To a student in the Contemporary Music and Technology Program.
John Graeme (1926-2008) was born in Portsmouth, England. He was the son of a violinist and descended from a long and rich family lineage of instrument makers and professional musicians. He grew up in a working class, single-parent home during the Depression and even though it was expected he would follow in his ancestors' path and make music his profession, he chose to study Civil Engineering. He emigrated to North America in 1951 eventually settling in Victoria, BC. Despite not making music his career, music remained an important and essential part of his life and included playing in a Baroque ensemble, work with the Victoria Arts Council and the Victoria School of Music (now the Victoria Conservatory of Music) as well as enjoying a fine collection of records and CD's at home. John believed strongly in the importance of a good education and the equal importance of the community coming together to support education.