Jeannine Vanier facts for kids

Marie Antoinette Jeannine Vanier, born on August 21, 1929, is a talented Canadian musician. She is a composer and an organist. What makes her story even more amazing is that she was born blind.

Early Life and Education

Marie Vanier was born in Laval, Quebec, Canada. Her parents were Émile and Alice Laurin Vanier. Her father worked as an engineer.

Marie started her musical journey at a special school. It was called the Nazareth Institute for the Blind. She then went on to study at the University of Montreal. There, she earned two important music degrees. She received a Bachelor of Music in 1950. Two years later, in 1952, she earned a Licentiate of Music.

During her studies, Marie learned from many great teachers. Some of them were Françoise Aubut, Jean Papineau-Couture, and Clermont Pépin. They helped her develop her musical skills.

Awards and Achievements

Marie Vanier has won several awards for her amazing musical work. These awards recognize her skills as both a composer and a performer.

• In 1948, she won Second Prize in the Casavat Organ Society Competition.
• In 1952, she earned First Prize from the Royal Canadian College of Organists. This was a big achievement for an organist.
• She received the Sarah Fischer Concerts Scholarship in 1959. This scholarship helped her continue her musical journey.
• In 1962, she won the CAMMAC Competition. CAMMAC stands for Canadian Amateur Musicians.

Musical Career

Marie Vanier has shared her musical talents in many ways. She worked as an organist in several churches across Canada. She played the organ at St. Paul de la Croix for many years, from 1952 to 1974. She also played at St. Bernardin de Sienne, St. Léon de Westmount, St. Casimir, and St. André Apôtre.

Besides performing, Marie also taught music. She shared her knowledge at the Nazareth Institute. She also taught at the University of Montreal. Her original music papers are kept safe at the Bibliothèque du Quebec.

Helping Others

Even after retiring, Marie continues to help others. She copies music scores and piano methods into Braille. Braille is a special writing system for people who are blind. She does this work for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

Marie believes in helping others. She once said, "You have to try to help others so as not to worry too much about yourself. Every morning I say a prayer of gratitude.” This shows her kind and thankful spirit.

Compositions

Marie Vanier's music has been published by two companies. These are Waterloo Music Company and Berandol Music Limited/BMI. Her compositions include different types of music.

• Cinq Pieces pour Enfants: These are five pieces written for the piano. The title means "Five Pieces for Children."
• Fantasia for Recorder Trio: This piece is for three recorder instruments.
• Salve Regina: This is a larger work for a chorus and an orchestra.