A feature of musically diverse performances by the Saskatoon Academy of Music, raising money for Prairie Harm Reduction a community-based non-profit organization. PHR works with preventing overdoses and other adverse medical effects associated with drug use. This evening was a true show of community as they donated 923.25$ to PHR as they operate without formal funding.
This article has been brought to you by Sofiya Zhukova’s and Saskatoon Academy of Music’s partnership. The following photography, interview, and blog are a contribution of LayerBeyond Graphics to the cause. Join us as we discuss the techniques, and the unique conditions photographers find themselves in at concerts. Take a journey through the eyes of a musician with an interview. While you’re at it take a tour through the night of performances and their pieces. Finishing off with Prairie Harm Reduction and ways you can support the community. I found it to be such a shame that you missed out on this amazing concert and fundraiser, I’ve brought them to you! Give them some love with their upcoming granny awards!
My first thought when shooting this performance sitting in the darker corner of the room was, why do they make the camera’s shutter sounds so loud? Taking my noise maker to the setting called “Quiet” left me slightly unimpressed with my Nikon d5600. Trying to blend into the wallpaper as a true wildlife photographer on the hunt for some candid performer shots wasn’t easy. This turned quickly into mostly taking photographs before and after performances. As I didn’t want to be too obnoxiously loud, there was a certain finesse to concert photography. Ideally, I wished to try to capture the atmosphere and feeling the performers felt. The low light added its own set of challenges that you’ll see tackled in the individual shots with the help of photoshop. Sometimes places and venues get afraid to invite photographers due to possible distractions and obtrusive behavior. My photography style is here to challenge those stereotypes. By bringing quality, while being professional and polite.
Lauren Hope a teacher at Saskatoon Academy of Music graciously let me take photos and interview her. Giving us a sneak peek at the musical talent brewing in the music school of Saskatoon. She got a passionate heart that sings for the community. Literally, a vocalist, she serenaded us with the beautiful piece Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered by Rodgers & Hart. Holding a special place for the song, she chose it for the memories. Adoring music from a young age, her encouragement has come from the various music teachers, she’s had along the way. She’s been busy over the last few months creating a safe space for people that want to sing and express themselves without being judged. She mentioned how important it was for us to be generous to help the places that can cure addictions. “It isn’t some illness we can’t cure; we can help people get out of addiction” Stepping up to voice her support and donating her wonderful performance to PHR.
Cassandra Stinn Performing:
Owlbear Tango (Composed by Nick Whitelaw)
A beautiful piece with an incredible tempo that’s on beat with every hit of masterful fingers. Tango on the piano uses one repeating harmony, which is always contrasted with more complicated rhythms and melodies.
Vamo’alla Flamenco (Uematsu)
Vamo'alla flamenco is a depiction of Vamos allá, Flamenco, a Spanish expression meaning freely "Let's go, Flamenco". A common idiom in southern Spain, the title may refer to the tune's "Spanish" feel.
The Wife Stripes Performing:
A play on the name and classical band the White Stripes, this amazing pair serenaded us with electric guitar, singing, and drums.
Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground (White Stripes)
Fell in Love with a Girl (White Stripes)
Hotel Yorba (White Stripes)
Jaice Santos Performing:
Polonaise in C Major, op 1 no 2 (Schumann)
Gliding us smoothly through the bouncy song composed by German composer Schumann. Robert Schumann was renowned particularly for his lyrical, intense musicality producing some of the most beautiful and moving lieder in the repertoire.
While Rome Burns Performing:
Crosses of Annagh / Martin Wayne’s / Lady Ann Montgomery
A light tune that makes you want to jump up and dance while bringing you to a simpler time. The sound of prancing through the field outside the city in a rural town is what kept coming to mind while I listened.
Bellingham Boat / Out on the Ocean / Rolling Waves
Imagine that you’re in the boat out on the harbor, cruising around. Suddenly the waves start rolling and fear strikes. Yet slowing down the waves eventually lead us to shore safe and sound.
The Diatonics Performing:
The Fuzz Opus 1, No 1 & 2 (Pereira & Hretsina)
Finishing off our evening was this upbeat jam that made me think “ I’d want that on my iPod shuffle”. They turned up the energy in the room by engaging the audience in clapping and slamming down good lyrics, mad electric guitar, and beating drums.
Prairie Harm Reduction helps those affected by HIV and Hepatitis C by providing more accessible services. PHR provides members of the community a safe environment to drop in, also providing educational programs and resources on several related topics. In addition, PHR has Needle Patrollers who pick up needles throughout Pleasant Hill, Riversdale, and Mayfair neighborhoods. https://prairiehr.ca
The Saskatoon Academy of Music is home to over 600 students being the largest private music school in Saskatchewan. They work with students of all levels and ages; young beginners, accomplished senior students, adults, and anyone curious about their musical journey. Their instructors come from unique musical backgrounds, from classical approaches, they also instruct in pop, rock, jazz, folk, and contemporary styles, allowing the students to specialize in their areas of interest.
Fostering a lifelong love for music is their passion, and Saskatoon School of Music can’t wait to share it with you! https://www.saskatoonacademyofmusic.com
The Academy of Music Students Present: The Granny Awards! A silly and magical awards show featuring some familiar fairy tale faces. Their students have been putting this musical together under the direction of Keisha Mowchenko and Erica McFadden since November and are thrilled to share it with the Saskatoon community! Doors will open 15 minutes before each show, the run time is approximately 25 minutes.