Get to know our 2022 NYCC Basses: Part 1

Basses: Part 1

Matthew Adam - Québec
Graeme Climie - Alberta
Mark Daudlin - British Columbia
Trevor Flemings - Saskatchewan
William Ireton - Saskatchewan

When did you first start singing/singing in choirs?

GC - I started with Kodaly classes at age 3 and then sang in Cantare Children's Choir for 14 years.

MD - I first joined choir in Grade 11 in high school. At the time I had little to no singing experience and only joined because a friend convinced me to give it a try- I never would have realized how much I'd grow to love it! I stayed throughout the rest of high school, and singing in choirs has been a steady passion since.


What are your other passions/hobbies/interests? What inspires you? 

TF - Outside of music, I have a love for taking care of animals and gardening, as well as an express interest in trying out new vegan baking recipes. I am inspired most notably by interdisciplinary art practices, and the exploration of combining mediums of visual art and music especially in contemporary performance.

WI - Hmmm. I love to be by myself, but I do also love spending time with others. By myself, I enjoy walking/hiking, exploring a city if it's new to me. With smaller, more intimate groups of people (2-3), I like to talk about everything under the sun.


How did you learn about NYCC and/or what made you decide to audition?

GC -  I originally heard the National Youth Choir with Michael Zaugg at Podium in Edmonton in 2016 and it was such an incredible performance that it made me want to audition.

MD - I first heard of NYCC when I participated in the BC Youth Choir program back in 2017, and immediately made it a goal to be a part of it one day. That goal was achieved initially when I was accepted into the 2020 iteration of NYCC, but unfortunately the program was cancelled due to the pandemic. I'm excited and grateful to have been invited back for 2022.


What are you most excited about for NYCC 2022?

TF - I am most excited to meet and work with other dedicated musicians from across Canada!

WI - There is so much that I am looking forward to: Singing this rep, working with JS, singing with a high-level ensemble, spending time in Ottawa (and area). Perhaps most of all, I am looking forward to to getting to know Everyone involved in this project. In my experience, music making can allow for a degree of closeness/togetherness that transcends, or at least is different from just talking with someone, or getting to know things "about" them. I suppose I am really looking forward to seeing how the dynamic takes shape between this group of people, with this music.

Last, but certainly not least, the 2022 NYCC Basses: Part 2 is up next!