Feature Article

 

For the Love of Music

Scholarships make a difference in the lives of students

For flute major Krysta Andreeff, music is her life. “When I get my teaching degree, I want everyone to feel as much about music and the arts as I do,” she says with bubbly enthusiasm. “Music really has changed my life. I went to California with the Music Merchandising Class last winter and met Victor Wooten, a Grammy award-winning bassist. He changed the way I look at music. His message is that music is alive and that your instrument doesn’t make music, you do.”

In her second year of the Music Diploma program, Krysta is quick to admit that scholarships have played an important role in her progress. “An award proves that I’m doing good work and reminds me that people care. It’s exciting to know that others want me to succeed and make the world a better place through music.”

The scholarship she received at the beginning of the year went to tuition and helped with her rent. The following scholarship enables her to hire an accompanist for her graduation recital. Scholarships have created performance opportunities that heighten her education more than she thought possible. 

Contributions to the Affairs of the Arts, for instance, pay for the expense of pianos, guitar amplifiers and percussion equipment. “I appreciate that people will spend a thousand dollars to help out the arts rather than take a trip to Disneyland.”

Pride in performing

At the Affairs of the Arts held every February, Krysta hopes donors have enjoyed the performances as much as she enjoyed performing. “They deserve to see their hard-earned money in action. That’s exciting and I love performing!”

This student is a walking billboard for the College:  “I love the slogan ‘When you get here you understand’ because it really does explain RDC. In the music program, we have a one-of-a kind faculty,” she says. “They want you to succeed and they’re here for you.” 

“Great” and “awesome” are words she uses frequently to describe her experiences, referring to the prep program, the faculty, the students and the performances. “I’m on a great music society and everyone works really hard to make sure we have a good time. I wake up wanting to come to school and see all my friends!” 

Her only bittersweet reflection? Upon graduation she must say farewell to RDC, the program and her friends. Once graduated, she hopes to enrol at the University of Lethbridge where she’ll continue her degree, possibly going for a master’s degree. Her big picture goal is to return to RDC and teach. And she vows to come back sooner if RDC gets degree-granting status in her program.

“I know how the music department works and my personality matches many of the faculty members at RDC. It’s one big happy family here, and I want to be part of that for a long time.”

Give back, get back

In the future, Krysta wants to support the very program that supported her, and wants to be one of those people who rooted for her, hoping to sit on the Affairs of the Arts Committee. This year, the event raised more than $54,000. “The more someone gives back, the more they get back. This might sound a little of selfish but if you give money, you want to see great performances, watch the performers succeed and feel good knowing you’ve helped.”   

Krysta is grateful for everyone who donates. “You’ll never know how much of a difference you’re making,” she says. “It’s rewarding to know we have a supportive community that makes sure we have the equipment and the performance opportunities we need. Thank you so much!”

See Krysta in the Affairs of the Arts Legacy video - a thank you to our donors!

Krysta Andreeff’s awards received: Red Deer Bottling Music Scholarship – 2009 and 2010 Affairs of the Arts Music Diploma Scholarship – 2010 Affairs of the Arts Music Performance Competition Scholarship – 2011