18-year old Villagedale pianist aims for a musical career

Brannen describes himself as a late bloomer who studied piano for a short while at age 10, gave it up, then resumed at 16. He now has Grade 9 piano, “with distinction.”

His music instructor, Bill Smith of Shelburne, describes his student as having an innate sense of musicality that only needs some refinement.

“In the past 25 years I’ve had three students go on to study music at the university level,” said Smith. “He’s ahead of any other student I’ve ever had at this level. He’s so well rounded and well grounded. It’s unusual to get a student so balanced at such a young age.”

Brannen, a Grade 12 French Immersion student at Barrington Municipal High School, is vice president of the student council and participated in cross-country at the provincials. He co-founded a volunteer community group, which delivers meals to Bay Side Home amongst other good deeds.

Other volunteer achievements include strong support for veteran events, working as a Big Brothers/Big Sisters teen mentor, tutoring, and regular blood donations.

He’s played piano at the Osprey Arts Centre for ‘Not Just Desserts’ in 2005/06. Last summer he was a member of the Bluenosers to Mexico contingent, which built an orphanage to conduct eye clinics. During his seven years as a cadet with the 327 Unicorn Sea Cadets Barrington Corp, Brannen’s received a Legion Award of Excellence, and the Lord Strathcona medal, which is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training.

Last June, he received a Lt. Governor’s Award of Excellence medal.

Brannen’s achievements are impressive for a man as young as he, but the head on his shoulders is no bigger than average. Although he can’t say for sure whether he will use his musical knowledge to educate others or pursue a career in performance, he realizes the key to both is hard work, He spends at least an hour each day practising. “Sometimes homework gets put on the back burner,” he said.

The end of March will see the beginning of new adventures for Brannen. He’s also waiting to hear back on a possible exchange trip to the Netherlands this July.