Where are you from? I lived in Manitoba/Saskatchewan until I was 22, then British Columbia/Costa Rica for 10 years, and now in Calgary.
 
How many years have you been in the music industry? I began raving at 14 years old, DJing at 18, throwing events and touring at 21, teaching DJ lessons at 25, and I started working as a talent booking agent this year, so its been atleast a solid 14 years that I've been in the music industry.
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? I loved music right from as far back as I can remember.  My whole family loved music and I was always dancing, singing, or writing poetry.  Playing instruments such as clarinet, bass guitar, and keyboard came easy to me as a kid, so I picked up DJing very quickly.  There was an active rave scene in the city where I went to university, so it was a big part of the youth culture where I grew up.
 
What instruments/type of music do you play? Currently, I am DJing with turntables, cdjs, and controllers, and I play the Djembe for fun in workshops sometimes as well.
 
How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music program? My good friend Jamie told me about an organization she was involved with and suggested I may be a good fit and have a lot to offer based on my experience and education.
 
What is your favorite part about working with the foundation? I have the opportunity to teach kids how to DJ and express themselves through music.  Working with the foundation creates a platform for kids to channel their energy and explore their passions through the creative outlet of music.  This offers kids a skill set that will increase their self confidence and support personal growth, as well as provide them with tools, resources, and opportunities for work and travel in their future. 
 
What is your favorite song/band right now? My favorite song right now is:  All Alone – Pegboard Nerds and Grabbitz
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? If I had a superpower, it would be that every person, animal, and thing that heard my music would magically be healed to the absolute strongest and happiest they could ever possibly be!  I would travel the lands with a very loud sound system and heal everything that could hear me!
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: An interesting fact about me is that I have travelled to 17 countries and DJed in almost all of them.

Stephanie was our summer student this year. She brought a number of fresh ideas with her and helped us in moving our social media project forward in a strategic manner.
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​Stephanie Madsen

Where are you from? I’m from Calgary! I still spend my summers here and then go to school at the University of Western Ontario in London Ontario for the rest of the year!
 
What do you take? I take music and business with a focus on music production and marketing. After my degree I hope to be able to practice business in some aspect of the music industry.
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? I started music from day one - my grandma is a piano teacher so it was super important to her and my mom that I start music early. I’m pretty sure Baby Mozart was the soundtrack of our house through my entire infancy! In junior high was when I really started doing musicals and performances and just fell in love with it, I’ve been doing it ever since!
 
What instruments/type of music do you play? I started with piano, but now I play guitar, ukulele and sing!
 
How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music program? Through close friends and the Hunter Family Foundation who’ve worked with Legacy before! As soon as I heard about it I knew it was something I would be passionate about.
 
What is your favourite part about working with the foundation? I do mostly behind the scenes work so I haven’t had the privilege of working closely with the youth, but just knowing that my work is going to make a difference in someone’s life is super rewarding.
 
What is your favourite song/band right now? Too many to choose! I’d say right now I’m listening to a lot of July Talk and the Lumineers.
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? To freeze time so I could get all my work and chores done and then unfreeze it to go do the things I love…plus it would be a great way to pull pranks on people!
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: One of my greatest passions is travelling and, so far, I’ve been to twenty countries ☺

Interview by Stephanie Madsen 
This past summer I was lucky enough to have a chance to sit down and talk with Sam Spensley and her mom, Krista, about their experience with the Legacy Children’s Foundation. As some of you may know, Sam got a chance to perform at the Juno’s this year with Canadian singer/songwriter, Lights. If you got a chance to see her performance you know how amazingly talented this girl, who’s been taking lesson’s with the Gift of Music program for about 6 years, can be. Unmistakable thanks to her blue ponytail and laid back nature, Sam was a delight to interview! 

When did you first become interested in music?
I’ve always been interested in music because of my dad; he was a big influence because he was listening to music constantly as I was growing up. Mom: He has a story for every song.
 
How do you mean?
Mom: well, he makes up a little story to go along with every song. It’s how he remembers them; he’ll forget anything else, but never a song.
 
What kind of music was he playing around the house when you were growing up?
The Beatles, especially Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, disco, metal, rock. Everything really, from the Bee Gees to Led Zeppelin
 
What is your favourite song right now?
I’d probably have to say Move On by Wit Lowry. I really love the powerful lyrics.
 
Tell me a bit more about your experience at the Juno’s, how did this opportunity happen?
I went to a TD’s MusicCounts event and played with Chantel Kraviatzic, that was awesome. Then my mom sent an email to them to say thank you and that started the whole thing. After that they asked if I’d like to play with Lights … it was unreal.
 
In two words, how would you describe the experience?
Mind. Blowing.
 
How was Lights to work with?
Absolutely so down to earth and sweet! She always made sure I was comfortable and prepared.
 
Were you a fan of Lights’ before you met and performed with her?
Yes, since I was 9! I saw a music video of her on the Family Channel, the one with the paint on the white house, and loved it!

