Beth Arrison hasn't even been in Squamish for a year, but the 30-year-old Alberta native has already insinuated herself into the local music scene with ease.
"I moved here in May," she said. "I had lived in Vancouver for a few years, but - coming from a farm - I wanted to live in a smaller community."
Upon arrival, Arrison decided to put her bachelor's degree in jazz music to work, and started taking on students and teaching piano, voice and music theory.
"I've taught for years," she said. "I was teaching a few days in North Vancouver, and I realized there was a real need for more piano teachers in Squamish. A few parents had told me there was a lack of that resource."
In addition to training future musicians, Arrison also spends time away from Squamish performing across the country.
"I tour once a month out of province," she said. "This month I have a tour in Manitoba. I play my own original music, but I have a different band in every city. I send my music to them, hopefully we get to rehearse before the show, and then we play."
Arrison said it was a fun way to get to know different players across the country.
Back in Squamish, she's also teamed up with another new arrival to town - Will Ross - to host a brand new open mic night at the Cliffside Neighbourhood Pub on Wednesdays from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
"We just had our second week and it's great," she said. "Everyone is invited to just bring their instruments and jam. Will really started it, and he just moved here in January."
Arrison said people don't need to be shy about their musical abilities, and all level of players are given the same chance to play.
"Everybody who wants the opportunity and the fun experience, it's there," she said.
For those not willing to travel to Manitoba this month to catch Arrison's original music, you'll get a chance to hear her play on Saturday (March 2), at a fundraiser for young Theo Lazaridis at On the Farm Country Market. Arrison will play sets starting at noon and 2 p.m.
For more on Arrison, go to www.betharrison.com or contact her for lessons at [email protected].
