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Teenage guitar star earns top score from conservatory

At six years old, Derek Wieliczko first picked up a guitar with dreams of being a rock star. Ten years later, he’s walking across the stage of the Jack Singer Concert Hall to receive his regional gold medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music.
Derek Wieliczko works with instructor Martin Russell. Wieliczko was recognized on April 14 for earning Alberta’s top score on the Grade 3 guitar examination from the
Derek Wieliczko works with instructor Martin Russell. Wieliczko was recognized on April 14 for earning Alberta’s top score on the Grade 3 guitar examination from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

At six years old, Derek Wieliczko first picked up a guitar with dreams of being a rock star. Ten years later, he’s walking across the stage of the Jack Singer Concert Hall to receive his regional gold medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music.

The well-spoken 16 year old was recognized on April 14 for earning the top score in the province for his Grade 3 guitar examination. He scored a solid 85 per cent on the exam, which included a practical and oral component.

He received the good — and unexpected — news this past January, about a year after the examination.

“I feel like all of my hard work is paying off — I can see the results,” said Wieliczko, a Grade 11 student at Bow Valley High School.

Originally inspired to play the instrument after seeing the guitar front men of bands such as the Beatles and U2, Wieliczko said he still finds himself plugged into the rock and roll sound, mixed with a bit of classical guitar.

“I don’t really know why I was drawn to the guitar, I just saw the guitar players and wanted to be like one of them,” he said. “But I love it.”

Wieliczko, who also plays senior basketball at BVHS, lists his instructor, Martin Russell, as his biggest influence.

“I see the amount of time and effort he puts into his guitar — it makes me want to work harder,” said Wieliczko.

But Wieliczko is no slouch, according to his teacher.

“(This medal) is so, so special,” stated Russell proudly. “It shows he’s at the top — the cream of the crop.”

“You need extra dedication to do these exams. And there is nothing like a formal piece of paper to open doors and opportunities for you,” he continued.

Ranging from Grades 1-10, the Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum provides music students a course of study that takes them from beginner levels through to advanced. According to a media release from the organization, more than 140,000 examinations have taken place across Alberta in the last 10 years.

Soon, that number will be increasing, as Wieliczko — with help from Russell — buckles down for the Grade 4 guitar examination.

“The bar has been set,” said Wieliczko with a smile.“Whether I play for fun or not, it’s going to be a part of my life forever.”

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