As fall approaches, Nolan Branch, like many recent graduates from Edward Milne Community School, feels excited about the next phase of his life.
 
Branch, who played cello in Harmony Project Sooke (HPS) from the time he was in Grade 7, is now about to enter his first year at the University of Victoria, majoring in music and computer science.
 
"I always loved music. It probably started with hearing the rock and folk recordings my dad played around the house," Branch said.
 
In third grade, Branch discovered an upcoming fifth-grade talent contest and desired to perform "Let It Go" from the film Frozen.
 
His dad encouraged him to take guitar lessons in preparation.
 
After starting guitar lessons, Branch discovered that the cello also sounded incredible.
 
He remembers being wowed by the playing of 2Cellos, a classically trained Croatian duo.
 
In Grade 6, he joined the band program at Journey Middle School, which didn't have a strings section.
 
Fortunately, he came in contact with volunteer tutor Brent Straughan, a violinist with the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra.
 
Straughan tutored Branch in strings for a year and then connected him with the newly formed Harmony Project Sooke.
 
So Branch started playing cello with Harmony Project.
 
"We had sectionals as well as orchestra, so I learned how to read music. Some people just learn how to play chords on the guitar, but I began learning music theory, things like intervals and rhythm. It was a really good experience to play with the orchestra, to hear each other, and try to stay in tune with everyone," Branch said.
 
"At first I was the newbie in the orchestra, and felt nervous about playing with the more experienced students, but it's been neat to gradually become the senior cellist in the HPS Orchestra."
 
In high school, Branch began recording himself playing various instruments and putting them together on a computer.
 
His teacher in HPS, Maria Wang, who has a master's degree in cello performance from UVic, noticed his interests and recommended he check out the music and computer science program at UVic.
 
This week, Branch moved into his dorm at UVic and began classes.
 
These will include calculus, computer science, music theory, music, and computer software engineering, music business, and Spanish, the elective he has chosen for the year.
 
Down the road, career possibilities include sound engineering, developing software for recording, and audio design.
 
"There's a technical side and also a creative side. I'll be able to bring my feel for melodies, harmonies, and phrasing to the work," Branch said.
 
"Music has been such a big part of my life. Whenever I came home I'd always pick up my guitar or cello."
 
Asked about advice for younger students, Branch recommends that they spend time practicing, improvising, and composing their songs.
 
"Go on YouTube and play along with songs, break it up a bit. It's rewarding to learn something, and when you can actually play it, it's a real confidence boost, a feeling of achievement. It's also a mental health help, you can turn to playing music instead of just watching it, or playing video games."
 
"I was lucky that HPS was here in Sooke. I couldn't go to Langford or Victoria for lessons, so probably wouldn't have been able to pursue cello. It was awesome that the Project always included free instruments, but this summer I just bought my own cello."
 
HPS is a non-profit society that provides musical instruments and instruction to children in the Sooke region.
 
Classes in strings and drumline programs occur outside of school hours and will recommence in mid-September.
 
Sheila Whincup.