Rochelle Drudge founded the Cadenza Summer Camp program in 2013, running it through the Pembina Hills Arts Council in Morden. She co-founded the Douglas Kuhl School of Music (DKSM) with Wes Hamm a year later, receiving charitable status and non-profit status. It became the umbrella organization for several musical programs running in the area at that time.
She has been the Artistic Director since then, but recently announced her resignation from the position to focus on teaching music and honing her craft.
Douglas Kuhl School of Music board of directors chair Kirsty Howatt spoke on behalf of the organization.
"Rochelle has been a devoted artistic director to our organization for the last, I think, close to a decade now. We have been so fortunate and blessed to have her work and her gifts for our organization, and we just want to, first of all, express our gratitude and thanks for all she has given to this organization. She has stepped down, so now the board has made a decision to move forward to work towards becoming a working board."
Howatt looked back on the highlights of Drudge's decade of musical impact in the area.
"Well, I think Rochelle has really given so much to our community, and Cadenza has been such a fantastic opportunity for the kids in Winkler, in Morden, and my kids are from near Manitou, all the way extending out to Crystal City, Morris. It's been such a broad range of programs that has really brought musicians and professionals to our community, and allowed young musicians the ability to make connections in the broader musical community."
DKSM plans to work toward stability and sustainability offering two orchestras, the Post Road Orchestra and Encore Orchestra, for now. Depending on volunteers and community interest, new programs may be developed in the future.
Drudge shared what the last ten years have meant to her.
"It's been really wonderful to grow these programs in the community, and just the way the community has and really embraced them. I think they've also been mutually beneficial for the growth of interest in music, interest in lessons, and students growing as musicians and also adults growing as musicians. Our music school's vision has been intergenerational, it's been noncompetitive, and has become stronger over the years."
She appreciates the many opportunities to learn from other talented musicians from across Canada and the province of Manitoba, noting students benefited from their influence, and it was often remarked at the quality of musicians and performances after sessions with these guest teachers.
A big part of Drudge's passion is making sure all people have access to develop as musicians.
"Music should be accessible to everyone. I really believe that, and we've had a number of communities, businesses, individuals and foundations that have supported that vision financially to make that accessible. So many families could not participate without that assistance, and I've just been so appreciative of that support, because I've seen firsthand what that does for students. The students that could not be there otherwise, are able to be there, and really, music is still foundational to being human and our experience and what we need in community."
One of her favourite things is helping people who don't think they are musical, know they are, adding that is also, equity.
Howatt, in her gratitude, said Drudge has brought the community together in a unique and generous way.
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