10 minute read
Classical Music
CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
Saturdays, 60–90min blocks
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(alternative days can be arranged)
Woodwind chamber ensemble: Mondays, 7–9pm 20–week term, Oct 19 – Apr 25
(no rehearsals on Nov 9; Feb 15; Apr 11; Winter or Spring Breaks) Recommended for: Classical instrumentalists of all levels and ages Director: Nicholas Wright (VSO Concertmaster) Fee per term: $595 (regular) / $535 (VSOSoM Discount — see pg.33)
The VSOSoM Chamber Music Program is directed by VSO Concertmaster Nicholas Wright, matching students into small ensembles to rehearse and perform specially-selected repertoire. Each week the ensemble will have rehearsal time plus coaching by chamber specialists amongst the VSO & SoM faculty. Performances will tie in with the VSO’s Chamber Music Series.
Chamber groups are created by placement audition. Please contact the registration team to arrange your audition.
Full year ensembles, Sep 14 – May 30 (excl. winter & spring breaks)
The VSO School of Music’s three youth string ensembles meet weekly to rehearse a variety of music including specialized arrangements tailored to each group’s level. In addition to termly concerts at venues such as the Vancouver Playhouse and Christ Church Cathedral, the string ensembles enjoy many unique learning experiences, such as sideby-side and pre-concerts for the VSO, collaborations with the Jazz & World Music departments, and more. All youth string ensemble members are automatically enrolled in the Charis Camp Retreat (see next page) at the time of registration.
Entry to the youth string ensembles is by placement audition. Please contact the registration team to arrange your audition.
PRELUDIO STRING ORCHESTRA Saturdays, 10–11am
SINFONIETTA STRING ORCHESTRA Saturdays, 1–3pm
CHARIS CAMP RETREAT FOR YOUTH STRING ENSEMBLES
Friday, Apr 24 – Sunday, Apr 26
All youth string ensemble members are expected to participate Directors: Carla Birston; Harold Birston; Bo Peng; Guest Coaches Fee: $250
A beloved tradition, this weekend retreat builds musical skills and provides vital preparation for upcoming performances, as well as creating friendships and fun memories! The weekend includes 2 nights accommodation, meals, supervision, instruction and recreational activities.
CAMERATA STRING ENSEMBLE
Recommended for: Adult string players of all levels Director: Harold BIrston Fee for year: $575 (regular) / $515 (VSOSoM Discount — see pg.33)
Rosin up your bow and widen your social circle by joining this lively ensemble that loves to make music together. A variety of standard and specially-arranged repertoire will be prepared and performed in termly concerts.
Recommended for: Singers age 15yrs–adult, who have performance experience and are able to read music Director: Diane King, with Kathy Bjorseth Fee per term: $550 (regular) / $395 (VSOSoM Discount — see pg.33)
Study, stage and perform scenes from a wide range of opera, from baroque to contemporary. Students will be grouped in appropriate scenes according to voice type and experience level. Regular performances are scheduled in the acoustically-excellent Pyatt Hall.
Registration deadline for the ensemble is March 1. Placement auditions will be held to select roles. Please contact the registration team to schedule an audition.
ADULT GUITAR ENSEMBLE
Thursdays, 7–8pm 10 weeks per term
(see pg.4 for term dates) Recommended for: Ages 16–adult, able to read classical guitar notation Director: Stanton Jack Fee per term: $275 (regular) / $220 (VSOSoM Discount — see pg.33)
Develop ensemble skills and meet like-minded people while exploring a variety of ancient and modern repertoire for multiple guitars in this welcoming ensemble led by Stanton Jack.
Mondays, 5:30–7pm 10 weeks per term
(see pg.4 for term dates) Recommended for: Ages 12–adult, with at least 2yrs playing experience and able to read music Director: Julia Nolan Fee per term: $395 (regular) / $295 (VSOSoM Discount — see pg.33)
Through the exploration of a variety of musical genres (including baroque, classical, jazz, contemporary and more), saxophone ensemble participants will improve technical and musical abilities. Join us for an enjoyable and educational experience.
