Department. He has since gone on to
pursue a career in music and is currently
studying at the University of Toronto.
sic department while you were at LPCI?
rence Park I was involved in every major
ensemble: concert bands, choir, stage
bands, jazz choir, and even the orchestra
for a short period of time. In my fi nal
year, I was a VP on the music council.
Program at the University of Toronto,
studying composition with Norbert Palej
and saxophone with Alex Dean.
sion to study music?
ment. The atmosphere created by both
encourages young musicians to de-
velop. I was one of many in my year who
decided to continue exploring music
after high school. When I started study-
ing music at U of T, I wasn't sure which
path I wanted to take. I have a very clear
memory of sitting in the music offi
as he told me, "You know Mike, one day
you're going to be a composer." Half-way
through my fi rst year of university I real-
ized that he was completely right.
Some of what I write is performed at
venues all around campus, and I have
been involved with the U of T Wind Sym-
phony for two years. I do a monthly gig
at various lounges in the Yorkville area,
and in the summer I work at numerous
music camps, something that I started to
do while still attending LPCI.
at LPCI help and prepare you for a career
in music?
semble experience at LPCI, I learned how
to communicate with other musicians.
Studying music at LPCI also connected
me with an amazing private teacher,
Johnny Griffi
playing in general.
memories?
May Lyrics concert. Near the end of the
concert, they announced the winner
of the June Kim Memorial Award. To
my surprise, it was me! To this day, I'm
still very honored and grateful for that
award. I also have a great memory from
my grade 11 year. The music depart-
ment organized a trip to New York,
where we watched many great concerts,
performed for many schools, and shared
many laughs.
coming a successful musician?
because the defi nition of a `successful
musician' is something that changes
from person to person. I believe that a
musician's greatest goal is to be able
to express himself or herself in a way
that can be shared with the listener. The
reason that we are able to feel this con-
nection is because music is something
so natural and primitive that we can feel
it deep inside, at our core. Through my
music, I try to make this connection with
my audience.
musicians?
this question is to `practise listening.'
What isn't often mentioned is the impor-
tance of ear training and sight singing
both amazing techniques that help
a musician to `practise listening.' These
things are just as important as knowing
your way around your instrument. An as-
piring musician should ask their private
teacher, school teacher, or someone that
they look up to musically to get them
started on ear training and sight singing
exercises as soon as possible. [m]
Institute's talent show which raises
money for the Music Council. It takes
place four times a year during lunch
hour and showcases the talented
young musicians here at LPCI.
a panel of judges, consisting of teach-
and constructive feedback with the
musicians after they have performed.
The winners of the fi rst three LP Idol
competitions then go on to compete
in the fourth and fi nal LP Idol. This
year the shows have been a success
and hopefully LP Idol will continue
to be a Lawrence Park tradition for
many years to come.