Greg Hofsink was hooked when attended his first concert presented by Brock’s Department of Music. That performance led him to sit back down at a piano and revisit his childhood love of music.

Hofsink has been an information technology (IT) team lead with the Ontario Ministry of Transportation in downtown St. Catharines since 2006, where he spends much of his time working at a desk in an office environment.

In 2022, he wandered over to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre across the street from his office to spend a lunch hour attending one of Brock’s Music@Noon concerts after seeing posters advertising the event.

“The faculty performance I saw was incredible; music expertly played on the beautiful Steinway piano on the stage at the performing arts centre. I have been attending ever since. It is the high point of my week,” Hofsink said.

Inspired by the performances from faculty and students in the Music program at Brock’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), Hofsink decided to pick up a childhood activity that he had loved: playing piano.

“During the pandemic, I realized that life can pass you by. I needed to have more creativity in my life, and I realized that what I was missing was playing music,” he said.

Hofsink has taught himself to read music again and practices every night. He said that experiencing music for an hour during the work week has brought him joy and inspires him to want to continue playing.

“Taking up the piano again and experiencing Brock’s performances has enriched my life,” he said.

Karin Di Bella, Associate Professor of Piano and Chair of the Department of Music, said that connection with the community is an integral part of the student experience.

“The Music@Noon series brings in a loyal audience of longtime community supporters who come to appreciate both the professional and student performances each term. For the students, knowing they will be performing for a robust and appreciative audience elevates their level of commitment to their preparation,” Di Bella said.

Prior to attending Music concerts, Hofsink was already a longstanding supporter of the University in the local St. Catharines community. He has hosted many co-op placements for Brock students at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation and, most recently, participated in Brock’s 2024 Career Expo, which connected students with over 70 employers.

“We always have such great students who come to do placements with us in the IT department,” he said. “We are very happy to be working with Brock as a community partner offering experiential, on-the-job learning opportunities.”

The next RBC Foundation Music@Noon concert is on Tuesday, Feb. 6 and features soprano Leanne Vida and pianist Erika Reiman, both private lesson instructors in the Department of Music.

The Tuesday Music@Noon series is generously sponsored by the RBC Foundation. This free concert series takes places most Tuesdays at noon throughout the academic year. For more information, please visit the website.