Mike Bergauer

Music meant everything to Mike Bergauer. He channeled his passion for this art form into a lifetime of teaching, playing and mentoring generations of students. Some of his protégés are still performing internationally, but it is within Waterloo Region that his most lasting contribution plays on. Today our KW Youth Orchestra can trace its roots to decades ago when Mike founded a new day camp.

Mike grew up in Kitchener and was a life-long resident of Waterloo Region. He was a student at St. Jerome’s High School, began teaching in 1954, and soon became the Coordinator of Music for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. The position allowed him to establish an instrumental music program in the schools. His last teaching position, coming full circle, was back at St. Jerome’s

Mike was first and foremost a musician. At age 14, he was playing trumpet on the radio, and over his career, not only taught music, but started a number of his own bands, composed and arranged music, and conducted concerts. In 1967, Centennial year, Mike orchestrated one of the largest school productions in Canada called “Canadian Opus ‘67” in which 1,500 students from the Catholic schools participated.

In 1966, Mike established the first Music Day Camp in Canada through the Optimist Club, of which he was a member. The camp operated annually until 1972, and its camp orchestra became the nucleus of the K-W Junior Symphony, now known today as the KW Youth Orchestra. The not-for-profit organization supplements music education, and offers a high standard of orchestral instruction and rewarding performance opportunities, especially through ensemble performance.

Mike’s major musical impact within Waterloo Region was his mentoring and encouragement of young musicians, many of whom went on to professional careers in the industry. Among his protégés were members of groups such as Opus II, Brassline, Ruby, Horizon, and Blue Midnight. John Tank, a professional jazz saxophonist now living and working in New York City, was a grade 2 student when he first encountered Mike, and credits him as being a major influence on his career. Mike arranged an interview for John with concert saxophonist, Paul Brodie, who in turn, helped John get accepted into the Berklee School of Music in Boston.

Donnie McDougall, who started first as a percussionist with Opus II when he was just 17 years old, and later as guitarist with The Guess Who, is unequivocal when he states that he owes his career to Mike. On the occasion of Mike’s 75th birthday, hundreds of his students attended the party in Kitchener, and were entertained by a full orchestra of his former students. His Celebration of Life at Bingeman’s Park in 2023 was a similar momentous reunion of students.

Mike Bergauer’s commitment to music, the musical life of young people in Waterloo Region, and the establishment of the KW Youth Orchestra will be his enduring legacy to our community.