One University, One Music Department
Originally from Vankleek Hill, Ontario, Morgan McCormick went to V.C.L. High School where she was a self-proclaimed “band geek”, spending her days and nights developing a growing passion for all things music. Morgan is now graduating from Bishop’s University with her honours in music, capping off her tenure here by participating in this year’s spring musical. I sat down with her last week to talk about her years at BU and her unmistakable musical talents.
Jesse Feith: Can you tell me a little bit about how you first got involved in music?
Morgan McCormick: Well I think it was in grade one; I asked my parents to learn to play piano. I remember then there was a guy giving away an upright piano down the street and my dad and his friends hauled it into our home. So I really started playing when I was about six years old.
JF: And were your parents into music? Did they play a role in getting you involved in music?
MM: Not necessarily. My parents weren’t exactly musicians but there was often music playing around the house, a lot of Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Van Morrison. My parents were obviously the ones that allowed me to take lessons though.
JF: And I’m guessing you stayed involved in music throughout High School?
MM: Yup! I was a bit of a band geek in High School, always played a bunch of different instruments.
After graduating from High School, Morgan was unsure whether to stick with her passion for music or study Physical Education. Her two main school options were University of Ottawa or Bishop’s, and after auditioning at both, her decision became much easier.
JF: Can you tell me about the audition process, how that went for you?
MM: Well, I auditioned both here and at Ottawa U, and I pretty much knew once I auditioned here that Bishop’s was where I wanted to be.
JF: Why’s that?
MM: There was a huge difference between the two; Ottawa U seemed so cold and unfriendly. They just kind of told me to go on stage and play, never really speaking to me. At Bishop’s I actually had to audition in the practice rooms because CBC was on campus doing recordings. I just remember the atmosphere being so much more relaxed, much more welcoming and friendly. I auditioned in front of Ross Osmun, who’s now been my coach for five years, as well as Andrew MacDonald and Jack Eby.
JF: Do you have any favourite moments that stick out over the five years you’ve been here?
MM: Out of everything, I would have to say my favourite experience was when Frank Levy (internationally renowned virtuoso and Julliard professor) came down and performed a concert. I also got to take private lessons with him. I remember being so nervous about it, basically shaking in my boots. But he ended up being so nice and so genuine; it was such a good experience.
JF: And how about one of your own favourite performances over the years?
MM: Well there’s been a couple, but I would have to say my graduation recital I gave at the end of March. It was such a huge undertaking mentally and psychologically but it went well and I think it’s something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Besides that, I’ll always remember Studio every Friday afternoon, playing in front of all your peers. Those are actually never meant to be a stressful thing, but somehow, I guess playing in front of your peers, always gets your nerves going a little.
JF: Is there one course you’ve taken over the years in the music department that stands out as your favourite?
MM: That’s a hard one. I’d say in my 3rd year I think, I did Russian Music with Ross Osmun. It was just so interesting; the music’s very spiritual and has such a long cultured history.
JF: Can you talk a little about your musical influences, artists that have inspired you over the years?
MM: Well I really do listen to a little bit of everything, but in terms of classical music, I’d have to say two of my favourites would be Brahms and Rachmaninoff.
JF: How about your future goals and plans after you leave Bishop’s?
MM: Well, I’m here this spring to participate in the spring musical; it was something I had never done in my five years and figured it would be a good way to finish. Then I’ll be leaving for Ireland for a year where I’ll be working for a youth ministry from August to June. After that, I’m considering coming back to school here to maybe complete a Bachelor of Education.
JF: Any final notes or thoughts on your time here and the Music Department in general?
MM: I can honestly say it was my best decision ever to come to Bishop’s and study music. Throughout my five years here, there have been so many amazing concerts and world class musicians coming through that I’ve had the privilege to see. The entire department here is such a close knit group of people, it truly is in my opinion, the best atmosphere you can ask for to learn and practice in.
Make sure to catch Morgan McCormick and many other talented Bishop’s artists in this year’s spring musical - The 12thof Never, performed in Turner Studio Theatre on June 11-19that 8:00 p.m.
