The results are in, and CNIB Lake Joe’s Got Talent!
Jade Ondrik, Virtual Music Specialist at CNIB Lake Joe, has been singing her heart out for as long as she can remember. The 19-year-old GTA resident was enrolled in vocal classes when she was just four years old and has been singing, dancing, and acting her whole life.
A student at W. Ross MacDonald School, she “was discovered” by Monique Pilkington, Executive Director at CNIB Lake Joe, during the school’s 150th-anniversary celebrations.
“Jade performed a number of different songs, and I was just floored by her talent and poise,” says Monique. “I knew she would have so much to offer our guests at camp and quickly introduced myself to her. We were thrilled when she joined us for our 2022 camp season!”
While preparing for her first season as a counsellor at CNIB Lake Joe, Jade took home the top prize at the 2022 Brant Music Festival, singing classical pieces in English, Italian, French and Latin. In September, she performed live with world-renowned Canadian opera singer (and CNIB Ambassador) Measha Brueggergosman-Lee at CNIB Lake Joe.
“Performing with Measha was definitely an OMG moment!” exclaims Jade. “Getting to work with someone as talented as Measha was such an incredible experience. I learned so much from her, but I also had the chance to teach her what it’s like performing with sight loss and exposing her to braille. We are continuing to work together – our journey together isn’t over!”
Nor is Jade’s journey with CNIB Lake Joe. After the in-person camp season closed, Jade transitioned into a new role as our Virtual Music Specialist.
“Music matters! It allows for expression and uses every ounce of a person’s being to show different emotions and feelings and thoughts,” says Jade. “After being told you can’t do things, it’s exhilarating to be able to prove people wrong. A disability doesn’t matter when you’re on stage performing. I focus on what I’m doing and nothing else.”
Jade loves using music and performance to break down barriers and inspire others. In the New Year, Jade will take the wildly popular Lake Joe talent shows online, launching a new virtual talent show called CNIB Lake Joe’s Got Talent! She is also hosting a Talent Masterclass to help performers of all skill levels nurture their talents and build their confidence.
“I can’t wait to watch them flourish as artists. It’s more than just a talent show; it’s about building connections with people and developing confidence. I will learn from them as well!"
When not busy with CNIB Lake Joe, Jade’s studying Classical Voice at the University of Toronto and binging Netflix.