When Sarah McLachlan was 17, she stood on a small stage in Halifax with her band, The October Game, for the first time, and found her voice. Looking out into the audience and seeing 400 people smiling back at her, the beloved Canadian singer says that was when she finally felt she had value.
It was through childhood music lessons, and ultimately pursuing music as her passion, that McLachlan overcame the self-doubt and isolation of being bullied and unpopular in school. And the 44-year-old Vancouver resident says she still leans on music to get her through tough times.
Now, she has called together some of her most diverse and fascinating friends to raise money for a school that she hopes can instill the same confidence in children.
Stevie Nicks, Bryan Adams, Jann Arden and local act Hey Ocean! are just some of the artists that acknowledge the importance of music education in children as well, and they will be taking the stage at Brockton Fields in Stanley Park this Saturday afternoon, Sept. 15.
Dubbed Voices in the Park, theres one voice in particular, joining the all-day concert lineup, that has everyone intrigued. Especially with the clock ticking towards the American elections in November.
President Bill Clinton will be making a guest appearance, fresh off his rousing nomination of President Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention Sept. 5. The respected orator, known also for his flare with a saxophone, briefly considered a career in music before making the fateful decision to focus on politics at the age of 16.
I think he forgot what time of year it was when he said yes all those months ago, McLachlan laughs over the phone with WE. Were absolutely thrilled that hes able to make it. Music education is very important to him, so hell probably talk about that.
Established in 2001, the free school provides a safe and inspirational learning environment for children who would otherwise have no outlet for musical expression (its the only of its kind in BC). With arts funding being one of the first cuts in hard economic times, the independent school provides children, Grades 4 to 12, with lessons in various instruments, voice, choir and songwriting.
McLachlan gratefully acknowledges the help of the Wolverton Foundation, which donated and renovated the gleaming 16,000 square-feet building just off Main Street at 7th.
Taking up the entire second floor of the multi-storey building, SoM now has freshly appointed music labs, choir and band rooms, and, most important to its visionary, a grand 175-seat performance space where her students can have their own moments of self-discovery.
Her voice fills with passion as the mother of two very musical girls describes the learning curve associated with the business end of running a school.
Im head fundraiser, she chuckles.
It has been all-consuming, with her next record taking a backseat to getting the school to where it is today: from a cramped church basement buzzing with dozens of beaming students, to a custom facility and 423 engaged youth.
In her 10 years with the school, executive director Ann de la Hey has seen what music education can accomplish. What Ive noticed is a sense of pride. It gives them a voice to express themselves positively.
Were just over the moon, de la Hay continues, about the response to Voices in the Park. Its just a great opportunity for the students to shine outside of their communities.
With all her energy invested in getting the new school established, it comes as a pleasant surprise that McLachlan is starting to think about music again. She has resumed writing for her next album, slated for release next year.
Hits such as Building a Mystery and I Will Remember You have been our soundtrack for almost 25 years, and McLachlan is the closing act at the benefit concert.
As McLachlan took the stage during the 2010 Olympics to inaugurate an exciting new time in her city, Vancouver now turns out to support her endeavour.
Tickets start at $85 (for general admission). For tickets and venue info, go to VoicesInThePark.com.
