Community People Profiles is a series on the Salt Spring Exchange featuring local personalities on our dynamic Gulf Island. Our People Profiles are short interviews, with one answer questions to share with you a little about what each of the people we will feature are thinking about as they go about their lives living on Salt Spring Island.

This weeks featured local people profile is: Leela Graham

Here's a bit about Leela;

Hi my name is Leela, and I started composing piano at the age of 3. I studied at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and the Toronto Conservatory of Music. Many years ago, a friend of mine, put together a children's project book with cassette, called " The Visit to the Circus", this was my first collection of piano compositions that were published. My passion is composing music, and I have spent my lifetime teaching children and adults. Last year after being very ill, I woke up one day and decided to connect with WIF organization. I had a few responses, one who's name is Sue Vicory, was finishing up a short documentary called "ONE" I gave her a piece of music and said, please use this, I would just like my name on the credits.. That"s how it started..

Each time she had a new project I was right there to offer my services without any expectations. This fall was a breakthrough when 2 of my pieces were used in the Short film "Absent". I received an email that best it was nominated for best music score! in a short film called "Absent " in the San Diego Film Awards March 7th.

What brought you to Salt Spring Island?

Love brought me to this beautiful island, and followed with the birth of my son Kaleb. Along with the ability to be able to express myself and be connected to the to the gentle flow of peaceful energy Saltspring Island offers the perfect setting for creativity. I was inspired by nature, a tranquil lifestyle,minus the city noise distractions. . etc...

What one thing about Salt Spring would you tell someone who has never visited the island?

To one who has never visited the island, come and join those who put together, groceries for those in need, and sit back and be welcomed in this community, whether you are in need or not, this is a rare community that serves people.

If you had a magic Salt Spring wand, what island thing would you change?

I would change the financial winter slump, that many of us go through.. Its sad to see so many of us prospering in summer months, then go through extreme, difficulties, to try to make ends meet. It would be nice to have some affordable housing, and lower food prices..

Which well known person, living or dead, do you think would be a good addition to the island?

Oh definitely MOZART! , he is my rock star! people used to continuously sing his tunes on the street!! and we still do!

Is there a special project, business or initiative you are working on that islanders should know about?

Well my special project now is going to the Sandiego Film Awards, taking place March 7th.I am nominated for best music score for the short film "Absent" which was inspired by a true story.. this is a great first step! next is the Oscars!! you can visit"Absent " on facebook and visit my website, http://www.leahgrahammusic.com To all producers, and directors, I am available to collaborate, on any upcoming projects and If you would also like to help with a donation, please get in touch It would be most appreciated. . 250-221-2054

Is there a really good interview question we should have asked you?

What would you do to improve musical connectivity on the island?

How would you have answered your question?

Rather than going online as our main source of social media, if would be nice to actually talk live to and or get together with other professional artists, in the community and share, stories, collaborations, etc...