Brandon University (BU) School of Music alumni from around the world will return to campus this week.
The School of Music’s first reunion in 20 years will take place on Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, with 162 alumni registered. Guests from across Canada as well as the United States, the Netherlands, New Zealand and United Arab Emirates will gather to reminisce about their time here and to see what’s new at BU. Among those expected to attend are Jack Spalding, who was Brandon College’s first Bachelor of Music graduate in 1966, with classes represented all the way up to 2024.
While the Bachelor of Music was introduced at Brandon College in 1963, BU’s musical offerings date back much farther, with the Department of Music having been established in 1906. University-level offerings in music began in the 1950s. Today, the School of Music attracts students internationally, drawing recently from countries including Mexico, Russia, Malawi, China, Paraguay, Colombia, Ghana, Japan, Costa Rica, Hungary, South Africa and Ukraine.
Alumna Kathie Gordon recently wrote about the reunion and the School of Music’s history for KIT, the magazine of the Retired Teachers’ Association of Manitoba.
“Many students and faculty have come and gone over the years, and the BU School of Music has played an integral part of their lives. Lorne Watson was the director for over 40 years and was able to entice remarkable faculty members to a small prairie city. Many remained for their entire careers,” Gordon wrote. “There was a special camaraderie decades ago as most students were living away from home for the first time. They bonded quickly and supported one another both academically and emotionally. Days were spent together in classes and ensembles, while evenings were used for studying and socializing. Everyone worked hard all week and let loose at regular weekend get-togethers. There were no cell phones and very few students owned cars, so considerable time was spent in each other’s company; lifelong friendships (and some marriages) were created.”
Reunion events will include receptions, campus tours, a banquet and an alumni concert.
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