A local music teacher is one of 12 composers featured in a new book of music by Saskatchewan artists.
Two works by Yorkton's Thelma Gillis were chosen from among 70 submissions from across the province for inclusion in From Prairie to Pine - Piano Solos by Saskatchewan Composers - Volume 2, a new publication of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers' Association.
"It's quite an honor. I didn't really expect this," says Gillis.
The book, which launched on July 7, contains piano solos of varying difficulty meant to evoke thoughts and images of Saskatchewan. Gillis's contributions, Prairie Swing and Crystal Lake, fit in among other compositions about the people, places, and traditions of the province.
Gillis has been a music teacher for more than 60 year, instructing students in piano, organ, and vocals at Theodore, Foam Lake, and Yorkton. She says she has become more focused on writing music in recent years.
"I kind of dabbled a little bit before. But I'm sort of semi-retired so I have more time now."
Gillis is an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Music, a Licentiate of London's Trinity College, and a recipient of the 2006 Saskatchewan Centennial Medal. Her three children are all music teachers.
There are no plans to release the music compilation as an audio album, but recordings of the composers playing their solos will be posted on the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers' Association website this fall.
From Prairie to Pine - Volume 2 is available at www.srmta.com or by calling (306) 948-5231.
