VIDEO: A classy trio

Three talented young Sault musicians say an early start has put them on a path that should see them playing well into the future.

Sam Wier, Courtney Irwin and Cathryn Franklin were on hand at the Algoma Conservatory of Music display and information booth and treated Mill Market visitors to a rendition of Andante by Franz Doppler on Wednesday.

"Music is such an important part of my life," Wier told SooToday.

Wier, 18, began studying piano and violin with the Conservatory at age 10.

His involvement in music has provided him with the opportunity to take part in performances with the Sault Symphony Orchestra, as well as playing piano at his church for the past two years.

"It's so helpful to school and learning, it's memory, it's rhythm, it's math-related, and kids that start music at a young age have such an advantage."

Wier described himself as math and science-oriented, and is heading off to study at Montreal's McGill University in the fall with the long-term goal of getting into medicine.

However, he said "I will always want music as part of my life, whether it's teaching a student, playing at my church, being part of an orchestra wherever I end up living, for sheer relaxation and for fun."

"Music is such a part of me, I don't think I could imagine not having music in my everyday life, and even for people that don't play instruments, music is a part of everyone's life, we hear it everywhere we go, from the car radio to elevators."

Courtney Irwin, 17, is a flutist, and has also studied music history.  

Irwin began taking music lessons at the Conservatory at age five.

"I was in first grade and my sister played violin at the Conservatory, she was in an orchestra and they played The Nutcracker, and after that I really wanted to play the flute," Irwin smiled.

Irwin will soon be attending the University of Ottawa to study biochemistry, but she also plans to audition for the university's pop orchestra.

"I think music is the universal part of all of our lives, everyone is interested in music, whether it's classical, pop, rock, it means so much to everyone," Irwin said.

Cathryn Franklin, 19, started musical studies with the Conservatory when she was five, and plays both piano and flute.

Franklin is currently a pianist in Algoma University's music program, looking forward to beginning her second year of study in the fall.

"I plan to teach private lessons and it would be really nice to work at the Conservatory," Franklin said.

"Music has been one of the biggest parts of my life for as long as I can remember, I grew up playing every day."

Franklin has performed in the Sault Ste. Marie Music Festival (formerly the Kiwanis Music Festival) and at her church.

"I can't remember a time when I wasn't involved in music."

After she completes her music studies at Algoma, Franklin plans to attend grad school at University of Toronto or University of Western Ontario.

The talented trio has manned an Algoma Conservatory of Music display and information booth at Mill Market throughout the summer.

"We're trying to raise awareness of the Conservatory and the programs that we offer, and we're trying in particular to introduce childrens' programs that we have," Irwin said.

"The children can come and try out instruments to see if they like them, and we're also trying to bring awareness to our adult band."

"Not many people are familiar that we have one, but for those who played an instrument in high school or don't get a chance to play an instrument very often, they can come and join the band, for woodwinds and brass," Irwin said.

The band is called New Horizons, directed by Ed Dickey.

Anyone wanting more information on the Algoma Conservatory of Music (now located in Mill Square) and its programs may call 705-253-4373, send an email to [email protected] or visit the Conservatory's website