November 5, 2018

Sanne Hans: 'An outlet is so important!'

Sanne Hans (Miss Montreal) sings, writes, and makes music. Sanne is an ambassador for the Youth Fund for Sports and Culture. She grew up in a family where making music was a given. There was a piano and guitars at home. Sanne played the violin and was in a band with her brother. Her parents were also in a band. "We always made music. It was just part of it."

Sanne leads a busy life, full of performing, composing, and TV programs. Yet, she still makes time to be an ambassador for the Youth Fund for Sport & Culture. "I think it's very important to motivate children," she says. "That's why I plan to go to schools and tell them that children growing up in poverty can also participate. I can't wait!"

Only busy with music

Music was and still is an important outlet for Sanne. She was already heavily involved with music as a child, but in seventh grade, Sanne started taking it seriously. "I participated in a local Soundmix show," she says. "I came in second. I was heartbroken; I just wanted to be the very best. After that, I started playing guitar, and my first self-made song soon followed. Then I thought, 'Oh, that's what I meant, that's what I want! So I can decide for myself what I want to play.' A whole new world opened up for me. I was busy with it day and night; I barely left the house anymore; I was only focused on music."

From violin to singing lessons

"After years of violin lessons, I switched to singing lessons when I was about ten. To be honest, I didn't like it at all and quickly quit. It was so different from making music myself. I just didn't feel like listening to those boring singing lesson songs. At 19^and I took singing lessons again, truly classical. I learned a lot from that. I never have any problems with my vocal cords, thanks to that strong classical training. I'm very glad I did.

I could express all my tears in my music

I received a lot of encouragement and support at home. If you have a talent for something, it's wonderful and important that they're proud and happy at home, too, and sympathize with you. But it's not just about talent. Music was also an important outlet for my emotions. When my parents divorced, I struggled immensely. I sought solace in making music. I could express all my tears by playing piano, guitar, or singing for hours. That helped me immensely. So I know from experience how important it is for a child or teenager to have an outlet, to have the opportunity to forge their own path. I know how difficult it can be. Ensuring that every child has an outlet is what motivates me to become an ambassador.

Magic

Music is still an outlet, even though it's my job now. Imagine I'm having a fight with my boyfriend. When I play, that fight disappears from my mind. It just makes me feel better; that's still something magical. When I make music, I feel alive and very close to myself. I feel special then.

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