As the publisher of a weekly newspaper in Nelson, BC, I meet many professional musicians, many of whom make frequent requests to promote their concerts, lessons, and other business activities in my paper. Rhiannon Nachbaur stands out in my mind as truly dedicated to her community and one of the most persistent and hard-working musicians I’ve met in my time as owner of this paper.
I first met Rhiannon when she was preparing for her end-of year recital at the music college in 1997. She hand-delivered me her promotion package and press release for the event and spent weeks distributing posters and invitations around town.
She was the only student in her class who had taken such initiative to promote her recital and her efforts paid off. Hers was the best-attended concert of the year, due to her work in the classroom, on the stage and around town.
The Selkirk Music Program promises to produce "professional musicians" and was right on the mark with Rhiannon. The life of a professional musician is not an easy one, as work is inconstant and limited and there are always people who doubt the viability of such a profession. Thankfully Rhiannon didn't allow this negative reputation to keep her from making music her career. She was driven even more so to do well at it.
Rhiannon is a professional musician of the highest calibre. As a businesswoman she is creative, hard working, and enterprising.
I watched this young entrepreneur as she played almost weekly at the Farmer's Marketplace and at monthly Art Walk openings. It didn't matter that it was raining or that there was an audience of three people- she would just play under cover and continue to serenade her listeners with all her heart. This exposure led to many other performances, which there are too many to name.
It seemed wherever I went I saw either one of her posters or Rhiannon herself, playing. Anything from a Shakespeare play to a jazz group in the café, she was a busy working musician.
I have always admired Rhiannon for the effort she put into the music community through her performing, where she devoted countless hours playing for charity and fundraiser events.
She did it because she loved classical music and was excited to share that love with the community. This is just one example among Rhiannon's countless admirable community service contributions.
One of the greatest effects Rhiannon had on this community was that of her influence on her students and other young musicians in town. Even now I hear from musicians of all ages who studied violin with Rhiannon during her time here. They were all deeply influenced by her spirit, energy and effectiveness to motivate and were very sad when she moved away.
Nelson has yet to fill the gap that Rhiannon left nearly five years ago when she moved to a larger centre for music.
Rhiannon is an innovative self-starter, who motivates and inspires those around her.