​How did it feel to perform in front of such a large audience, watching both live and at home?
Pretty crazy! I was really nervous but I couldn’t actually see anyone once I was onstage because the stage lights were so bright. I think the best way to describe it would be empowering. It was empowering!
 
You said you were really nervous, how did you deal with those nerves and give that amazing performance that everyone saw?
Take a few deep breaths, I kind of had one, I guess, breakdown? The morning before. [Lights and I] had been practicing over skype and it was all going well and then it just hit me! But my mom was there and she helped me through it and after a few deep breaths it was okay.
 
Who’s been your #1 supporter through all your musical endeavors?
Definitely my parents, they’ve always been very supportive.
 
What is your biggest goal outside of music right now?
Get my high school diploma. It’s one of those thing like, don’t love it but I gotta do it!
 
After you finish your education would you ever consider pursuing music professionally?
Yes, I’m very interested!
 
What could you see yourself doing? Performing or more behind the scenes stuff?
I think I’m a pretty loud and in-your-face kind of person so definitely performing!
 
Outside of music, what else are you really interested in?
Cosmetology, especially [hair] colouring and stage makeup!
 
Your blue hair has become your signature, did you do it yourself?
Yeah! Actually I’ve been doing it for years so I’ve gotten a lot better at it! It’s fun! 

​The Legacy’s Gift of Music programs are an important tool to help youth in our community learn music and ultimately stay in school and out of trouble. This program would not be possible without the dedication of our many amazing instructors.
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INTERVIEWS BY STEPHANIE MADSEN

​Verne Luchinski

Verne was our very first instructor for our Gift of Music Programming. He has taught guitar in various locations in Calgary as well as in Morely School. Verne was “instrumental” in creating the Legacy Music Academy in Morley, a project where youth were immersed in music every day, for half a day…the result being young people who became regular school attenders and high school graduates. He is currently our SKYPE based music instructor.

​Where are you from? I was born in Eastern Saskatchewan, and have resided in Calgary since 1990.
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? Playing in my dad’s family band on weekends in our home was my first exposure to and immersion in “being part of the band”. It was this experience that really taught me the importance of being mentored by more experienced musicians and the joy of performing live music.
 
How many years have you been in the music industry? I have been learning, performing, and teaching part-time or full-time for the last 48 years
 
What instruments/type of music do you play? Mostly guitar, bass, keys, harmonica
 
How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music programs? Through a mutual friend who put me in touch with Darryl who asked me to start teaching in a pilot project with the YWCA. I also started a summer project teaching at Morley which morphed into a full program which is now fully funded and administered by Stoney Education Authority.
 
What is your favourite part about working with the foundation?  Working with the kids one on one because I get an opportunity to give undivided attention to students during our half-hour lesson each week, which, in in many cases, proves to be beneficial to the student’s sense of trust and belonging.
What is your favourite song/band right now? Tom Petty, John Prine, Pierce Pettis, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, etc. “You’ve Got A Friend” by Carol King and performed by James Taylor
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? Being healthy
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: I played my first paying gig when I was 10 years old: a New Year’s Eve dance in 1971, at which a brawl broke out that included just about everyone at the dance and resulted in a family feud between our neighbours that has resembled the Hatfield’s and McCoy’s since that night.
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Peter Clarke

A professional musician for more than 30 years, Peter is currently teaching at Ranchlands School and Terry Fox School as well as Bowness Boys & Girls Clubs. Peter has been with us for 6+ years as an instructor and he also refurbishes our donated guitars. We get nothing but rave reviews about Peter from youth, parents and community partners, with one of his long-term students, Sam, performing this year at the Juno’s.

​What is your favorite part about working with the foundation? I really enjoy seeing students learn that they can play music.
 
What is your favorite song/band right now? Too hard to say, it’s like picking a favorite child – but I love the BLUES from the 1950’s.
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? SUPER LOVE – why not?
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: Besides playing music and teaching music I also repair guitars.
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​Mark Sadlier-Brown
 
Mark came to us through the National Music Centre and since joining Legacy has shared his passion and skills with youth attending TB Riley School in Bowness. Mark is a well-respected musician in Calgary and like all of our musicians, he consistently receives rave reviews from his students and school personnel.

Where are you from? I was born and raised in Ottawa Ontario.
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? My dad bought a stereo for Christmas and some albums.  There was always music in my home.  Then my brother bought a ukulele.  That’s what got me started.
 
How many years have you been in the music industry? 35 years
 
What instruments/type of music do you play? I play guitar, bass, ukulele, jug and harmonica.
 
How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music programs?
 
I was volunteering at the National Music Centre.  Daryl came to a meeting there and we chatted.
 
What is your favourite part about working with the foundation? I like to see a student’s eyes light up when they realize that they are making good music.
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Picture Courtesy of  Dragan Ballac

What is your favourite song/band right now? I have a lot of favourite bands.  Right now I am liking Paul Pigat and his band “Cousin Harley”.  I also like the “Alien Rebels” and “The Sadlier-Brown Band”  I like so many songs that I can’t narrow it down to one.
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? The power to heal.
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself
I am an artist.

