The Sound of VCFS
It is time to welcome one of our last but certainly not least portfolios, our talented 2020/2021 musicians! This year, this portfolio consists of 15 musicians, each bringing a wide array of musical talent to VCFS. The talent in this portfolio varies from an electric guitarist to a vocalist, and everything in between. These musicians are celebrated for their utmost confidence, intense work ethic, and of course, their incredible talent.
Head of Music, Amanda Rankin has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the musician portfolio will still continue to have a large impact on VCFS this year regardless of these strange times. This year, the musicians were asked to make a playlist for each scene. Each playlist provides a unique vibe allowing us to feel and experience a deeper connection to each scene. And, let me tell you these playlists really do past the ~vibe~ check.
So without further adieu, we are extremely excited to introduce this year’s wonderful 2020/2021 musicians!
Essence
Emma Harris // Musician
I connected with my scene, Essence, because of the value it places on authenticity and cultivating an introspective and reflective perspective that ultimately leads to a growth mindset. This is so important as we must always be willing to learn and grow throughout our lives; acknowledging where our knowledge may be limited and seeking out further learning opportunities to both enhance our knowledge and understand the unique perspectives of those around us. Not only does this help us learn a great deal about ourselves, as throughout this journey we learn what kind of person we want to be and what kind of impact we would like to make in the world, but it also aids in developing deeper connections with others and teaches us how to be compassionate and empathetic in all of our interactions. By exploring and unearthing our authentic selves, we can truly embrace change through acceptance, forgiveness, and gratefulness, and evolve as distinct individuals. When someone bears their Essence, their identity stripped down to its very core, it opens the door to creating genuine, profound connections with others. It is through these connections that we can learn a great deal about ourselves and one another.
What’s a movie you can practically quote from start to finish? Literally any of the Harry Potter movies. I’ve watched them too many times to count.
The Essence Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0bkRJkdmqgYNHDM836RUDC?si=7gZyf7yDTe6I3GdNXGlQxw&fbclid=IwAR2UEqGOjBFJAHcUkpoK9Ii60TsBitqBxvgxi8mt1PM9fwK7WItmG4w2sHE
Roots
Tia Schmidt // Musician
I connected with the scene roots because it is our roots that ground us and create who we are. They are the foundation of the rest of our lives and shape how we feel and perceive things. Being able to sing a song with this idea in mind is very special and reminds me to stay connected to my foundational roots.
If you could be any flavor of ice cream what ice cream would you be and why? I would be peanut butter ice-cream because it is sweet, salty, and paired well we so many other desserts.
Logan Garnet // Musician
I am an extremely family and friend oriented person who values the opinions and beliefs of my loved ones. Throughout my life when I am faced with challenges or have achieved accomplishments, the first people who I want to share these moments with are the people who have been there to guide me throughout my life. In that sense, I am connected to Roots because I am always connecting the events that happen in my life back to my friends and family.
What would you do if you won 10,000$? I had $10,000 I’d get a one-way ticket to New York and figure out how to stay there forever! (Also do a ton of shopping and seeing Broadway shows).
Carly Baldachin // Musician
This theme is all about where we come from, our beginning, and our foundation. To me, a big part of who I am comes from my parents. They are my foundation and they are the reason I am who I am today. So much of what I do comes from the way I was raised, and if you know me, you know I don’t stop talking about my family. My dad has taught me to not take life too seriously and to welcome people in as if they were family. My mom has taught me to be empathetic and unconditionally kind. My roots are Jenn and Larry, they are who have shaped me to be who I am today.
