Paul Beauchesne is a visiting faculty member with Pacific Region International Summer Music Academy (PRISMA). He also has close ties to Powell River. Beauchesne has been with Victoria Symphony since 2004 and is on faculty as instructor of tuba and euphonium at University of Victoria and Victoria Conservatory of Music.
What are your ties to Powell River?
I spent my last two years of high school here at Max Cameron Secondary School, then I went off to University of Victoria in 1984/85. My mom and dad have stayed ever since we moved here in the early ’80s. Powell River is an important part of my life, with my parents still living here.
How were you introduced to music?
My mom started me on violin lessons at a very early age; five years old. We lived on Vancouver Island for elementary school and that was where I discovered my first brass instrument. I played trombone and euphonium in a community band there.
When did you find the tuba?
At high school in Vancouver. I told the band director I knew how to play trombone and he said, “We already have four trombone players, how would you like to play the tuba?” He gave me a tuba to try out. It took a little while to get the low register responding. It felt a little unusual to let my face flap that slowly. Eventually, I got it zeroed in.
Are there any tuba players who have had an influence on you?
The Canadian Brass and Chuck Daellenbach. He was the first person I heard play and thought, “Wow, a tuba can sound like that!” That was a bit of an eye-opener for me at an early point.
Is classical music the only genre you play?
Classical is mainly what I do. I have played in some Dixieland groups. Once in a while there’s a larger jazz band in Victoria where they have a special project and they want a tuba involved. I’ll play with them once in a while.
For more information, go to vcm.bc.ca/faculty-members/paul-beauchesne