​Joseph Belhumeur
 
As well as being a Legacy instructor, Joseph is also a dedicated and busy full-time teacher in Eden Valley. Joseph has been with us for 3 years and he has nurtured the Legacy Music program so that it has become an integral part of regular school programming. Joseph is an inspirational educator and music teacher who is making a real difference for youth in the community.

Where are you from? I am from a small community in east central Saskatchewan call Weekes.
 
When and how did you first get involved in music? I began enjoying music from a young age as my mother loved to play guitar and sing. I first pick up the guitar when I was 12. I got my first guitar when I was 16. I have enjoyed playing music since that time.
 
How many years have you been in the music industry? I began to become more involved in the music industry once my children began playing music. My children, Luke (16), Kobe (15) and Colten (12) form a 3 piece band. We have an older son, Joel (20), who plays guitar and sings but does not play in the band as he is going to college in Saskatchewan. The boys have played may events and participated in talent contests. We are currently working on making their first album.

What instruments/type of music do you play? I play guitar, sing, bass, drums, and learning piano.  

How did you first find out about the Legacy Children’s Foundation’s Gift of Music programs? I first learned of the Legacy Children’s Foundation through a fellow musician.
 
What is your favourite part about working with the foundation? My favourite part of working with the Legacy Children’s Foundation is the generosity of the foundation towards making learning music possible for everyone.
 
What is your favourite song/band right now? I don't not have current favourite song and band as I enjoy all types of music from smooth jazz to celtic to Metallica.
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? The super power I wish I had is the ability to fly. Why, I am not sure, but it is the super power I dream of most often.
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: I suffered from social anxiety for much of my younger years and music has helped me overcome the anxiety as well as helped in many other parts of my life. 

What is your favourite song/band right now? Chris Stapleton!
 
If you could have any superpower what would it be? I would want to be able to tele-transport to all my favourite places in the world at any time.
 
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself: I love to travel and learn about other cultures. I have had the privilege of travelling in Kenya, Honduras, Uganda, Ghana, Honduras, Romania, The Netherlands and Mexico.

INTERVIEW BY STEPHANIE MADSEN

​Meet Darryl and Sandra Wernham, our tireless founders who created the Legacy Children’s Foundation and started our Gift of Music programs!  
​​
How did these programs start?

Darryl: The programs were initiated as a legacy project in honor of Sandra’s father/my father-in-law, Dr. Stan Finn. Stan was an accomplished musician, head of the music department at the U of C for many years and musical director of the Young Canadians and the Stampede Grandstand Show for 25 years.

We wanted to do something very different that would appeal to at risk young people and assist them in completing their education and help them to stay on a positive life path.

Sandra: We’ve been offering instruments and weekly music lessons and workshops to youth through schools and service agencies in the community for 13 years and we’ve been consistently 80% successful at achieving our noted objectives.

What are your roles?

Sandra: Darryl and I have been running the program out of our home since the program’s inception…we coordinate all the efforts related to programming, do all the promotions and community networking, the on-going fundraising, program evaluation and tracking, manage the instrument bank and all the matters related to accountability including donor reporting and finances.

What did you do before Legacy?

Darryl: I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the U of C and 40+ years of clinical, community and management practice experience from government, non-government and community based organizations.

Sandra: I have Degrees in Physics and Medical Research and previously spent more than 30 years working in a variety of not-for-profit, educational, and corporate settings,

We have very different backgrounds and experiences and we complement each other very well with respect to our very different skill sets.

Are either of you musicians? If so, what instruments do you play?

Darryl: We don’t play any instruments and we’re actually very “un-musical”. We just know the value of music and the arts and how music in particular can assist youth in achieving their goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how youth who are struggling in so many areas begin to achieve success in all aspects of their lives thanks to their involvement in our program.

What is your favourite part about working with the programs?

Darryl: As I noted it’s seeing how powerful a program like this can be and we’re particularly impressed with the quality of musicians we’ve been able to recruit. They are really what makes this program tick, with many youth being with the same instructor for 7-8 years…more than a music program, this initiative is really a long-term mentorship program that impacts youth in some very significant ways.

Sandra: It is also very rewarding to experience the gratitude from parents who come to our home to pick up instruments for their youth – many of whom never imagined being able to provide experiences such as we provide for their children.

What are your favourite songs/bands right now?

Darryl: Our favorite song is Kokomo by the Beach Boys because our 4-year-old granddaughter loves it and sings it with us in the car.

If you could have any superpower what would it be?

Darryl: I would love to be able to fly, even though I’m afraid of heights.

Sandra: I would just like the ability to ‘transport’ myself to any location (like in Star Trek) so I wouldn’t have to take gravol every time I travel.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

Sandra: We are both the same age as a famous Beatles song ☺