If you were to be one cartoon character, who would you be and why? Oh, I would 100% be Perry the Platypus. A) he gets a flipping dope theme song, B) his fedora is literally the definition of fashion, and finally, C) He’s just a great pet. He fights crime and saves the world regularly but is also there for Phineas and Ferb when they need him. Also, who wouldn’t want to be a semi-aquatic egg-laying’ mammal of action?! AGENT P FOR THE WIN
The Roots Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/29aHrv9OyuioOTSdIleYrL?si=eXSTOnioRz-B1fq2xRAyYg&fbclid=IwAR0JZ0iuewEGm8xN03F0HtdoohIJr0gQF3k5Biw7lZa_sT2mzci5D9-4b0k
Kindred
Omar Elmor // Musician
Music is such a passionate way to communicate things we typically can’t capture in plain language. Communication means more than just expressing ourselves; it means listening to others, appreciating what they have to say, formulating a meaningful response, and carrying on that cycle. I think the kindred elements of authentic, vulnerable connections between peers relate so beautifully with the music. Communicating raw ideas and passions with friends and family not only creates a deep and abstract bond between people but also captures and expresses that bond in a beautiful, infectious way. It brings strangers together and close friends closer.which is just inarguably dope.
What is your most unusual talent? - I can make it through that initial cold water phase before the shower temp adjusts without crying that much.
Emma Wensley // Musician
My connection to Kindred would have to be my experience making friends at Queen’s. These past couple of years I have met some truly amazing people who have changed my life. It makes me so happy to know that I have a handful of close friends who I can rely on; people who support me and make me smile. They’ve been there for me through my lowest and highest points and I will always be grateful for that.
What reality TV show do you secretly enjoy? This may not be a secret to some, but I adore watching RuPaul’s Drag Race - it kept me company during the quarantine. It’s got everything… over the top drama, runway looks, hilarious scenes, and heartfelt moments. I’m always so impressed by how creative and talented the queens are. If you’re going to watch it, check out Season 5!
Daniel DeGagne // Musician
I feel as though I’m connected to the scene kindred because performing with my band (MINT) allows me to be my true self. On stage, our band finds joy in performing, and we only hope that the audience sees this and wants to have just as much fun as us.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be and why? The one food I would eat would probably be pizza because of its versatility. You could take a sufficient chunk out of the food pyramid with just one slice! You got your dairy, protein, veggies... pizza is definitely the way to go.
Joel Hamersley // Musician
As a band it is important to feel close to the people you play with, so kindred is a good scene to represent how it feels to play in a band and play music with other people.
If you could talk to one species of animal, what would you choose? Dolphins, but only if they'd sing me "so long and thanks for all the fish" from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Cameron Aerts // Musician
I connected with the scene Kindred because I really enjoying playing music with friends and sharing in the connection that performance brings.
If you had a time machine what time period would you travel to and why? If I had a time machine I would definitely travel to the 1970s. So much of the music I love came from this era and it seemed to be a really exciting time for the industry.
The Kindred Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Ch17fMNb8WUEHexygfJl4?si=2P5cq4MtT92oAT6gozrOFg&fbclid=IwAR2_26Jo8NyvD5DyICutJw-04q3onvySXUPpmffwDJG4BTC2OTQyPRO3k30
Strangers
Amanda Rankin // Head of Music
I really love the concept behind strangers because it could be interpreted in a variety of ways. I think it’s interesting how a stranger can be someone you’ve known very well, and I think there is a huge genre of music that focuses on that concept. The vibe of strangers is super endearing and I love the jazzy focus it has. It makes me think of icons like Sarah Vaughn and Etta James, and tie it in with contemporary artists like Frank Ocean. This is definitely my type of scene and I love the metaphorical connections it holds!
What’s your favourite TV show? Why? The Haunting of Hill House will forever be my favourite TV show. When I’m watching something the spookier the better and I want to be terrified the entire time. It has such good theme music and I love Mike Flannigan as a Director. It’s so cool how he uses a lot of the same actors within all his series, 11/10 would recommend!
The Strangers Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3zUWfjrCDobbaVcpmu2ZPh?si=CpuAdrLaQdufQ7qhYRMSXA&fbclid=IwAR2WuAtfP-DaMf6pVQTDgJkILxAJ1C0gRg7JXSOajvFq__vGDRd7ty-XfCw
Adoration
Sophia Lapier // Musician
I connected with my scene, ADORATION because sharing a mutual appreciation for music with another person is a type of love language to many – including myself – and is such an impactful way to express one's feelings of desire, romance, longing, and hope. Music allows us to connect with those special people on a deeper emotional level, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.
