Brie McAuley, pictured here with her piano teacher Rose, whom she’s taken lessons from since she began playing. (submitted photo/Brie McAuley)

By Martin Martinson

Recognizing Excellence

Local pianist named finalist in international talent search

Mar 5, 2020 | 12:20 PM

For North Battleford resident Brie McAuley, piano was always a passion of hers. Little did she know, working at the local Walmart as a support manager would be a springboard for her favorite pastime.

McAuley, who has been playing piano for over 20 years, was named a finalist for the Walmart Associate Talent search out of over 200 associates across the world. She was recognized for her piano playing talents, specifically for an original song she wrote after her mother was diagnosed with stage three cancer.

McAuley said her mother, who is now cancer free, named the song Living Skies.

McAuley said just to be nominated as a finalist for the competition is something truly special.

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“It means the entire world,” she said. “It kind of validates a lot of things I have been working towards and for other people to kind of recognize the hard work and the talent, it’s really validation for me that I am in the right spot and that I should continue to write music.”

She said she is also grateful for the support of her coworkers who encouraged her to apply in the first place.

“I’ve never worked in a place that was so supportive in that sense,” she said. “I’m glad that they kind of pushed me into putting my work out there, which I wasn’t totally comfortable with doing in the first place, but I’m really glad I did because I have been getting a ton of positive feedback.”

The Walmart Talent search is an annual event open to company employees across the world. The winner of the contest will be given the opportunity to perform during Walmart’s annual Associates’ Week in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Voting is open until March 20, with voters eligible to cast a ballot once per day. To vote for McAuley in the Walmart Talent Search, click here.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1