February 6th 2013 * Over the Edge MUSIC IN THE AIR The UNBC campus is filled with music like never before. This isn’t the music that’s blasting from tables trying to sell tickets for a party or lunch, this music is the kind that makes people stop and look around for the source. No doubt that some of you have heard the fiddle and violin players in the Grotto (or Cave) across from the bookstore, or even walked by the piano players who frequent the Clubs Room (6-392), but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The university campus is infused with clubs, groups and just people who love music and find ways of getting their practice in while studying. This week’s Student Life spotlight is on the Music on Campus, the individuals and ensembles. For exclusive footage featuring Indra, The Cariboo Blues and the Acappella Club go to ote.unbc.ca. INDRA IN THE GAVE LEILA MAHEIDDINIBONAB STUDENT LIFE EDITOR Have you heard the fiddle played on campus? Or the violin? Chances are you’ve heard Indra. The Cave is an amazing location on campus that boasts pristine acoustics. Even though it’s in between two of the busiest areas at UNBC (the cafeteria and the bus loop), it’s still out of the way and surprisingly private. Better yet, there’s no cell service and Internet is only available in one sweet spot, making this a prime location for musical endeavours. When you hear the violin you’re listening 6 to Indra Egan, a first year English student. Starting piano when she was 5, Indra has moved into a thoroughly musical lifestyle since then, learning violin, guitar, musical theatre, and dance (modern, jazz and ballet). Even though she’s only in her first year at UNBC and Prince George she has put her talents to good use as a community player with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, not to mention teaching music. Indra came to UNBC in Fall 2012 to do a double major in English and Political Science but since then there has been a major change in the plan. She’s taking a big step towards her goals - “Music is a central part of me, so why shouldn’t it be a central part of my life?” So what is this big step? Moving away from our UNBC community in Fall 2014 to study for a BA in music, possibly at UBC. “I haven’t even decided whether I’m going to specialize in piano, violin, or opera, or do a double major in two of those,” she says about her studies though she isn’t sure which school she may apply to. Having that plan in mind, Indra spends hours a day practicing before, after, and between classes which she takes at UNBC and teaches at Classic Touch Piano Studio. With the ARCT Practical in piano and her grade 10 in violin, Indra teaches 11 students at Classic Touch (piano, violin, and music theory), all while taking courses in English, French, Spanish, Philosophy and Political Science here on campus. Having such a busy schedule, it’s a wonder she has the time to practice! “I love playing in the cave because I love it when my friends - and sometimes even Music is a central part of me, so why shouldn't it be a central part of my life? people I’ve never met - stop in and say hi. I love playing in the Rotunda Gallery because the artwork surrounding me is so incredibly inspiring. My favourite place to play is probably the admin building, although I don’t go there until late in the evening so I don’t disturb the professors who work in there,” she says. With all her musical work, it’s remarkable Indra has time for friends and studies. “First semester is tough, and I faced some particularly difficult challenges in mine, but in the end it was theatre and music that got me through it,” she said about her experience. No doubt the future will bring more difficulties and challenges, but for the time being she is playing in the Cave whenever she can and invites you to stop in and say hi. THE CARIBOO BLUES 96 LIKES AND 1 PERSON TALKING ABOUT THIS LEILA MAHEIDDINIBONAB STUDENT LIFE EDITOR What are they? The Cariboo Blues. Who are they? A local band made up of UNBC students Mike Watson (tambourine), Justin Gendreau (drums), Ewan Jones (keyboard) and Brock Paciejewski (guitar, bass, vocals). When were they created? As a whole the group started last summer, but 2 of the members have been playing together for longer. Where can I see them? Known as the “Club Whores,” they’re most often playing at Riley’s for a club event or at the UNBC campus. Why? For the fun of it, and really, what other reason should there be? Definitively formed in June of 2012 after playing an almost lethal backyard show, The Cariboo Blues is one of many student bands that prowl the UNBC campus. Drawn together by their love of music and lack of weekend activities, the band started with Mike, Justin and others playing in Mike’s basement. “I met Mike about 2 or 2 and a half years ago, and as soon as I saw his drum set decided that he was my new best friend,” says Justin of their meeting. Later on, Ewan and Bock joined the practice group in Mike’s basement. “We asked who was interested in getting more serious over the summer and practicing to play shows and it went from there” says Mike about the bands formation. Playing their first show this past summer, the Cariboo Blues made quite the impression on the UNBC campus opening the first University Farmer’s Market in September. From then they have had a string of shows at Shooters, Riley’s, and Nancy O’s as well as performances at the Prince George Aids Walk Fundraiser. “We took Ewan and Brock’s live play cherry, before that they’d never played for an audience other than in recitals, and that’s not the same.” Playing rock and roll music inspired by a handful of other genres, the Cariboo Blues have been influenced by “every single song of every single genre that we have ever listened to.” The band’s sound has also been influenced by their fun- loving personalities. One of the main attractions for the band collectively is the idea of writing their own material instead of just doing cover Ihe be Bl songs, “[song writing] is like an extension of our own brains,” stressed Justin, a statement the band wholly agreed with. What comes across both in their music and their interactions with each other is that these gentlemen enjoy what they are doing. “I didn’t have anything to do on the weekends.... But I go just love it,” said Ewan when asked why he joined The Cariboo Blues. “For me it was the stress relief, going and pounding on the drums for a couple of hours after a long week of school really helps,” Justin elaborated. So what’s next on the docket for these guys? Finishing their degrees. Like most bands at the university level they’re more in it for the fun aspect rather than the fame and fortune. Viewing playing as something they get to do instead of something they have to do makes The Cariboo Blues. So next time you’re looking for entertainment for an event support your fellow UNBC students! For more information look for them on Facebook or email thecaribooblues@ gmail.com.