Truro teen receives Royal Conservatory of Music gold medal

TRURO, N.S. — Zac Ellis’s impressive voice recently earned him a gold medal.
The 17-year-old Truro resident received the highest score in Atlantic Canada in the Level 7 exam with the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM).
“I got nervous between songs but when I was singing I just felt happy and excited,” he said. “I love singing. I like the expression and feeling the emotions.”
He took the RCM exam at the Maritime Conservatory of Performing Arts, in Halifax. 
“It’s similar to the Truro Music Festival except it’s all in front of one person,” he said. “They have lists and you have to choose five pieces from them to perform.
“I sang in English, Italian and French. I don’t speak Italian but know how to pronounce the words.”
He also had to perform a vocalise, which consists of vowels and focuses on specific technical components.
Zac has been studying voice for 11 years and has performed with Spotlight Theatre, and in Truro Junior High School and Cobequid Educational Centre plays. He’s also been in Neptune Theatre productions of Les Miserables and Frozen Junior, and in March will be in The Hobbit.
His goal is to attend Sheridan College, in Oakville, Ont., to study theatre.
“I wouldn’t have been able to do what I’m doing without the music community in Truro,” he said. “There’s so much support and incredible music teachers.”
Brenna Conrad has been his teacher for the last six years.
“I have had the pleasure of watching Zac go from someone with an incredible, natural talent, to a performer who embodies the qualities of a true artist,” she said. “Zac comes to every lesson ready to learn, regardless of whatever else he has on his plate at the time and loves the process of discovering what his voice can do. 
“What makes him truly special is the authenticity in his sound. You get a glimpse into who Zac is when he performs. He shares that with his audience freely. Zac is caring, connected and genuine in his day-to-day life and this translates into who you see on stage as an artist. I have no doubt that Zac will use his talents to bring joy to many throughout his life.”
Zac said his parents and sisters are very science oriented, and although he enjoys sciences, they don’t compare to music. 
“Singing feels like nothing else I’ve ever experienced,” he added. “Something just draws me to it. You have to give energy to the audience and what the audience gives back will fill you up.”