Saskatchewan Music Education Day

Sometimes it’s the small victories that add up.
For Mandart Chan, a long-time music educator and advocate, one of his biggest accomplishments in a varied music career came from being asked to officiate at a wedding for two former students.
"I came after my former mentor, who had recently passed away. She had created this amazing culture of support, and this one particular student was not too fond of me coming in because I was new and hadn’t previously taught at the school."

A distinguished mezzo-soprano and a revered educator, Maura Sharkey-Pryma’s life is a testament to the transformative power of music. Her academic credentials, including a Bachelor and Masters of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Alberta, are just the prelude to her profound impact on the world of music education.
Maura’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that music is an essential element of human experience. “Music is a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, connecting us in ways words cannot,” she said.

Wilbur Sargunaraj’s journey in music began in the most intimate of settings — his family home. Born on Treaty 7 Territory in rural Alberta and raised in India, Wilbur’s upbringing was steeped in the rhythms and melodies of everyday life.

“I grew up in a musical family where my parents were involved in church music,” said  Sargunaraj. “Dad would play the accordion or Casio keyboard; mom would sing along, and I would accompany them on the guitar or use my dad’s accordion box as a percussion instrument!”