.”
The Canadian International College stopped offering programming in 1998, leaving the community and the majority of classrooms empty. The music program remained on the Tenth Street Campus and when Selkirk College became the primary tenant in 2000 with expanded programming that included the School of Hospitality & Tourism, the music program continued to be a foundation of life on campus.
Learners Gain Deeper Understanding
A cornerstone of the Contemporary Music & Technology Program is attracting faculty members with rich industry experience who also continue to record and perform themselves. Over the years, instructors have come for short stints or stayed for decades. Graduates of the program are part of every element of the industry across the world, from recording and performing to teaching and producing to promoting and technical assistance.
The “Unite & Reunite: A Selkirk College Music Faculty Extravaganza Concert” on October 26 will bring much of it together in a tangible and expressive way that will leave lovers of music wanting more. With learners at the centre of all efforts over the last 35 years, it will also be a chance for those currently on their educational journey to gain deeper understanding.
“Students get to know the current faculty really well while they are here, so for our current learners it will be a chance to see how we interact with these other talented past faculty,” says Diachun.
“It will give them a sense of the history of this program and what is possible for them after they graduate.”
Tickets are now on sale through the Capitol Theatre website (adult $35, senior $31.50, under-30 $10). You can find out more information on the concert at: https://selkirk.ca/events/unite-reunite-selkirk-college-music-faculty-extravaganza-concert
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