Caleb's Story - Private Music Lessons
I graduated Kindermusik at 6 years old. We attended the summer “choose your musical adventure”. My sister chose violin, I didn’t know what I wanted to do. My mom said the only options were bagpipes, piano or cello. So I chose cello.
Barb Fitzpatrick was the instructor, my mom was with my sister at her class and she was so patient with me. I remember every time she bent over to help someone, I pocked her with my bow. She still offered to teach me cello full time. She has been an inspiration to me.
When I was in the hospital with cancer at the age of 9 for almost 9 months, she visited and taught me. I played behind my glass door little concerts for the sick kids who walked by the hallway. Playing the cello helped preserve my eye hand coordination. My memory was affected by the chemo but it came back quicker because of cello.
When I got out of the hospital I was able to play with the cello group at Wascana hospital, it made me feel normal and healthy again. The Conservatory offered me so many fun experiences, from holiday classes of crafts, and performance to making plays when I was younger.