Ink is still drying on Tiffany Desrosiers’ music degree, and the 23-year-old Murrayville singer is already ramping up what she hopes will become an illustrious and long music career for herself.

So an unexpected invitation to sing for the BC Summer Games in her own hometown came at a perfect time, Desrosiers said.

“When I first received the phone call, I was so excited to be considered for such a large Langley event,” she told the Langley Advance.

“It means a lot to me to have the opportunity to contribute to making the Games a lasting memory,” Desrosiers added.

Back in March, she was approached by Susan Magnusson, principal of the Langley Community Music School, and asked to record and perform a song called Because We Dream, specially written for the Games in Langley by former music school teacher and Loverboy keyboardist Doug Johnson and his writing partner Don Wells.

“It’s been interesting that almost all of my musical connections have approached me from outside Langley, and I would very much welcome the opportunity to work with and be recognized by local people,” Desrosiers said.

Since the Games board wanted to feature someone local performing this special song, Magnusson hunted out a “talented young lady” who started voice lessons at the school at age nine, and who went on to represent the school at regional, provincial, and even national music festivals until she was 20.

Desrosiers has been studying a combination of classical and contemporary music for more than 12 years, having just completed her fourth year of classical opera studies at the University of B.C.

The local singer released her self-titled solo album last year (available at www.tiffanydesrosiers.com), and is currently a singer/performer with two classical crossover groups, Il Voce and Classical Nouveaux.

“The opportunity to work with Doug Johnson of Loverboy was pretty exciting. My parents grew up on their music and I knew that with Doug’s reputation he would put together something great, and it is. Also, representing Langley in an event where the whole community, not to mention the whole province is involved, was very enticing,” Desrosiers said. “I was honoured to have been chosen.”

Admittedly, the chance to work with Johnson was almost motivation enough for her to take on the project. But hearing the lyrics and music cinched Desrosiers’ decision.

“I love how the title and lyrics totally tie into the Games because it’s all about dreams and motivation. I think there should be more songs written out there that are positive, uplifting and inspiring,” she said.

Johnson seemed equally pleased with the chance to meet and work with Desrosiers.

“I also had the absolute privilege to work with Tiffany Desrosiers, a soulful and highly competent vocalist. She is a native of Langley and I’m sure we will hear much more from her in the coming years.”

Because We Dream was first performed by Desrosiers publicly during the torchlighting ceremonies at the Langley Events Centre in April, and she will perform it again live at both the opening and closing ceremonies.

As well, this song will be available free for athletes to upload during the Games, and Desrosiers is hopeful this performance attracts some new fans – both young and old.

“I consider every opportunity to perform an opportunity to create a fan base and have my voice heard,” she said. “Plus, I think it’s important because local performers represent the talent that is available in this community. It shows that Langley’s abilities are not restricted to athletics or sporting events only, but that other areas of individual and group talent are also present and willing to contribute.”

“We wrestled (pardon the pun) with a few ideas and then finally settled on the question and answer approach,” songwriter Doug Johnson said.

“The lyrics… are fairly self-explanatory … This song was written to inspire not only athletes, but everybody to pursue their ‘dreams’. It’s ‘because we dream’ that we take action to achieve… it’s the journey of pursuing the dream that is in and of itself sufficient to build strength of character. This can be applied to sports, music, whatever is worthy of dedication.”

Because We Dream

Why is it we push ourselves to be all we can be?Why is it our faith is strong, and why do we believe?Why do we run so far?Why do we reach for the stars?Why do we go to the ends of the earth so maybe we can see?

Chorus 1:

Because we dream, because we dream,we’ll go to where we’ve never been,And our hearts are open wide to every possibility.Because we dream, because we dream,we’ll see those places never seen,And we find that we are strong, because we dream.

Verse 2:

Why do we get back up when we’ve fallen to our knees?And why do we keep fighting for a place in history?Why do we push so hard?Why do we reach for the stars?Why do we go to the ends of the earth so maybe we can see?

Chorus 2:

Because we dream, because we dream,we’ll go to where we’ve never been,And our hearts are open wide to every possibility.Because we dream, because we dream,we see the places never seen.And we find that we are strong, because we dream.

Bridge:

Dream away, away, awayWake up to a brand new dayDream away, away, away

Chorus 3:

Because we dream, because we dream,we’ll go to where we’ve never been,And our hearts are open wide to every possibility.Because we dream, because we dream,we see the places never seen.And we find that we are strong, because we dream.And we find that we are strong, because we dream.