CapU student nominated for Top 25 Under 25 Award
Harmeet Virdee is recognized by the Surrey Board of Trade as a role model in the community for grassroots initiative to build and grow a local music community.
CapU Arts and Entertainment Management student Harmeet Virdee is nominated for the Top 25 Under 25 Award by the Surrey Board of Trade for living out her mission to “build community through the celebration of Surrey artists.” Virdee established Surrey Jazz Nights, a volunteer-run initiative that creates performance and mentorship opportunities for emerging young artists in Surrey.
Surrey Jazz Nights is a monthly jazz music performance series, held at Blenz Coffee in Sullivan Heights, which offers young musicians a venue to share their art with the community that is free, accessible and open for anyone to attend.
“I feel very honored to be recognized for the work I’ve been doing for the Surrey community,” said Virdee. “Surrey Jazz Nights only started in May 2023, but in this short time I can already see it has impacted the Surrey music community in a positive way.”
In addition to being a full-time student, Virdee is a jazz double bassist, composer, educator and arts administrator based in Surrey. As a graduate of the Performance Prep program at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra School of Music (VSO SoM), she now teaches early years music classes at the VSO School of Music, and kids’ musical theatre at Queen’s Academy. She also maintains strong connections with the Surrey community, including Surrey School District music teachers and students, Surrey Libraries, and the City of Surrey.
“I'm thrilled to see Harmeet's passion and commitment to the arts get recognized. She is not only a dedicated student, but also a skilled collaborator and genuine source of inspiration for her peers,” said Jennifer Nesselrod, coordinator and instructor for the Arts and Entertainment Management diploma program at CapU.
As a high school student in Surrey, B.C., Virdee was passionate about music and always looking for performance opportunities and shows to watch. She often found herself having to commute to Vancouver to take in live music, and wishing for more local opportunities for herself, her peers and the future generation.
A Grade 11 high school student musician approached her last year for advice on where to perform in Surrey. Virdee saw a lot of herself in this young musician and decided it was time to stop waiting for someone else to create opportunities and to take the initiative to do it herself. From there, Surrey Jazz Nights was founded and has continued to grow.
To date, over 50 young high school musicians have been featured at a Surrey Jazz Nights show. Building on the one-year success, Virdee is now planning Surrey Slam Jam on April 6 at the Guildford Recreation Centre, which will feature a full day of basketball, dance and performances by jazz ensembles from around Surrey. She’s also planning Teen Open Mic Night at the Surrey Libraries Newton Branch on April 17 to create an additional music performance venue for teens.
“Sometimes after a show, families or individuals come up to me and share that this was their first time hearing live music, or attending a concert,” said Virdee. “I feel so honoured that I am able to be a part of such an exciting milestone for these individuals. I can’t wait for what the future will bring for Surrey Jazz Nights!”
Virdee’s long-term goal is for the idea and concept of Surrey Jazz Nights to grow into a larger organization and that will provide the groundwork for a music and arts venue in Surrey. Until then, she will continue finding ways to foster a supportive music community and help young aspiring musicians grow their career in Surrey.
Follow Surrey Jazz Nights on Instagram (@surreyjazznights) for the latest updates.
Submitted by: Communications