Elan has a wish.

This sixteen year old percussionist wants a vibraphone. Not just any vibraphone… a customized Musser Mallet vibraphone.

What he and his family didn’t wish for was for his recent medical diagnosis which, for privacy’s sake, won’t be identified. Suffice to say, it’s that diagnosis that put him in touch with the good folks at Make-a-Wish Southern Alberta. In addition, this diagnosis sidelined Elan’s desire to play percussion in the Calgary Youth Orchestra (CYO), an MRU Conservatory-based ensemble directed by Edmond Agopian.

Surrounded by his parents Cindy and Yossi and his brother Noam, he received that wish in the TransAlta Pavilion of the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts. There were presentations from Kim Anthony (CEO of Make-a-Wish), Vickie Sauve (Make-a-Wish Wish Granting Coordinator), Elaine Danelesko (Director of the Mount Royal University Conservatory) and a special presentation by George Fenwick (Manager, Calgary Youth Orchestra) declaring Elan as an honorary member of the CYO and welcoming him to join in the ensemble’s next season. After some heartfelt words by his parents, Elan took the stage to debut his new dream instrument, donated by the Musser Mallet Company, alongside his high school bandmates, the Ernest Manning Jazz Combo

The TransAlta Pavilion never sounded more alive. The artistry the combo showcased of jazz standards like “Autumn Leaves” and “Take the A-Train” were both impressive and therapeutic for everyone there. “I can’t believe just yesterday he was lying in a hospital bed with tubes in both lungs,” said Yossi, his beaming father.

Mike Schuett is Elan’s percussion teacher at MRU Conservatory. Listening intently as the vibraphone rang during the entire event, his prideful smile said it all.

This vibraphone was meant for Elan and his playing displayed that. Ever gracious, Elan traded solos with his instrumentalist partners in an improvised set of collective talent beyond their years. Between songs, he was able to greet his fans made up of fellow schoolmates, family, friends and musical colleagues from the Calgary Stampede Show Band.

MRU was pleased to be able to play a small part in presenting Elan’s wish, and are grateful to the staff and volunteers at Make-a-Wish Southern Alberta for all they do for this community, and our community of which Elan has been an active part for many years.

Though the following day, Elan is scheduled for chemotherapy… tonight, the show goes on.

• by JLove