Sooke trumpet player Dani Reinon is off to Montreal Saturday to play for the National Youth Band of Canada.
The National Youth Band of Canada is an annual, week-long music education program that selects people ages 16-22 to come and rehearse for four days under a renowned Canadian conductor, and then perform four concerts at the end.
The project has been hosted annually since 1994, and is provided by the Canadian Band Association.
Reinon, 16, is a Grade 11 student at EMCS and came to Sooke last fall from Spain to study for a year abroad. He began learning how to play the trumpet when he was eight years old.
“I wanted to learn the trumpet because it stuck out to me. It has such a distinct sound, which I really like,” explained Reinon.
EMCS music teacher, Laurel Parliament, said Reinon “has been very involved” in Sooke’s music scene, performing with the Victoria Concert Band, the EMCS Concert Band and at local events like the Remembrance Day Service at the Legion, the EMCS Open House.
“He also volunteers with the Victoria Symphony and takes lessons with Ryan Cole,” said Parliament. “On top of it all, Dani also teaches trumpet lessons to his fellow students, helps arrange and transpose music for the EMCS band, and is probably one of the most dedicated musicians I have ever taught.”
Reinon decided to audition for the Youth Band of Canada program in November after Parliament suggested it to him, but had no expectations on being selected.
“There are only six trumpet players in all of Canada that are chosen,” said Reinon.
Not only was Reinon chosen, he was selected first-over-all out of the trumpet players, meaning he will likely get to play solos during the performances.
He has been preparing to go to Montreal for the last two months by learning all twelve songs the band will be rehearsing, and practicing for approximately two hours every day.
“I can’t wait. It’s going to be a lot of work, but I’m excited to meet and perform with people who are so dedicated and passionate about music,” said Reinon. “This is my first sort of professional experience, so it’s going to be very cool.”