Album Notes

I am a former national and international competitive figure skater and I have always believed skating provides an individual with a certain power and freedom that is a result of the sport’s unique combination of athleticism and artistry. The concept for this song and this album began in May 2008 while I was attending Skate Canada’s annual convention and I became inspired by the stories of our elite athletes and their families who sacrifice so much and the volunteers that give countless hours of their time to help these skaters achieve their goals in the sport and reach the international podium.

My feelings on this musical concept were so clear and so vivid at that moment that the song took shape right there in that hotel room on the prairies. Without an instrument on which to compose the melody and create the rhythm, these elements took shape in my head as I quickly captured the accompanying lyrics on a hotel note pad. I Will Achieve was created.

From the opening strains of a single acoustic guitar to the crescendo of the powerful melodic chorus with stirring background vocals by Donna King, the song mirrors a skater’s journey through many solitary hours of training and honing their craft to the exhilarating experience of achieving one’s goal and the volunteer’s resolve to support the skater in their pursuit of excellence.

When this song was introduced to Skate Canada, they decided to adopt it as an anthem for their skaters and proceeded to unveil and feature it one year later at their 2009 convention opening for all their volunteers, skaters and coaches.