White Rock, B.C. – What began with first-place wins at local festivals and provincial competitions has crescendoed into national recognition for the AJA Trio.
Last month, the talented group based out of Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) earned themselves the title of being some of Canada’s best young musicians with a first place win at the 45th National Music Festival.
White Rock Christian Academy student Julie Lin's exceptional talent as a violinist earned her a place in the trio as a community member. The 16-year-old South Surrey resident, along with KPU music students Alexander Chernata on clarinet and Andrea Pedro on piano, also made KPU history as the first group from KPU to place first at the festival. Close to six dozen of Canada’s best amateur musicians and groups performed at the annual festival, hosted this year in Alberta by the Federation of Canadian Music Festivals. The AJA Trio competed in the chamber category.
“The AJA Trio news was definitely a music department highlight not just for 2015, but for its history,” said Jane Hayes, director of piano studies at KPU who has worked closely with the trio. ”While we have had former students go on to receive prestigious honours, this award is a first for current students.”
Earlier this year, the AJA trio astounded audiences and judges alike at the Kiwanis Fraser Valley International Music Festival, the National Chamber Music Class at the 2015 Performing Arts BC Festival, and the 61st Annual Young Musicians Competition.
“For the trio, this is the kind of accomplishment which will remain in their memories for their whole lives. The dedication and time commitment they’ve made results in beautiful-sounding teamwork at the highest level. This really demonstrates the artistic strength of our students,” Hayes said.
Lin is in Grade 11 at White Rock Christian Academy. Chernata is a second-year performance major KPU and Pedro is entering her third year in the same degree program.
For more information about KPU’s Department of Music, visit kpu.ca/music.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
Photos available here and here.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
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