Willow Gilbert auditioned for the West Vancouver Strings Orchestra in June of 2010. She was accepted to play with this orchestra and just loves the experience. Willow has also played for a season with the Vancouver debut Symphony from 2009 to 2010.
Willow has been playing violin since she was four years old.Her music teacher in Vancouver taught the Suzuki method.Willow's first year of violin lessons consisted of clapping rhythms, humming to music,listening to music and humming back the music. Her first violin was with a sponge cut out in the shape of a violin with a ruler stuck in the top as the neck. The bow was a piece of dowel.We went for many months to these types of classes.Then we were asked to bring Willow to the Music Academy in Vancouver to test her musical capabilities.She was with many other wee violinists, all with their sponges and sticks.The results for Willow were: good ear, good posture, good pitch and excellent rhythm and memory, but most importantly, good attention to detail and loves to play music.Her nana, Irene Gilbert, gifted Willow with her first baby violin.
Then we moved to Bowen Island. With much frustration of trying to make a 5:30 p.m. violin class in Dunbar, the commuting agony for lessons was abandoned. Until someone told us about Alison Nixon.The call was made and the answer was, 'I do not teach to anyone younger than six years old." Willow was five at this time.We convinced Alison to just hear Willow play and the answer was. "Yes, I will teach Willow and since she has been taught Suzuki method, you must come to the lessons and continue to tutor her at home."
Needless to say by the time Willow was eight years old, I was no longer needed at lessons.Our home is filled with music whilst I prepare dinner and now we get to enjoy a full orchestra of music. Willow and many violinists on Bowen have been gifted by the support, enthusiasm and resourcefulness of Alison Nixon.Each child is a very unique musician and Alison recognizes and embraces each and every one of their talents. Her commitment and generous nurturing has kept our children in love with music.There are always tough times and Alison either plays gentle or firm, whichever is needed and gets them through, if they want.
Along with weekly lessons, Willow has the opportunity to play chamber music with fellow string musicians on Mondays at the Little Red Church. Alison also provides opportunities in Ceildh music (traditional Scottish fiddling). The children love these events. Scottish dancing with our young fiddlers providing the music. I am not alone in feeling this great gift from 'a brilliant one' on Bowen.We are all truly blessed with this community.The people of this community always seem to believe in something not yet proven, it truly does leave the future wide open.
Suzan Philippe (Willow's mom)
