Amy Robichaud did not pick the trombone. It picked her.

According to a recent report by CBC News, the 19 year old from Caraquet begins her studies at the Royal College of Music in London, England, this fall. You will find this institution ranks among the top music schools in the world.

Finding Community Through Music

Music found Robichaud early during car rides with her mother listening to classical music and opera. In Grade 3, teachers from Sistema New Brunswick visited her Moncton classroom. They offered free music lessons five days a week. Robichaud and her younger sister signed up.

Sistema New Brunswick launched in 2009 and provides students with a concert instrument, a teacher, and a seat in an orchestra at no cost. For Robichaud’s single mother raising five children, the program doubled as after school care.

“Seeing my single mother struggling to make ends meet wasn’t easy,” Robichaud told CBC. “Year after year I saw her do whatever it took to make sure we had enough to eat and a warm place to call home.”

Robichaud initially tried to get kicked out of the program by filling her trombone with water. She stopped trying to leave when she earned her first sticker for mastering a scale. She failed 14 times before passing.

“We had no family in Moncton,” she said. “It definitely gave me a community that I did not have.”

Harnessing Raw Power

Jim Tranquilla coaches Robichaud. He serves as general manager and joint artistic director of Tutta Musica. He recognized her talent immediately.

“Amy has more power and raw strength in the trombone than I’ve seen in probably any of my other students,” Tranquilla said. “It’s like trying to harness a nuclear reactor. Figuring out how to take that raw power and use it for good, not evil.”

Tranquilla notes her work ethic stands out as her true super talent. She works relentlessly until she masters a skill.

The Audition and Community Support

Royal College officials attended a Sistema performance in Toronto last fall. They invited students to audition. Robichaud prepared a video audition in two weeks and advanced to a live audition in Toronto.

During the live audition, her mouth went dry. She stopped playing to ask for water and finished the performance certain she had failed.

“I apologized to them like five times,” she said. “I was so disappointed with my performance that I didn’t actually think I made it.”

The judges handed her a piece of paper. She folded it crookedly without looking at it. Tranquilla caught up with her in the hallway to tell her it was an acceptance letter.

Tuition and living costs in London total about $100,000 per year. Robichaud received a $25,000 scholarship. She and Tranquilla spent the summer doing presentations to raise the remaining $75,000 for her first year. They secured funding from private donors, companies, government, and local community groups.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Robichaud wants her story to motivate others.

“I want to inspire as many young kids as I can, because this is a rough world,” she said. “I really hope that I can inspire others to follow their dreams. It’ll happen, as long as you put in the work.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sistema New Brunswick?

Sistema New Brunswick is a free after school music program that provides youth with instruments, instruction, and a place in an orchestra.

Where is Amy Robichaud going to school?

She is attending the Royal College of Music in London, England.

How did she fund her first year of tuition?

She received a $25,000 scholarship and raised the remaining $75,000 through community presentations and donations.