Suzu Enns

What education have you taken?

I am currently in my fourth and final year of a Bachelor of Music Performance at Brandon University.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I was inducted into the BU Presidents Honour Society, placed on the Honours List, and received the Chernoff Family Award academic scholarship from 2007 to 2010.  Upon high school graduation I was awarded the Gold Medal.

I have performed at the Winnipeg and Brandon New Music Festivals for three years, allowing me to work with and perform for world renowned composers. I have attended music academies and competitions throughout Canada, and in the USA and Belgium.

In my first year at Brandon University, I was a winner of the Brandon University Concerto Competition giving me the opportunity to perform with the BU Orchestra (in 2008.  In 2009, I was one of five Canadians (and the only Manitoban) to be accepted into the International Youth Wind Orchestra, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

I have been a member of the Winnipeg Wind Ensemble for 2 years.

Tell me about yourself/ your background/ your history.

I am originally from Anola, Manitoba; a rural farming community east of Winnipeg.  I graduated from Springfield Collegiate Institute in the town of Oakbank.  I began my musical studies on the piano at the age of six and began playing the clarinet when I was in grade five.  I also began to play the bass guitar in grade eight.

While attending high school, I was a member of the Winnipeg Youth Symphony Orchestra for three years which allowed me to experience a different musical environment.  I was also fortunate to be a member of Manitoba Honour Bands for five years.  I attended music camps in high school including International Music Camp at the International Peace Gardens.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

I was always encouraged by my parents and sister, whose is a BU Graduate, to audition for honour bands and attend camps and other programs, which I really enjoyed.  It allowed me to travel, meet new people from all over the world and enjoy new experiences.

I have always enjoyed the wide range of experiences that you can have as a musician.  I perform as a solo player, in small chamber groups (trios, quartets, etc.) and in large ensembles (concert band, orchestra).  Also, I have always been interested in performing in pit bands and orchestras for operas and musicals.  I also enjoy the fact that I am able to perform very early Baroque music to new contemporary works.  The clarinet is also a perfect instrument for me because I enjoy being able to play many different types of clarinets (the high Eb clarinet to the bass clarinet)

I am also interested in traveling in my chosen career and meeting and performing with musicians from all over the world.

What is your philosophy in life?

I have always pushed myself to excel in everything I do and have worked extremely hard to get to where I am today and for my future.

I believe that education is the most important aspect of our society and it is very important for young people to be able to think critically and independently.  I believe that music is an important avenue to explore oneself and the world around us in order to make the world a better place.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

In the near future, I will pursue a Master of Music Performance degree.  In the future, I hope to be performing in an orchestra or similar professional organization, as well as participating in a wide range of projects.

Nominator’s Comments:

Suzu is a fourth year clarinet performance major who excels in all our courses and has been a dedicated member and natural leader in most of our ensembles.  She has also been selected for participation in several national and international ensembles and festivals.