RECORDER PROGRAMS
8–10 weeks per term (check our website for term dates) Instructor: Marea Chernoff
Beginner Class Wednesdays 9–10am $190
This fun, supportive and social course for age 16yrs–adult requires no previous music or recorder experience, and will focus on playing the alto recorder.
Family Class Sundays 9:30–10:30am $175
Make playing music a family affair in this beginner class, where kids age 6yrs+ and their parents learn recorder together.
Kids Ensemble Sundays 10:30–11:30am $175
An ensemble for kids age 9–12yrs who already play recorder (or experienced players from age 7yrs with the approval of the instructor), to improve musicality and other ensemble tools.
Youth Ensemble Sundays 11:30–12:30pm $175
Building on the skills of the kids ensemble, the youth group for age 13–16yrs focuses on learning other voices of the recorder family (SATB).
Intermediate Classes (3 levels) Tuesdays Wednesdays Mondays 12:30–1:30pm 10–11am 8–9pm $190
3 progressive classes for age 16yrs — adult. Please check our website for details about class levels.
Adult Ensembles (3 levels) Wednesdays Mondays Tuesdays 11–12:30pm 6:30–8pm 1:30–3pm $275 / $220
3 progressive ensembles for age 16yrs — adult. Please check our website for details about ensemble levels.
TRUMPET STUDIO CLASS
Fridays, 5–6:30pm 10 weeks per term
(see pg.4 for term dates) Recommended for: Ages 13–adult, intermediate to advanced playing level Instructor: Vincent Vohradsky Fee per term: $395 (regular) / $295 (VSOSoM Discount — see pg.33)
This class is designed to mirror the experience a trumpeter would get at a University studio class. In a collaborative learning experience, participants will gain valuable insight from VSO trumpet player Vincent Vohradsky. Classes will alternate between section orchestral playing and solo repertoire.
COMMUNITY TROMBONE CHOIR
Saturdays, 5–6:30pm 10 weeks per term
(see pg.4 for term dates) Recommended for: Ages 12–adult Directors: Ilan Morgenstern, Brian Wendel Fee per term: $395 (regular) / $295 (VSOSoM Discount — see pg.33)
Specializing in a wide range of music — from classics, to jazz, to movie scores — the Vancouver Community Trombone Choir is an opportunity to play fun music in a relaxed setting, and work closely with VSO members Brian Wendel, principal trombone, and Ilan Morgenstern, bass trombone. This friendly ensemble is open to all levels, from one year of trombone playing and up.
Fridays, 5–6pm 10 weeks per term
(see pg.4 for term dates) Recommended for: Adults. Previous experience at the keyboard is not necessary, but a basic understanding of note reading and rhythms is required Instructor: Helen Hall Fee per term: $275
Students will be introduced to basic keyboard skills — note reading, keyboard technique, scales, chords and arpeggios, chord progressions and harmonization — in addition to repertoire appropriate to their level. The emphasis is on learning basic keyboard skills in a relaxed and friendly environment.
ADULT VIOLIN CLASS
Thursdays, 6–7pm 10 weeks per term
(see pg.4 for term dates) Recommended for: Beginners. No experience necessary. Instructor: Yvanna Mycyk Fee per term: $275
A fun introduction to the art of playing violin that combines personalized instruction with the joys of making music as a group. The group offers a supportive environment where we can soon start playing individual parts and harmony.
Saturdays, 1–3pm 8 weeks per term
(see below for term dates) Recommended for: Adults who are curious about classical music Instructor: Kevin Zakresky Fee for term: $275 (regular) / $235 (VSOSoM Discount — see pg.33)
Come learn the stories behind some of the greatest works of classical music, each term offering eight fascinating and fun lectures — choose the subject that most appeals to you or attend them all. No prior music history knowledge necessary: the only pre-requisite is the love of music!
