NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA OF CANADA RECOGNITION FOR A TALENTED SOUTHAMPTON PERCUSSIONIST

Ask mother, Sheri Selman what she thinks of the cultural musical community in Saugeen Shores and, she will … “want to shout from the rooftops”. The reason is her daughter, Rebecca a Gr. 11 student at Saugeen District Senior School (SDSS), has been accepted into one of the most prestigious youth bands in Canada.

Rebecca Selman

I am a keen observer of young people and I have watched "Becca" Selman growing up in Southampton since she was an infant in her father's arms visiting her mom Sheri when she was a counter clerk at the local Tim Hortons some 17 years ago. My perceptive instinct seemed to tell me that there was something uniquely different about the petite and out-going youngster (like mother, like daughter) when I occasionally came across her over the years...and as it turned out, I was right.

Becca has turned into an accomplished percussionist and is one of the newest and youngest members of The Georgian Bay Symphony Orchestra and, if that isn't enough, she has now been accepted into the Canadian Band Association 2022 National Youth Orchestra of Canada. Under the auspices of the CBA, The National Youth Band of Canada is a unique musical experience that provides Canada’s talented student musicians, ages 16-22, with an outstanding opportunity to perform and network with a renowned Canadian conductor, guest soloist and the country’s top young instrumentalists. Students from across Canada are united by their love of music, their desire to create a challenging concert program all within a positive atmosphere while creating lifelong friendships.

Wow, what an amazing opportunity for a deserving student!

Becca plays all percussion instruments including, Timpani, Drum kit, Xylophone, Snare, Bells, Cymbals and so much more. “She has the music in her heart and has worked so extremely hard for it all,” says mother Sheri who gives credit to her daughter's music teacher and mentors, all the while failing to acknowledge the parental support that is so vital in the development of an talented young musician.

Becca will also be joining the Festival Winds of Summer Music Camp that runs from July 18th to 22nd, in Saugeen Shores. I'll be one of the first in line for her next public concert.