After earning top marks in her voice exam, a young Powell River singer chose family over travelling to receive her award.
With 90 out of a possible hundred on her grade seven voice exam, Hannah Schweitzer, 14, received a regional gold medal from Royal Conservatory of Music.
However, rather than accept her award at Vancouver’s Chan Centre for the Performing Arts on Sunday, November 1, she opted to stay home and celebrate with her family.
“Family comes first every time,” said Hannah, “and I was so surprised I did so well because I was so nervous in the exam.”
The middle of nine children in a musically talented family, Hannah said there was no way she would give up celebrating with her brothers, sisters and parents.
Although Hannah travelled to Comox to complete her exam in July, the young singer said was unaware of her top score until last week.
“It takes so long to prepare for the exam,” said Hannah, “but you get there and it takes around 20 minutes to complete and the examiners can’t say if you did well or compliment you in any way.”
The Powell River Academy of Music student said she was tested on advanced fundamentals and musical theory in addition to being asked to sing.
“I sang five pieces,” she said. “One piece called ‘The Green Dog’ was particularly fun and technical.”
Competing for Powell River at the most recent International Choral Kathaumixw, Hannah won second in a vocal solo competition.
In addition to having a golden voice, Hannah also studies cello by Skype with Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra cellist Alexandra Sia.
Following her success, Hannah said she is more focused than ever on completing her grade eight voice exam. And despite time apprenticing as an organist at Faith Lutheran Church, she said is working harder than ever with her voice instructor Megan Skidmore.
“I am not sure how it will work out,” said Hannah, “but I would like to be a voice teacher and a speech therapist when I grow up.”
