Laurier Music

🎓 Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎶💜💛

Today we had the privilege of celebrating your achievements, your perseverance, and the incredible journeys that brought you to this moment. It was a joy to see you all crossing the stage and taking the next step into bright and exciting futures.

A special thank you to honorary degree recipient Dr. Jully Black for sharing such powerful and inspiring words with our graduates.

To our graduates: your music matters. It matters in the classrooms you’ll teach in, the stages you’ll perform on, the communities you’ll strengthen, and the lives you’ll touch along the way. The impact of music extends far beyond notes on a page, and so will the impact you make.

We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next. Once a Golden Hawk, always a Golden Hawk.

🎓 Tomorrow, we celebrate the incredible Class of 2026 as they cross the convocation stage and begin their next chapter, alongside honorary degree recipient Jully Black.

Before the gowns, the degrees, and the standing ovations, there was this moment: September 2022. 💜

Here's a throwback to the Class of 2026's first-year photo, taken during their very first weeks at Laurier Music. Four years, countless rehearsals, performances, late-night practice sessions, friendships, and memories later, they're ready to take their final bow as students.

We can't wait to celebrate you tomorrow. 🎶✨

Joining Laurier from Mayfield Secondary School, Ziyaan has been an active member of both the Senior Band and Gospel Choir.

A concert percussionist, Ziyaan hopes to become a music teacher and inspire future generations through music education.

We're excited to welcome Ziyaan to the Laurier Music community and can't wait to see what he'll accomplish as a member of the Class of 2030! 🥁🎶

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Hey! My name is Ziyaan, and I can't wait to join the Bachelor of Music program at Laurier! I attended Mayfield Secondary School and was in the Regional Arts Music Program. I have been playing the drums for over 10 years and will be joining Laurier as a concert percussionist. Outside of music, I love to read, hang out with my friends, watch shows, and play basketball! I'm very excited to grow as a musician at Laurier and see where it can take me!

🎶 As June marks the end of the high school academic year, we’d like to send a huge thank you to our co-op student, Liam, for an incredible four months with the Faculty of Music!

Working alongside Communications and Recruitment Coordinator Mieke Kanmacher, Liam assisted with school visits, communications projects, design work, and a variety of initiatives that helped share the Laurier Music experience with prospective students.

The most exciting part of Liam’s co-op journey? He auditioned and was accepted into Laurier’s Bachelor of Music program and will be joining us this September as a Contemporary Piano student! 🎹

While piano is his primary instrument, Liam is also an accomplished flutist and hopes to join the Laurier Wind Orchestra. Coincidentally, Mieke also played flute in her high school music classes, so the two celebrated Liam’s final day with a flute duet.

Thank you for all of your hard work, Liam. We can’t wait to welcome you back to campus this fall as a Laurier Music student!

🎶 Attending Wilfrid Laurier University or the University of Waterloo this fall?

Students from any program are eligible to audition for our ensembles and may be able to participate for academic credit.

Interested? Complete the form below to learn more and express your interest!

https://wlu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6JxPv8hjsFUxlKm

Please note: Incoming and current Laurier Music students do not need to complete this form.

This week, we're celebrating our graduating students while also welcoming the next generation of musicians who are just beginning their Laurier journey.

Meet Ariana, a contemporary vocalist and a member of the Class of 2030. As she prepares to start her studies at Laurier this fall, we're excited to see where her musical path will lead.

Welcome to the Faculty of Music, Ariana. We can't wait to see what the future holds for you. 💜🎶



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Hi! My name is Ariana, and I'm from Oakville, Ontario. I'm excited to be joining Laurier's Bachelor of Music in CCM this fall! Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I'm primarily a vocalist, but I also play piano, guitar, alto saxophone, and several other instruments. I love performing and am always looking for opportunities to share music with others, whether that's through concerts, theatre, or community events. This past year, I had the opportunity to play Dorothy in my high school's production of The Wizard of Oz, which was one of my favourite musical experiences. Outside of music, I love travelling, spending time with friends and family, and finding new creative outlets. I'm excited to join Laurier's Faculty of Music, and continue growing as a performer and songwriter.

We're proud to see current Master of Music Therapy student Carol Olympus featured by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

Currently completing his internship placement at Holland Bloorview, Carol is helping children and families explore emotions, build connections, and support healing through music psychotherapy.

Read more about Carol's journey and the impact of music therapy in this feature from Holland Bloorview: https://hollandbloorview.ca/stories-news-events/BLOOM-Blog/music-helps-hospitalized-children-find-tone-their-emotions

🎶 Last week, Laurier Winds & Brass Coach/Accompanist Dr. Irene Gregorio assisted with the preparation of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 performances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Gustavo Gimeno.

As Collaborative Pianist and Musical Assistant with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Dr. Gregorio plays the piano rehearsals for the choir with the music director before their first orchestra rehearsal. She brings a wealth of professional experience to her work at Laurier and beyond.

Bravo, Irene! 👏🎹

Welcome to Laurier Music, Shauna!

Joining us from Woodstock Collegiate Institute, Shauna will be pursuing studies in cello this fall. We're excited to have her become part of our vibrant string community and begin working with acclaimed cellist Katie Schlaikjer, a member of the Penderecki String Quartet, one of Canada's leading chamber musicians.

We can't wait to see all that Shauna will accomplish as part of the Laurier Music Class of 2030!

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Hi! My name is Shauna. My journey as a classical cellist has shown me the power of art to move people, create, community, and spark change. I’m thrilled to be joining the Faculty of Music at Laurier this fall as a classical cellist. Throughout high school, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor younger cello students and participate in ensemble, chamber, and solo performance opportunities. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me and encouraged me to keep pursuing what I love. Outside of music, I enjoy competing in endurance riding with my Arabian/Mustang horse, Spirit.

I’m so excited to continue growing as a musician and to make a meaningful impact through my art at Laurier!

🎶 In early May, Laurier faculty member Dr. Leah McGray had the opportunity to work with the Kawartha Lakes Youth Orchestra and the Kawartha Lakes Concert Band, led by conductor Murray Lefebvre.

We love seeing our faculty sharing their expertise with musicians across Ontario, building connections and inspiring the next generation of performers. Thank you to the musicians and organizers for the warm welcome and a wonderful day of music-making!

WindBand YouthOrchestra