After dedicating two years to the project, a piano instructor based in the quaint town of Chapleau in northern Ontario has successfully orchestrated a medley of Queen’s iconic songs with the assistance of her students.
Kassandra-Anne Demers, the owner of Chapleau Piano Academy, embarked on composing a compilation of the rock band’s famous tracks such as “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “We Will Rock You” in early 2023. To tailor the arrangement to each student’s skill level, Demers crafted distinct sections for every song.
Describing the process as a musical jigsaw puzzle, Demers explained that each student recorded their individual parts, which she later assembled into a cohesive arrangement. Immersing herself in Queen’s music by repeatedly listening to the songs, sometimes in slow motion, she meticulously dissected each layer of detail.
With a diverse mix of students attending her classes in person and remotely, including learners from as far as Texas, Demers meticulously edited the recorded pieces to seamlessly blend into a medley.
According to Demers, the project served as a means to engage her students in music education and foster a sense of community among budding artists. Reflecting on her own upbringing in Chapleau, she expressed a desire to create a supportive environment for young talents through the power of music and arts, aiming to bring people together and make a positive impact on their lives.