Music has the power to bring people together, and that was the heart behind the Hymns of Hope concert hosted by the Douglas Kuhl School of Music (DKSM) at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Winkler. The event featured students of all ages performing a variety of pieces, filling the space with harmony and inspiration.
Carl Friesen, Chair of the DKSM Board of Directors, emphasized the school’s mission: “At the core of DKSM is the belief that music transforms lives and builds community. We work hard to provide an intergenerational space where students can develop their individual skills while learning to collaborate with others.”
A performance filled with hope
The concert, aptly named Hymns of Hope, was designed to offer encouragement to the community.
“Winter is long in Manitoba, and we could all use a glimpse of hope for spring,” Friesen shares. “Beyond that, these are uncertain times for many people, and we wanted to create a space where people could gather, listen to beautiful music, and find a sense of connection.”
The program featured musicians of varying skill levels playing together, highlighting the inclusive and supportive environment DKSM strives to foster. “Seeing students, from beginners to advanced musicians, performing side by side is powerful,” Friesen adds. “It fills the room with energy and joy.”
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Making music education accessible
As a registered non-profit organization, DKSM relies on community support to continue providing quality music education.
“We work hard to keep costs as low as possible so that music is accessible to everyone,” Friesen explains. “At the same time, we want to ensure our program directors receive appropriate compensation because we are fortunate to have some of the highest-quality musicians in the region teaching with us.”
An offering was collected at the concert to support DKSM’s ongoing work, helping to ensure that students of all backgrounds can participate in its programs.
Student perspectives: Growth through music
For many students, DKSM has been a defining part of their musical journey. Malcolm Janz, a Grade 11 student, has been playing music for 11 years and has been part of DKSM’s orchestra for six.
“Being on stage is exhilarating,” Janz shares. “It’s amazing to perform with a group of musicians who are dedicated and passionate about what they do. There’s an adrenaline rush when everything comes together, and it’s just pure fun.”
Janz also spoke about the deeper impact music has had on his life. “For me, music is a way to worship and express myself. When school is stressful, playing music helps calm my nerves. It’s something I always turn to.”
A young musician’s joy
Nine-year-old Brandt Kauenhofen was one of the youngest performers at the event. “I like playing violin and piano,” he said excitedly. “I played Canon in D today, and it was super fun!”
When asked about how it felt to perform for an audience, Kauenhofen responded with a big smile. “It’s very exciting! I work really hard, and when people clap, it feels like they’re clapping just for me.”
Looking ahead
As DKSM continues to grow, Friesen encourages the community to stay engaged. “We deeply appreciate the support we receive, and we have many exciting things on the horizon. We invite everyone to join us in making music a lasting part of our community.”
Douglas Kuhl School of Music
With files from Robyn Wiebe