Fall Term
19th Century Italian Opera
Sep 22 – Dec 1
Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Verdi, Puccini — 19th Century Italy continues to dominate the history of opera. For our first term we will look at all the great blockbusters (and some hidden gems) in the repertoire, finishing with a backstage trip to Vancouver
Opera’s production of Verdi’s La Traviata.
Winter Term
Baroque Keyboard Music
Jan 19 – Mar 8
In Term 2, we will trace the development of Baroque keyboard styles, discussing the music and the many types of keyboard instruments that existed during that time. The term will finish with Sir András Schiff’s performance of the Goldberg
Variations (Vancouver Recital Society).
Spring Term
Symphonic Forms
Apr 26 – Jun 21
Have you ever attended a VSO concert and wondered what makes something a symphony, overture, suite, or concerto? In Term 3, we will analyse the various forms of symphonic music in class and then go backstage at the Orpheum to meet the
musicians and conductors at their rehearsals.
RCM THEORY GROUP COURSES
Theory Rudiments 7/8: Saturdays, 12:30–1:30pm History 9: Saturdays, 1:30–2:30pm 24–week course: Oct 19 – May 2 (excl. winter break) Recommended for: Students planning to take the May session Rudiments 7/8 or History 9 RCM Theory exams Instructor: Helen Hall Fee: $595 Prepare for RCM theory exams the right way, and learn everything you need for success in these small group courses. Students will be contacted by the instructor to confirm suitability before the course begins, and are encouraged to wait for this confirmation before booking the exam.
SATURDAY SONG SCHOOL
Saturdays, 4–5:30pm 10 weeks per term
(see pg.4 for term dates) Recommended for: People age 16yrs–adult, who take regular private voice lessons Instructor: Diane King Fee for term: $325 (regular) / $250 (VSOSoM Discount — see pg.33) Drop-in Pass: $375 for any 10 classes throughout the year
In an enjoyable and supportive masterclass format, singers can bring the technical and interpretive work done with their private voice teacher to an encouraging group class. With an accompanist each week, students have the opportunity to receive positive feedback from teachers and colleagues. This is the perfect class to hone performance skills for recitals, competitions, and auditions.
VOCAL TECHNIQUE FOR ADULTS
Wednesdays, 7–8:30pm 2x 4–week courses:
Level I: Jan 22 – Feb 12
Level II: Feb 19 – Mar 11 Recommended for: Adults who want to improve their singing Instructor: Diane King Fee per 4–week course: $175
For choral singers, “shower singers” and everyone in between, these courses cover the basics of healthy singing including breathing, posture, projection, range development and tone quality.
Level II is a continuation of the first level, delving deeper into the fundamentals of good vocal technique and how to apply it in a song.
OPERATIC ACTING
Wednesdays, 7–9pm 6 week term, FALL only:
Sep 25 – Oct 30 Recommended for: Advanced classical singers, age 16yrs–adult Instructor: Diane King; Kathy Bjorseth Fee per term: $325 (regular) / $275 (VSOSoM Discount - pg.33)
Bring your performances to life for auditions, competitions and performances with this 6–week course. Find the character in your arias/songs, learn to ‘tell your story’ through gesture and body language and a deeper understanding of text and context, and build confidence and comfort in your performances. Participants will take part in a final performance in Pyatt Hall.
Entry is by audition. Please contact the registration team to schedule your audition.
YOGA TO LIVE CLASSICAL MUSIC
WELLNESS
Mondays, 1:15–2pm 10 weeks per term
(see pg.4 for term dates) Recommended for: Adults, no yoga experience necessary Instructors: Orsy Szabo; Gillian Hunter-Gibbs Fee per term: $175 / Drop-in class fee: $20
Escape the stress of modern life and join us in your lunch hour, to calm your body and soul with this Yin Flow yoga class with live classical music. Led by certified yoga instructor Orsy Szabo, each class promotes stretching and relaxation with a series of static postures, accompanied by calming improvised music which mirrors the shape of the class.
