Archana Cini
Journal Lookout
When fantasy meets fleet, the unforgettable happens.
On April 4, the University of Victoria’s (UVic) Farquhar Auditorium resonated with music at the highly anticipated Fantasy, Myths, & Legends concert, a professional collaboration between the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Naden Band and the UVic Wind Symphony. On the program of this captivating evening, pieces from Moby Dick and Mordor, as well as works inspired by Peter Pan and the Firebird. The people of the region unanimously welcomed the importance of this experience, which allowed military and student musicians to perform side by side in a spirit of camaraderie. For many, this evening was a time of music, connection and mentorship, a testament to the important role our military musicians play in training the professionals of tomorrow.
The joint concert of the Naden Band and the UVic Wind Symphony has long been a way to showcase exceptional repertoire, offer guidance and mentorship to university students, and showcase a little-known side of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), » said Lieutenant (Navy) Benjamin Van Slyke, Commanding Officer of the Naden Band and one of the evening’s conductors. When asked what it means to him to play with talented university-level musicians, Lt(N) Van Slyke replied, « Students get the chance to improve their playing. They are already at university level and are becoming wonderful musicians, but nothing beats the adrenaline you get from playing alongside top professionals. »
The Naden Band performs across Canada and internationally at military and community events, and has built a strong reputation over the years for its outreach and collaboration. When it comes to supporting young musicians, the band prefers to rely on the power of collective performances and scholarships. In this case, proceeds from the evening were used to fund the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific’s official scholarship in music performance, which is awarded annually to UVic music students who excel in brass, woodwinds and percussion.
According to Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class (CPO2) Brayden Wise, Unit Leader and member of the Naden Band, the collaboration with young musicians has been an opportunity to make a huge impact. « We can show what is possible in the professional field of music, » he said. It helps to present music as a viable job opportunity, and not just as something you do at school. Many of us in the Naden Band were drawn to the CAF because of the interactions we had with military bands in our youth, like this one.
