Iqaluit students get world-class music lessons

The National Arts Centre is putting on a special three-day music program in Iqaluit this week.

Called ‘Music Alive’, it started with a concert Sunday and will end with another one Tuesday. The program’s goal is to enhance music education in remote communities across Canada.

As part of the program, the NAC’s renowned brass trio musicians played for a local school class and offered some one-on-one advice.

Karen Donnelly is the principal trumpet player for the NAC. She said she was very moved by how warm and welcoming everyone has been since she arrived.

"It’s a funny contrast – the extreme cold outside and the extreme warmth and  genuine sharing and communication and exchange between, really, two different cultures and two different musical languages – Inuit song and our classically trained music," said Donnelly.

Rachel Neigo-Akavak dreams of becoming a professional trumpet player. On Monday, she got a front-row seat for the brass trio’s performance when they played in her music class at Inuksuk High School.

She said she was inspired by the performance.

"It's really great to hear about them travelling the world. It seems really neat," she said.

Another unique music lesson took place across the hall in the high school – Maata Kopalie was learning how to throat sing. She said it made her feel closer to her culture.

"It was really great. It felt good, just like letting my voice out," she said.

The music workshops also involved drummers and the high school’s choir.