“Music and the arts are a way to bring people together,” says Caron To. She and David Bryson donated to support the first phase of the current campus development, a phase that included the creation of the Centre for the Arts. The gift reflected their interest in the school, as well as their belief in what music education can be, or should be.  “I think that music, arts, and culture are really important parts of our lives,” says Caron, “an important piece, in addition to academics and sports, in ensuring the well-roundedness of our kids and our families.”

That’s been especially true in the life of her son, Cian Bryson ‘22. He began playing the bassoon in 2014 and since then has earned numerous scholarships and awards, including second place in both the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra (TSYO) and 2023 Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber Orchestra (KWCO) concerto competitions. 

“For us, for our family, for Cian, the music aspect—while not the only important aspect—is something that began in Grade 3. He was always involved in a little bit of music. He played recorder, clarinet, and bassoon,” she says. “At some point, [now-retired Senior School Music teacher] Tom Wade West said he needed someone for Middle School bass guitar in the jazz band, and so Cian joined. Music has been very important in his life and, as we all joined the Rusty Knights, it became important for the whole family.”

They appreciated that Cian could focus intensively on his music education, nevertheless aware that music is important to all students, not only those indenting to pursue a musical career. “It’s a great opportunity for creativity, for team building, and, in my opinion, that little bit of spiritual connection—or that part of us that isn’t just about academics.”

At the time they encouraged others to support the Forever Georgian Capital Campaign by offering a matching gift challenge. It raised $100,000, securing the opportunity to name the new Arts Lounge in honour of music teacher Tom Wade West, who retired from the College in June 2024.

After graduating from RSGC, Cian enrolled at the University of Toronto to earn a Bachelor of Music degree, studying under Eric Hall, who is an assistant professor, as well as the principal bassoon position at three different organizations. Cian also studied at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, studying with Jaakko Luoma during the 2024-25 school year. He’s also played with the World Youth Symphony Orchestra, University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Glenn Gould New Music Ensemble, and Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. In 2024 he was the recipient of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra Stingray Rising Stars Award. “Cian is a very deserving recipient of the Stingray Rising Stars Award,” said Simon Rivard, TSYO Conductor, at the time. “His artistic brilliance and professionalism speak volumes, showcasing his leadership.” More recently, while on a study abroad year at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland, he performed with the Kuopio Symphony Orchestra, the Helsinki Chamber Soloists, and the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra.

“We were interested in an opportunity to give back, and we chose the arts,” says Caron, “hopefully to give other students the opportunities that our son—and we—have had at RSGC.”