Just Getting Started

by Angela Sanford

   We are fortunate to live in an area rich in musical talent, where local musicians are often the heart and soul of community events, providing the entertainment that brings people together.

   East Hants has produced its share of musical talent. Artists such as Classified and Buch 65 hail from the area, and not too long ago, a younger JD Clarke roamed the halls of Hants North Rural High before pursuing a career in the music industry. The talented musician, who grew up in West Gore, went on to earn five East Coast Music Award (ECMA) nominations.

   Now, just down the road in Centre Rawdon, another young musician is following in JD’s footsteps — at least for now, in the halls of HNRH.

   At just 14, Behn Weir is becoming a familiar name at community events, and with good reason. For the past six years, he has been honing his musical talents and entertaining audiences of all sizes. His journey began when he was just nine years old and his grandparents asked him to perform at a Canada Day celebration on the deck of their store, Centre Rawdon Country Store, affectionately known as Arie’s after his grandfather.

Submitted Photo

   That first performance was a memorable one. Behn recalls being so excited to see the community turn out to hear and support him that he “never even thought to be nervous.” He performed Wagon Wheel, taking his first steps into what has become an increasingly important part of his life.

   Since then, Behn has been invited to perform at a variety of shows and festivals. But while opportunities are exciting, being a young musician comes with its own set of challenges. At 14, age restrictions mean he sometimes has to leave venues by 9 p.m., limiting the time he can spend performing.

   There are other hurdles, too. Earlier performances often mean smaller crowds, less exposure and fewer opportunities to demonstrate just how seriously a young musician takes his craft. Still, Behn is learning to navigate these challenges and make the most of the opportunities that come his way.

   Much of that determination comes from the work he puts in when he isn't on stage. Behn once found it frustrating when he missed a chord or forgot a lyric, but he has come to understand that mistakes are part of performing — even the most accomplished musicians make them. Rather than letting those moments overshadow a performance, he is learning to take them in stride and keep playing.

   Practice, he has discovered, is essential to progress. And Behn isn't afraid to tackle a challenge. He is currently working to master Jimi Hendrix's “Little Wing” on guitar, with the hope of eventually performing it for an audience. It is an ambitious undertaking, but one that reflects his willingness to keep learning and pushing himself as a musician.

   His musical tastes are just as varied as his ambitions. From rock and grunge to country, Behn enjoys exploring different sounds and prefers to play according to his mood rather than being confined to a particular genre. That means audiences never quite know what to expect — and that is part of the appeal. His song choices offer a glimpse into what he is feeling, especially when he performs music, he has written himself. Songwriting is another creative avenue he is beginning to explore, adding a personal dimension to his growing musical repertoire.

   Of course, there is more to Behn's life than music. At an age when new experiences and interests help shape who we become; he continues to play soccer, spend time with friends, ride his dirt bike, and enjoy hunting and fishing. These activities give him opportunities to explore the world beyond music — and perhaps provide some of the inspiration that will find its way into his songwriting.

   At this time, Behn is balancing school, hobbies and a growing commitment to his music, taking each performance as an opportunity to learn and improve. With six years of experience already behind him, he has plenty of time to keep developing his sound, discovering his strengths and finding out where his talent might take him.

   Perhaps one day, we’ll find Behn performing on the stage at Halifax’s Scotiabank Centre, a venue he would love to play — and one without the age restrictions. But for Behn, the venue matters less than the opportunity. As he puts it, he “really doesn’t care as long as he gets to play for crowds.”

   So, the next time you see Behn Weir's name on a local event poster, take the opportunity to stop by and listen. You might just be catching the early stages of a musical journey worth following. For now, he is doing what any aspiring musician must do: putting in the practice, taking the opportunities that come his way and enjoying the chance to share his music. If the past six years are any indication, this is only the beginning.