Music is known as a universal language. It is something that everyone almost can understand. Gerrit Kirchberg knows this all to well given that he not only performs in various musical languages but also teaches in them too.
Kirchberg started playing music when he was six-years-old. His first instrument was the piano. He has since moved on to expand his musical vocabulary, as it were, to included such guitar, clarinet, ukulele, and recorder, amongst others.
“After the piano, I started playing guitar at school. They were offering lesson there and I wanted to play,” said Kirchberg. “My parents offered me the choice to learn one more instrument and it was between the cello and the clarinet. I chose the clarinet because it has more versatility in the kinds of music you can play with it.”
Although Kirchberg plays various kinds of music, his favourite to play is Jazz.
“I wish there were more gigs like that because I really enjoy it,” said the musician who was recently playing at the RCMP Regimental Ball held in Plamondon in September, which involved more jazz-type music that Kirchberg so greatly enjoys.
Born in Hannover, Germany, Kirchberg came to Canada originally as an exchange student in his Grade 11 year of high school. Returning to Hannover, Kirchberg continued his education and ultimately earned a Music degree from the University of Music, Drama and Media in Hannover as well as an English and German degree from Leibniz University, also in Hannover.
After finishing his education, he made his way back to Canada and ultimately settled in Plamondon, where his mother currently resides. He eventually got a job teaching music at the private music school École de Musique Plamondon alongside the founder Reed Gauthier.
Another more recent gig that the multi-faceted musician played was at Art Beat Coffee house night during the Alberta Arts Days at the Bold Center. Kirchberg was one of the musicians being showcased that evening given that he was on stage for three out of five of the performances that night. He helped to bring his students and friends together for the evening’s event.
“I’ve done some open-mic nights like that before,” said Kirchberg. “I did one in Germany over the summer where I got to play three songs. I try to do it whenever I have a chance.”
As part of the school, Kirchberg has contracts with various places including the library at the Bold Center where he does weekly group activities for mothers and toddlers called ‘Rhyme Time’ along side program coordinator Joanne Wicker.
“I think it’s a lot of fun because we get to try new things [with the kids],” said Kirchberg.
Rhyme Time is one of a few different things that Kirchberg provides his musical skills to through the École de Musique Plamondon. Another program called Music-4-All is designed for the elderly and they run it once a month alternating between the Lacalta Lodge in Lac La Biche and the Pioneer Villa in Plamondon.
“The ‘Music-4-All’ is kind of our version of open-mic night,” said Kirchberg. “It gives the students a chance to showcase their music and for guest to come and play sometimes as well. It also gives the residents a chance to be entertained by some music once a month.”
Kirchberg has also been involved with students of varying ages through the École de Musique Plamondon. He has also recently assisted at Dr. Swift Middle School’s Band Camp that helped to provide more specified and one-on-one attention to the multitude of students who signed up for band this year.
Helping out the community in which is lives is a big part of his musical appeal. Kirchberg is always willing to help local musicians and budding artist hone their craft.
“I think it’s nice to have a chance to be here around this area and enjoy music so much,” said Kirchberg. “People here are willing to share their gift and to learn and exchange things and knowledge with others.”