What begins as a melody hummed into a phone or a lyric scribbled in the margins of a notebook can become something much bigger.
Over eight weeks this spring, 12 St. Michaels University School students committed two evenings a week to turning ideas into finished songs. They wrote lyrics, refined melodies, experimented with arrangements, recorded vocals at Dream Club Studio in Victoria and experienced the creative vulnerability that comes with sharing original work. Guided by the incredible talents of alumni Zack Santella '12 and Fintan O'Brien '14, the students discovered that songwriting is equal parts inspiration, persistence and collaboration.
The result is the 2026 Keep the Beat album, a collection of 11 original tracks written, recorded and produced by students in Grades 9 to 12. Some songs were years in the making. Others emerged during the workshop itself. Together, they capture heartbreak and hope, humour and homesickness, first attempts and future ambitions.
Staff, faculty and several students came out to hear the official release party on June 11 in the Copeland Lecture Theatre. The workshops and opportunity for alumni and current students to connect and create wouldn't be possible without Head of Music Mr. Ian Farish '89, the common link for generations of SMUS music students.
Listen to the Keep the Beat album
Every song tells a different story. Here is a look behind the tracks:
With You (Hiromu Ohara)
Hiromu wanted to create something with a fun, summer feel. Working alongside Zack on production, he delivered a laid-back track that captures his easy musicality and creativity.
So Long Ago (Jehiel McCoy)
Inspired by the sense of community he found through the school musical, Jehiel's song reflects on the people and experiences we love and eventually have to let go of.
Turn Out the Lights (Georgia James)
A familiar face in jazz band and R&B Band, Georgia brought a fully formed vision to the workshop. The track is entirely her own, from writing to production.
My Ocean (Mangkorn Laororjpinyo)
Mangkorn joined the workshop with no songwriting experience, no instrumental background and a willingness to try something new. Co-written with Fintan, the song explores the experience of balancing life between home and boarding school.
Someday (Liam Wilkinson)
Liam had written many songs before, but this was the one he wanted to share. Apart from studio vocals and a touch of mixing support, he handled every aspect of the track himself.
Shotgun on the Porch (Maddie Cormie)
Known for arriving each week with new ideas, Maddie stepped outside her usual style and embraced a country sound for this playful original song.
Untitled (Sayaka Yamada)
Despite joining the workshop late and juggling Advanced Placement exams, Sayaka transformed an idea that started while singing in the shower into a polished and thoughtful recording.
In the End (Emily McMillan)
After impressing Zack and Fintan with her performances in the school musical, Emily brought powerful vocals and perseverance to a song that underwent a final rewrite before finding its voice.
I Found a Reason (Jared Qin)
Jared had been writing songs on walks home from school long before the workshop began. His track showcases a natural gift for melody and storytelling.
Sweet Tooth (Kayler Kim)
Kayler turned her love of sweets into a clever metaphor for attraction, creating a catchy track full of charm and personality.
Sound Hound (Ridley McLeod)
The first song Ridley has ever finished is also a glimpse into his future. Heading to university to study music production, he took the lead on every aspect of the track.
End of Time feat. Georgia James and Hiromu Ohara (Nikolai O'Neill)
The album's only true collaboration began when Nikolai invited others into his creative process. Featuring vocals from Georgia and Hiromu, the track highlights what can happen when talented students create together.
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