October 28, 2011
By Jason Misner
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, HDSB STAFF
Tonight, Ryan Meeboer will be making local musical history.
The music teacher from Alexander’s Public School in Burlington has written the music that will be open the much-anticipated Burlington Performing Arts Centre tonight (Friday, October 28, 2011). Meeboer will also be conducting the Burlington Concert Band as it performs the very five-minute-long orchestral piece he penned, called Illuminations.
Even though he’s been practicing music for 26 years, Meeboer is a bit nervous and can’t wait for the night to come.
“I wanted to make sure this piece could continue to be performed by high school bands and performing groups,” he said.
Since 1908, the Burlington Concert Band, comprised of 40-50 local volunteer musicians, plays a wide variety of musical styles and repertoire. Meeboer explained in March, the Burlington Concert Band approached him about writing a piece for the opening night at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre. He had written songs in the past for the concert band before so it was familiar with his work. When he was invited to write a piece, he was elated.
“I was honoured I was asked to write a piece for them,” he said, adding he understands the first page of Illuminations will hang in the arts centre. “It’s cool.”
In writing what he calls a “celebratory piece”, Meeboer was very particular in understanding every square inch of the arts center and how much a part of the community fabric the City of Burlington wants to make the Locust Street building. He wanted his piece to reflect the positive notes of the building. He thinks he has done that.
“I tried to kind of tie everything into one piece,” he explained.
To say music is passion for Meeboer would be an understatement. He loves music for so many reasons, including the creative freedom it provides and the skills he can pass onto his students.
“I can write any kind of song I want,” he said, adding some of the music he ends up penning have started by something he has hummed. “Teaching students how to become better musicians (through performance and creativity), as well as feel pride about what they can accomplish musically. Everyone understands music in some way, whether to communicate with it, enjoy it, perform it or create it.”
Gord Truffen, Principal at Alexander's Public School, said the school is so proud of Meeboer’s accomplishment.
“Having a teacher in a Burlington school and a resident of our community compose and conduct at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre is truly a wonderful accolade for Ryan. Ryan is an exemplary musician and a wonderful teacher. He conducts a concert band, jazz band and junior jazz band with passion and enthusiasm.”
Meeboer’s success is a great source of inspiration for the students, Truffen pointed out.
“At Alexander's, we promote the arts. Our school made a donation to the Burlington Performing Arts Centre and our school is being acknowledged at the centre. We celebrate Ryan's achievements and are proud that he is a teacher at our school.”
When Friday comes and goes, Meeboer hopes the accomplishment of that night will resonate for his students for a long time.
“I hope my students learn they can do whatever they want when they grow up.”