Practice makes perfect and this time, daily piano practice makes money for Vanderhoof’s future aquatic centre.
On Nov. 10, Swan Kiezebrink and students of Swan’s Music Studio finished off a month-long piano practice pool fundraiser with a celebration and cheque of $3,798 to Zoe Dhillon of the Vanderhoof Pool Society at the First Memorial United Church in Vanderhoof.
Involving 13 kids aged five to 16, the idea for the event came when Kiezebrink wanted to combine her donation to the pool with something that motivates her students to practice, she said.
Similar to the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart campaign, kids are sponsored to practice every day for 32 days to fundraise for the Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre.
“It’s a huge marathon, especially for the little kids,” Kiezebrink said, adding that she had participated along with her students with the daily practicing as well.
For 9-year-old Deziree Teichroeb, who had started piano lessons three years ago, the daily practice is a struggle at times, as she works on a Christmas carol called Little German.
“Sometimes I don’t really want to [practice], but I know it’s for the pool,” Teichroeb said. “So I want to raise enough money.
The daily struggle to practice is shared by Sarah Thiessen, 10, as well at her fifth year of piano playing, though it continues after the fundraiser, she said.
“I still have to practice five days a week,” Thiessen said, adding that she enjoys playing hymns the most. “They are really fun to play and I can play for our church.”
Alexandra Aebischer raised the highest amount at $530, and a Vanderhoof resident had donated $500 anonymously when she heard of the fundraiser through Facebook.
“I’m so proud of them all; they did an awesome job,” Kiezebrink said. “I’m looking forward to the pool.”