If you could be any person for a day, who would it be and why? If I could be any person for a day, I would be Jeff Bezos! With a current net worth of $183 billion, I would put this money to good use to address major issues such as the global food crisis, access to clean drinking water, education, homelessness, and life-saving aid to people worldwide. By the end of the day, I'd hope to have convinced my other fellow billionaires to do the same!
Coleman Campbell // Musician
I’ve always been a huge fan of love songs, so I immediately connected with adoration. I feel as though some of our most intense emotion comes from a feeling of adoration, and music is one of the best ways to express that feeling.
What fact are you really surprised that more people don’t know of? If you know 4 specific chords, you can play almost any pop song on guitar or piano!
The Adoration Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0PGl0XVqraAjGRkjje5G1J?si=NaPKheqPRDabRmZ_GxVvog&fbclid=IwAR3MdSOprKoKUdyMuFBmSwqeUYOYNce7qGEPJnrEWKYTxisuGdJM9frGYSo
Nemesis
Emma Langlois // Musician
I am connected to the scene Nemesis because it brings out the intense reality of life. Not everything is whimsical and reserved. Conflict is something that we must all face in our lives, but the ability to look at others’ perspectives and learn from these challenges is what allows us to push ourselves and stand up for what we believe in. Disagreements with others create passion and growth. I look forward to performing with the confidence and boldness the themes bring forward.
What movie did you see that you were disappointed in, but everyone loved? The Greatest Showman. I love musicals but this one just didn't do it for me. I can appreciate some of the songs but would never watch the movie again.
The Nemesis Playlist: https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fopen.spotify.com%2Fplaylist%2F4KMmA3yU30UKBVFWFjNB4q%3Fsi%3DIoymeNMPSeaby15hqmfkBg%26fbclid%3DIwAR2tb7NxLDWDsWxAzaMHe3uCTdYuWDQCycG_U4XvAlgraE8xw8pP2GvAiqg&h=AT2wLknXnMseGApIEPWT-wJNabjHCV-jGkr-OvPPlcPyOHL3U4tABlDK0PW0APd-RSpkp5azg-9D202LlJCkHZP82FlapEEVZlkc7QjWgGDiaCAS-TVCd3nGjuanr2G8AGCKmMflcIU
Purpose
Emma Mackinnon // Musician
I love the topic of purpose in general because it can have unlimited meanings, and it focuses on each person's individuality. I connected to it because it’s meaningful and dynamic. Everyone, including myself, is looking for their purpose, and it's never limited to one thing, which is what makes it so unique. Connections are an essential part of finding your purpose, and it makes me think about how lucky I am to have the people in my life that I do because they’ve helped shape me into who I am today.
What’s your go-to guilty pleasure? Spending money I don’t have and then complaining about how broke I am
Sarah Elop // Musician
The scene purpose embodies an ever-changing world with small moments making big differences. This idea fascinates me and encourages me to discover meaning in every relationship and conversation I have. As a result, I have come to recognize that my purpose in this world is tied to another person that is tied to another person. Due to this interconnectivity, each and every one of us has a role to play in our own lives and the lives of others. I have grown to discover that life is a journey with no destination; therefore, we as individuals need to find purpose in the little things that we do in order to maximize our impact in this world.
What song are you embarrassed to admit that you like? Determinate from Lemonade Mouth!!!!
The Purpose Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2CesK39FYcAL8K1q0lpLmo?si=zuuIKANrQ2SWwf2jykU52A&fbclid=IwAR00vTRYWEiij99HdFDzIJI0Za0nW_spjFIENrXoUDWS15rSiK74atN_nwk
These musicians will be diving headfirst into this year’s 2020/2021 theme: CONVERGENCE. Stay tuned for all of the amazing upcoming content from our musicians this year! We are very excited to share their musical talent with the VCFS audience.
Marley Higgs // Press and Media Intern