By Eve Parry
Here at Collingwood, we have an array of artists who constantly touch the hearts of not only students and staff members, but also everyone in the school community. One of Collingwood School’s most talented, and favourite artists is Rheanna Philipp. When David Buchan, a music teacher here at Collingwood, talks about Rheanna’s musical gifts, his eyes instantly light up, and large smile forms across his face: “Rheanna is multi-talented; She sings, acts, and plays instruments. She is so committed to the musical world, and I believe she is very academic as well. Very few people are as committed to the various arts as Rheanna. She has a veracious appetite for learning in the arts.”
It is true: Rheanna Philipp has become one of the most accomplished and committed musical artists at our school. Rheanna has made so many contributions to Collingwood’s music, dance, and acting programs. Our school really would not be the same without her. To begin, Rheanna is a very accomplished singer and saxophone player for the middle school concert choir, intermediate chamber choir, and jazz combo. Rheanna has been singing for nine years, and playing the saxophone for four years on and off. She has put in ten thousand hours, which has resulted in her becoming one of the most gifted artists at our school. In addition, she is also very involved in dance, and is a rather skilled dancer. Rheanna was involved in the popular dance show “Four Seasons” last year at Collingwood, and also takes part in dance outside of school. She has an undying passion for music, partly because it has been such a large part of her life from a young age, and because she has been doing it for so long. When first asked about her musical pursuits, Rheanna responded gracefully that she has been playing the piano since she was four years old. Furthermore, she is currently in a very prestigious singing and dancing group that performs all across British Columbia at different locations called Show Stoppers.
Moreover, Rheanna’s participations are quite bold and they most certainly stand out in a wonderfully unique way. One must admire all of the hard work, commitment, and determination Rheanna puts into her love for music and the arts. Adding to what David Buchan said, most if not all people would not have the self-esteem, or confidence to take part in all of the involvements Rheanna engages in. One of the many lead roles Rheanna has played in her musical career in and outside of school is Miss Hannigan in the well-known musical Annie. In 2015, Rheanna played Agatha Hannigan, and exceeded the expectations of the role. Rheanne Stevens, the head of the middle school program at Wentworth said, “Rheanna is such a talented singer and dancer, and has so many opportunities coming her way.” Rheanna says that she credits her success to hard work and practice. She says the key to musical success is being true to yourself. Being yourself is a message that Rheanna often tries to share while singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments. At one point, Rheanna was playing piano for the first time, and singing for the first time, and she says that what kept her playing for so long was that music allowed her to be herself. To continue, Rheanna thinks that she would not have been the artist she is today without hard work and determination. Over time, Rheanna has become a better and better performer. She now competes in advanced musical festivals in addition to her involvement in Show Stoppers. Rheanna has such a strong work ethic, and such determination that it is evident that she will go far, and will continue to grow as a great musician.
Here at Collingwood, we have an array of artists who constantly touch the hearts of not only students and staff members, but also everyone in the school community. One of Collingwood School’s most talented, and favourite artists is Rheanna Philipp. When David Buchan, a music teacher here at Collingwood, talks about Rheanna’s musical gifts, his eyes instantly light up, and large smile forms across his face: “Rheanna is multi-talented; She sings, acts, and plays instruments. She is so committed to the musical world, and I believe she is very academic as well. Very few people are as committed to the various arts as Rheanna. She has a veracious appetite for learning in the arts.”
It is true: Rheanna Philipp has become one of the most accomplished and committed musical artists at our school. Rheanna has made so many contributions to Collingwood’s music, dance, and acting programs. Our school really would not be the same without her. To begin, Rheanna is a very accomplished singer and saxophone player for the middle school concert choir, intermediate chamber choir, and jazz combo. Rheanna has been singing for nine years, and playing the saxophone for four years on and off. She has put in ten thousand hours, which has resulted in her becoming one of the most gifted artists at our school. In addition, she is also very involved in dance, and is a rather skilled dancer. Rheanna was involved in the popular dance show “Four Seasons” last year at Collingwood, and also takes part in dance outside of school. She has an undying passion for music, partly because it has been such a large part of her life from a young age, and because she has been doing it for so long. When first asked about her musical pursuits, Rheanna responded gracefully that she has been playing the piano since she was four years old. Furthermore, she is currently in a very prestigious singing and dancing group that performs all across British Columbia at different locations called Show Stoppers.
Moreover, Rheanna’s participations are quite bold and they most certainly stand out in a wonderfully unique way. One must admire all of the hard work, commitment, and determination Rheanna puts into her love for music and the arts. Adding to what David Buchan said, most if not all people would not have the self-esteem, or confidence to take part in all of the involvements Rheanna engages in. One of the many lead roles Rheanna has played in her musical career in and outside of school is Miss Hannigan in the well-known musical Annie. In 2015, Rheanna played Agatha Hannigan, and exceeded the expectations of the role. Rheanne Stevens, the head of the middle school program at Wentworth said, “Rheanna is such a talented singer and dancer, and has so many opportunities coming her way.” Rheanna says that she credits her success to hard work and practice. She says the key to musical success is being true to yourself. Being yourself is a message that Rheanna often tries to share while singing, dancing, or playing musical instruments. At one point, Rheanna was playing piano for the first time, and singing for the first time, and she says that what kept her playing for so long was that music allowed her to be herself. To continue, Rheanna thinks that she would not have been the artist she is today without hard work and determination. Over time, Rheanna has become a better and better performer. She now competes in advanced musical festivals in addition to her involvement in Show Stoppers. Rheanna has such a strong work ethic, and such determination that it is evident that she will go far, and will continue to grow as a great musician.
To continue, Rheanna says that she would not have become the musician she is today without the influence of all the musical people in her life. Rheanna's biggest influence is her music teacher, Bernice Pierce. Her music teacher is incredibly successful, and has had many students – one of whom is Rheanna – who have gone on or will go on to take part in great successes. Rheanna’s music teacher is incredibly committed to Rheanna's singing group Show Stoppers. Furthermore, another person who has strongly influenced Rheanna is Bill Sample. Bill Sample directs a gospel choir and is a jazz pianist. Sample is incredibly passionate about music, which is something Rheanna deeply admires. One last source that has strongly influenced Rheanna is the adjudicators from the festivals she has competed in. These adjudicators have helped Rheanna strengthen her singing and helped her get better. While interviewed, she said with certainty that “the adjudicator's comments, really help”. Rheanna’s influences have made her the musician she is today, and for that she is grateful.
When Rheanna is asked about her musical goals and what she is accomplishing right now she modestly says, “I want my love for music to stay a passion”. Rheanna doesn’t think that she wants to pursue a career in music. She says school is where her focus is at right now. Rheanna is quite the intellect, in addition to being a musician. Rheanna says that her music is her hobby, and that it is very important that it is her passion, not her life. Currently, she is taking part in auditions for film and stage productions. Her musical group Show Stoppers performs very often during the Christmas holidays and will be singing with the Nylons, a very famous Acapella group. Rheanna will also be performing on December 17th, at noon, at Fly Over Canada. In addition, she has recently starred in the play Amadeus.
Rheanna Philipp is one of our school’s most prized musicians and students. She makes her impact on the school community and the world on a daily basis, and this will ultimately lead to her success. Rheanna has an unbeatable work ethic and an undying determination that has not only helped her become the out-of-this-world musician she is today, but also will help her in her future endeavors and pursuits. Most importantly, Rheanna is true to herself in life, and in her music, which is something we can all learn from her. She doesn’t care what others think; Rheanna makes her own kind of music.