This special episode of Midland Makes Music focuses on host Hilary Braime. Initially moving to the Midland area in 2014, she was impressed with the local talent in the arts. She is involved with various children’s charities that promote music for young people, in addition to playing bass with symphony orchestras as well as local jazz and bluegrass bands. Also, she started the Key Signature School of Music.

Hilary is the Music Director of the Bay Light Orchestra, a non-profit community orchestra. Hilary wants to utilize this orchestra to create opportunities for local musicians to play together. The other purpose Hilary hopes to fulfill is bringing music to communities that wouldn’t normally have access to instrumental music. Over time, she would love to see a stand-alone youth orchestra formed.

Recently, the orchestra has welcomed recently retired professional musicians. This has really elevated the community orchestra. Right now, they’re looking to attract musicians who feel competent and confident in their instrument, but they don’t have to be professionals. As long as you’re keen to practice and learn more, you’re a good candidate for a recruit.

Hilary was attracted to living in the Midland area after having visited many times before. She loves the easy access to the larger city as well as the history, traditions, and natural beauty the Midland area provides. After she moved, she acknowledged there was a community need to bring local musicians together, which is why she started the Bay Light Orchestra.

The reward of seeing youngsters thrive and gain confidence when playing an instrument is a big part of what drives Hilary’s passion to support music for young people. There are many kids who struggle in other areas of life who find music to be a healthy creative outlet. Hilary spent 20 years playing and teaching double bass. She enjoyed being surrounded by young people striving, which only motivated her to become a better musician herself.

On this episode of Midland Makes Music we’re joined by singer and songwriter Emma Reynolds. She’s currently studying Musical Theatre Performance at Sheridan College, where she enjoys taking classes on singing, dancing, and acting all day long.

Recently, she was asked to perform at a couple of seniors' homes. The past two years have been especially difficult for the senior community, and she wanted to bring joy to the healthcare workers and the residents. She would set up outside under a tent and sing, if only to provide them with a break in routine and 30 minutes of an enjoyable experience.

Emma has been singing and dancing since she was very little, but it was an opportunity to see Wizard of Oz as a child that attracted her to musical theatre. She loves how music theatre brings together her favourite disciplines: singing, dancing, and acting. The next year, she auditioned for Annie. Following this, she’s made many happy memories performing in various roles, some of which have been alongside her brothers and sisters.

Toronto is much busier and bustling than Penetang, so busking in downtown Toronto is an experience Emma looks back on fondly. She also plays at various farmers markets, restaurants, coffee shops, and festivals in different areas around Midland, Barrie, and Toronto. Every opportunity has helped her learn more about herself and her music.

Emma has recently started writing and composing her own music, and she finds it’s an expressive way to relieve stress. Emma also plays various instruments such as the guitar, piano, ukulele, bass, and the mandolin, which she incorporated into her recently released album titled No Looking Back. The best place to learn more about Emma and her music is her Instagram where she shares updates and new music regularly.

Find out more about Emma Reynolds:

Website: https://www.instagram.com/emrey_music/

Today we’re joined by Joelle Kontos. She has participated in the The Midland Y's Men's Music Festival most of her adolescent life, beginning in childhood. Joelle has always loved to sing, and this inspired her to pursue her studies of Opera at Western University. She gained her Bachelor of Music in Performance and a Master’s in Performance and Literature.

For all six years of her academic career, Joelle studied under Jaclyn Short. Although she went into her schooling confident in her singing abilities and music theory, her love for operatic singing was really built up over time at university. For the first two years she focused on technique, and jumped into performing during year three.

Joelle has poured a lot of energy into learning other languages inside and outside of the classroom to be able to fully develop her skills in opera. If she had to choose a favourite composer, she would have to say Bizet. She’s always felt drawn to French composers, perhaps due to her French heritage.

Outside of lessons and rehearsals, Joelle makes time to sing on her own for at least one hour each day. Then, of course, there is plot study, language study, diction, and more to work on. The only way to hone your skills in music is to practice, so Joelle emphasizes investing time if you want to be your best.

Over the last two years, Joelle has been restricted in opportunities to both travel and perform. She’s used this time to focus on her training and better her skills. She also took a few months off of singing for vocal rest. She’s looking forward to upcoming auditions and programs she can enter once again.

Find out more about Joelle Kontos:

Website: https://www.joellekontos.com/