Welcome to Student Groups Spotlight!
Every month, we will feature a different student group to demonstrate the many diverse groups we have here at MacEwan and how they all contribute to a thriving community on our campus.
Meet the MacEwan Music Club!
SAMU: What is the MacEwan Music Club?
Bella: The MacEwan Music Club is focused on building a community for MacEwan students and young musicians who want to connect with other people through music. The music scene in Edmonton can sometimes feel difficult to break into or a little intimidating, so we want to show people that it doesn’t have to be that way. We want students to have a place where they can meet people their age, network, learn about music and jam culture, and feel safe and welcome. We also host events where people can listen to records, play music and just hang out. Overall, we want to make it a fun place to be a musician and be around music.
SAMU: Your group is focused on bringing more live music to MacEwan and Edmonton. What made that important to you?
Alex: Community is such an important part of being a musician. If you want access to professional opportunities or want to learn from other musicians, the relationships you build are incredibly important. One of the biggest reasons people come to music school isn’t only to learn the technical side of music. It’s also to meet friends and other musicians who you can work with and learn from. I’ve personally learned so much from going to jazz concerts in the city, meeting other musicians and jamming with them. We want to create those same opportunities for students to listen to music, interact with other musicians and learn from each other. It’s about people coming together over their love of music, building friendships, mentoring each other and growing as musicians.
SAMU: Tell us about one of your recent concerts or jam sessions. What was it like?
Bella: One of our recent events featured Alan Gilliland from MacEwan’s composition faculty. We organized an eight-piece band of students to perform his compositions, and he conducted the group using his own arrangements.
It was a bit of an experiment for us because we had never done something quite like that before, but a lot of people came out and really seemed to enjoy it. The energy was super high, everyone was cheering each other on, and there were some really great solos. It’s definitely one of our recent events that I’m really proud of.
SAMU: You also let other student groups book live music for their events. How does that work?
Alex: Other student groups can reach out to us if they are looking for live music for an event, and we do our best to connect them with musicians who fit what they are looking for.
For example, a group might be hosting a gala or dinner and want a jazz trio playing background music. We have students in the music program who are well suited for those kinds of opportunities. We talk with the group about what they need and then connect them with the right musicians. We also try to hand some of the organization over to the students who are performing. That gives them experience communicating with venues and clients and learning how those professional relationships work. It becomes both a performance opportunity and a learning experience.
SAMU: What is your favourite memory with the MacEwan Music Club so far?
Bella: One of my favourite memories was performing with my vocal instructor, Rhonda Withnell. We don’t normally get many opportunities to see her perform, so it was already a special experience for those of us who are her students. During the performance, she decided she wanted me to come up and rap part of a Silk Sonic song with her. I wasn’t originally supposed to be on the song, and I’m definitely not a rapper, so it became my unexpected debut as a rapper. I don’t think I’ll ever have that exact experience again — rapping and singing with my jazz vocal instructor — so it’s definitely a memory that stands out.
SAMU: Do you have any upcoming concerts, jam sessions or events students should know about?
Alex: On November 27, we’re holding a fundraiser featuring mostly members of the Music Club executive team. We’re doing a tribute to Canadian jazz musicians and performing repertoire that has appeared on different Canadian jazz albums. It’s really a way to celebrate some of the great music that has come out of Canada. Then, on December 4, Paul Johnston, who is the head of the recording program at MacEwan, will be hosting and performing at one of our jam sessions. He’s an accomplished recording engineer as well as a great bass player, so that’s another event students should definitely check out.
SAMU: How has being part of the Music Club affected your university experience?
Bella: The Music Club has given me a place to meet people and grow closer with the musicians around me. I joined the club in my third year, and even though I already had people I knew by then, being part of the club helped me build stronger friendships. It’s also a space where you’re allowed to be a little silly, be yourself and experiment with the kind of music you want to make. As a vocalist and as a woman, being part of the club has helped me build confidence in who I can be as a musician. I’ve become more comfortable performing, soloing, singing and experimenting with different stylistic choices. It feels like a space where everyone is there because they want to make music and spend time together, rather than judge every note you play. That helped me grow from feeling insecure into being much more comfortable with myself as a musician.
SAMU: What would you say to a student who loves music but is nervous about performing or getting involved?
Alex: Our jam sessions are probably one of the most laid-back and relaxed environments you can find for getting started with playing an instrument or performing with other musicians.
People understand that it might be your first time playing or that you might not have much experience. When I was in my first year, I was really nervous to perform too, and the environment was always welcoming. The jam sessions are also social events. People aren’t sitting there worrying about every note you play — they’re there to enjoy live music and spend time with other people. If you’re nervous, you don’t even have to perform the first time you come. Just come out, see what the atmosphere is like and talk to some people. Once you feel comfortable, bring your instrument and talk to one of the executives. We can help get you set up with a band and get you playing.
You can connect with MacEwan Music Club on Instagram
(@macewan_music_club) or by email at macewanmusicclub@gmail.com.
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