Carly Swain

What education have you taken?

I am currently in my final year of the five-year Concurrent Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education. I am focusing on middle/senior years instrumental music and study saxophone with Greg Gatien. Geography is my second teachable area.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I am proud to be a music education student at Brandon University. I am very fortunate to have been the recipient of many awards including the Phillippa Saul Memorial Bursary in Arts and Music, the Louis Riel Bursary, the Anna Skaptason Memorial Scholarship, and the Brandon University Honours List.
I am very fortunate to have been able to volunteer my time to a number of organizations including the Brandon University Student Music Educators Association (BUSMEA) executive, the Brandon Humane Society, the Manitoba Band Association Level 1 Band Festival, as well as the Summer Band Camp Program.

Tell me about yourself/ your background/ your history.

I was raised in Lockport, Manitoba, a community located roughly 20 minutes north of Winnipeg. I attended Lockport Junior High and Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School. I began my musical studies in junior high as a flute player, but switched to saxophone a year later.
I have been very fortunate to have been able to perform at a number of events including the Selkirk and District Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Dinner, the 125th Anniversary of the R.M of St. Clements, Selkirk Steelers hockey games, and the Icelandic National Leagues First Day of Summer. In school, I performed in the Concert Band, Jazz Band, Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz and at my High School Graduation.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

I become interested in Music Education while sitting in my Grade 8 band class. My band teacher, Mr. Brandon was working with a section of the ensemble and as I listened to what was being taught I thought to myself, being a band teacher would be an interesting job… that’s what I am going to do. And I have never looked back.

What is your philosophy in life?

I believe that the purpose of life is a life of purpose.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

In the future I would like to be teaching music in school. I would like to be helping students discover the magic of music. I would like to return to university to get a masters degree in music.

Nominator’s Comments

Carly is an outstanding Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education student.  During her time at Brandon University, Carly has worked diligently, with great character, to improve her knowledge and skills in her chosen field. As a volunteer, clinician and student, Carly is reliable, organized and interested in understanding every situation. Carly is a member of the Executive Committee of the Brandon University Student Music Educators Association (BUSMEA) and has served in a variety of roles during the past four years. Carly also volunteers at the Brandon Humane Society.