How Young Musicians Turned Passion into Impact
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Before their music ever filled a concert hall, it filled practice rooms.
For Oliver, Kathleen, and Ryan, music has been part of life since childhood. Each began playing their instrument around the age of six, drawn to the emotion, challenge, and connection music creates without words. Their individual journeys came together through their violin teacher, Marko Dreher, who recognized a shared dedication and encouraged them to form a chamber group.
The trio began performing in local competitions, gaining confidence and learning how to connect with an audience. Those early performances shaped more than their technical skills. They taught the musicians how to listen to one another and tell a story through sound.
Based in Oakville, the group felt a strong connection to the community that supported their growth. Playing locally felt natural, and giving back locally did too.
I love how I’m able to make connections through music, whether that’s with other musicians or people from different backgrounds,” Oliver shared. “Music makes that possible.
That sense of connection inspired the trio to take the next step. After years of playing together, they organized a fundraising concert in support of Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, a place that had cared for their families and neighbours.
Balancing school and rehearsals, they planned every detail, from promotion to programming. The concert featured solo performances from each musician and closed with a powerful chamber piece.
For Kathleen, the experience was unforgettable.
“We wanted to appeal to the classical music community in our area, and the turnout did not disappoint. Seeing the audience respond to the music and the cause was incredibly meaningful.”
When their fundraising total surpassed expectations, the impact became clear.
“We gathered over a hundred people united by music and generosity,” Ryan said. “That’s when we realized what we had accomplished together.”
Supporting the hospital felt personal. It was a way to thank the community that had supported their dreams, while helping ensure others receive care close to home.
Looking back, the trio hopes their story shows that you don’t need the right age or title to make a difference. When you start with what you love and take action, even small steps can bring people together and strengthen a community.
