Music is in his blood, it’s been a part of his life for as long as he can remember; from singing in the car with his father to being a part of St Mary’s Cathedral choir. He graduated from WAPPA and has an album titled Tenebrae Reflections under his belt, Cameron Van Reyk tells The Record what songs he has on his ipod, what being part of the ‘Lumina’ means to him and how his one year old nephew brightens up his day and the amazing experience of singing for Pope John Paul II canonization mass.
What does music mean to you?
Music has been all around me since I can remember. It pretty much makes my day. My earliest memories of music are of my Dad when he would sing in the car. He has an amazing ear, and can sing harmonies like you wouldn’t believe. I think I owe a lot to him for my musicianship. Music can cheer you up after a long hard day of work, and it can also bring back memories of the past whether good or bad. Music also means friendship to me as most of my friends I have met through either singing or playing, and quite often if I am playing music it means I’m having fun hanging out with them.
Can you tell us a bit about singing with the Cathedral choir?
Singing with the Cathedral Choir was one of the best experiences in my life. Not only did it further my knowledge of music theory and solidify my aural training as a musician, it also provided me with very strong friendships that I have maintained to this day. The cathedral choir also gave me amazing opportunities like travelling to Europe and singing for Pope John Paul II at a canonization mass.
If you could meet any musician (living or dead) who would it be and why?
Being a jazz saxophonist I think meeting Charlie Parker who was an influential musician in the history of jazz would be amazing. Just to sit and have a beer and talk about who is played with and met during his life would be fantastic! As a singer, I think I would love to have met the composer Tomas Luis de Victoria. I love singing his music and have done so for many years with me closest friends since forming a vocal group ‘Quartessence’ . His music especially set for Easter is incredible and I would love to have a lesson in composition from him.
What is your favourite genre of music?
This is a very hard one to choose just one. If you were to flick through my ipod you would see a lot of music ranging from the early 1500’s all the way up to the Top 40 songs of today. I think Renaissance polyphony and Hard Bop Jazz would be my favourites if I had to choose.
What is your favourite song and how do you feel when you listen to it?
I have too many favourites to really pick one. I think when I choose to really sit and listen to a piece of music be it choral, instrumental or even Top 40, I listen to it for the emotions it brings out in myself, be it happiness, sadness, madness, or even just to relax after a long day of work.
Do you believe that music brings people together?
Of course. I sing in a sacred choral choir called “Lumina”. We sing at masses and other occasions. Whilst we love the music, we also get together more for a social gathering as well, as we are all friends and it means we get to see each other as we all have busy lives, and why not get together over music! Everyone loves music, music is in everyone’s lives be it in the car, in movies, and anyone can hum a tune. Music has been a great tool for charity as well and has helped a lot of people in need, with special concert fundraisers all over the world in varying degrees where people all come together to listen to music whilst giving donations to charity. I think that is an incredible thing.
Which musical instrument do you find to be the most annoying? (i.e the bagpipes etc..)
I find there are amazing qualities in all instruments. Each one has its own unique qualities that can bring certain colours to music. I think growing up, I didn’t have the patience to try and teach myself the guitar, so that would be annoying purely because I’d have no idea if someone put one in my hands and said “play.”
If you could sing with anyone who would it be and why?
The Tallis Scholars. This choir is one of the best in the world at singing music from the Renaissance Period. I was fortunate enough to see/hear them when they sang at the Perth Concert Hall. It was incredible, just to hear some amazing, and technically difficult music being some by some of the finest singers.
What do you do on your days off?
I have a nephew who is one year old so when I get some free time I love hanging out with him, as a smile and hug from the lil guy can brighten the most hard/tiring day. I also love just heading out for coffees or drinks with mates and catching up over a gig.
How does your faith help you in your day-to-day life?
I teach saxophone as one of my jobs and I think for the most part, trying to set the right example for my students is something I strive for and making sure that not only are they getting a good music education but also instilling good morals that I have grown up with from my parents and also the church (through the cathedral choir) is important to me.
What are your dreams for the future?
I am a passionate teacher, and I would love to have my own music school. Seeing my students perform is one of the coolest things ever and seeing how they grow as a musician and also a person is an amazing thing. Musically I think just to keep striving to be the best musician I can be is my main goal.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I think graduating from WAAPA has been my greatest achievement. It was a lot of hard work over three years and to come out with a Bachelor’s degree is something I can be proud of.
Have you encountered any obstacles along the way, regarding your career as a musician; if so what are they?
I think being a musician is a hard road to really pursue. You have to practise for many hours a day to reach your goals and sometimes that comes with a lot of sacrifices. You have to have a massive amount of belief in yourself that these sacrifices will help reach your end goal, and I think for me, sometimes I doubt myself and would often not have that inspiration to push for the greater outcome.
What do you enjoy about teaching?
I love every aspect of teaching. I am lucky enough to have taught some amazingly talented students and when I get to hear/see them perform it makes me incredibly proud. Also being able to help my students achieve their goals and knowing that I helped in some way is great.
What would be your dream gig? (i.e whom would you want to perform in front of?)
I think my dream gig for singing would be singing in front of a choir like the Tallis Scholars, and just learning from them as they have a wealth of knowledge about the music they sing. In terms of playing sax, I think playing a gig in New York would just be the most fantastic thing ever.
Do you ever get nervous performing? If so how do you calm your nerves?
I do get nervous performing, as you pretty much wear your heart on your sleeve when you are playing a gig and showing the viewing/listening audience what you are so passionate about. I am lucky enough to play/sing with my very good mates, so just being able to hang and have a laugh with them help to settle the nerves. To be honest a drink before a gig can also calm me down as well!!
Which company would you want to sign a contract with and why?
In terms of record labels I think Bluenote for saxophone would be great as it has produced many great jazz albums. I would also love to sign a contract with a Big Band like Count Basie’s Big Band or Maria Schneider and tour with the amazing musicians that play in those bands.