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YOUR COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL: OVER THIRTY-FIVE YEARS OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY MUSIC EDUCATION. FIND YOUR MUSIC!

Monday, November 8, 2010

CHORDIAL NOTES - NOVEMBER 2010

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." ~ Plato

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday, November 16, 2010 – NCM Ensemble Room
NOTE CHANGE OF TIME (was 7:00PM) now 8:15PM
Please join us for our Annual General Meeting on November 16. It has been a great year, and we have accomplished so much. We are also looking for additional Board Members and will be taking nominations from the floor. So if you are interested in serving the community through board work, here’s your chance!

ANDRE LAPLANTE – SOLO PIANO
Tickets now on sale – Adult $30/Student $20
Monday, February 7, 2011, 7:00 PM, Port Theatre
The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music is delighted to welcome Andre Laplante to the Port Theatre in solo piano recital. Mr. Laplante will present a special program in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Franz Liszt.

The program for this Recital will include Menuet Antique and Sonatine by Ravel, Sonata in B minor, Longo 33 by Scarlatti, Les Cypres de la Villa d’Este, Les Jeux d’Eau a la Villa d’Este and the Annees de Pelerinage, Book 2, Italy by Franz Liszt

Over the last decade Canadian pianist Andre Laplante has firmly established himself as one of the great romantic virtuosos. Critics have compared him with Ashkenazy, Horowitz and Rudolph Serkin, placing him in the elite circle of virtuoso pianists who do not hesitate to take risks. He has performed with many of the world’s great orchestras and his many recordings include the works of Liszt, Tchaikovsky, Ravel and Rachmaninov. He has won several prestigious awards including a Juno in 2004 and in 2005 he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada.

ANDRE LAPLANTE Masterclass – February 8, 2011 @ 10AM
Observer tickets are also available from the Port Theatre for the Masterclass Tuesday, February 8 at 10 a.m. at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music, 375 Selby Street in the Old City Quarter $10 for adults, $5 for students.

FIRST FACULTY CONCERT A GRAND SUCCESS
Karl Rainer and Cindy Speelman performed for more than 30 people at the first concert! It was a great success and we are happy to announce that the series will continue in November with Roni Wagner and Karl Rainer Featuring – Works for Two Violas Friday November 26 @ 5 PM.

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars…
Nov 11 Remembrance Day – office closed
Nov 12 Office Closed – Staff Holiday
Nov 18 Suzuki Piano Recital – St. Paul’s
5:15 PM friends and family welcome!
Nov 26 Faculty Concert @ NCM
Dec 2 Adult Winter Recital
Dec 24-Jan 3 Winter Break – office closed
Jan 22, 2011 Winter Recital – St. Paul’s
Feb 7 André Laplante in Concert
Feb 8 André Laplante Masterclass
Mar 25-27 Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp
April 22 Good Friday – office closed
April 25 Easter Monday – office closed
May 15 Showcase 2011 at the Port with Silent Auction
May 23 Victoria Day – office closed
May 28 Spring Recital and Awards Ceremony – St. Paul’s
June 24 Last day of classes

KINDERMUSIK
Village – Dream Pillow (birth to 18 months)
Starts November 10 – This class is a continuation of the Kindermusik Village class that started in September, but it is a new unit, so we can take a few more registrations. Tuition is $80 plus $40 for materials. The title “Dream Pillow” alone brings images of rocking, cuddling, singing, and lulling to sleep. But leading up to sleepy time are many upbeat and playful activities. Babies and adults will swirl to a dreamy cloud dance “Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland.” They’ll also play baby appropriate instruments to “Aiken Drum,” and “Sarasponda.” Favourite nursery rhymes like “Wee Willie Winkie,” and “Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling,” are sprinkled throughout the classes.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
¨ The Nanaimo Conservatory harp students played before and during Sharlene Wallace's wonderful concert last month. They were joined by Duncan students as well, and appreciated by all. Congratulations!
¨ Jack Hanika, James Mark’s student passed his grade 3 practical violin RCM exam with honours. Way to go!

NCM FACULTY NEWS
¨ Cindy Speelman will perform the Concerto in E Minor by Mercadante with the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra at 7:30 pm November 12th at Brechin United Church. The Orchestra, headed by Karl Rainer, is now in its seventh year of operation and continues to explore new and diverse repertoire. Tickets are: adults $20, students $10 at the door.
¨ St. Michael’s Presents…Clearly Clarinet Sunday, November 28, at 2 pm
Susanne Bullock (Clarinet) accompanied by Donna Falconer (Piano)at St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, Chemainus. Tickets: $15 advance; $20 at the door, available at Toad Hall Emporium (Chemainus), Gallowglass Books (Duncan), Ocean Soul Book Caffe (Crofton), Salamander Books (Ladysmith), Valley Vines to Wines (Mill Bay). More info: 250 748 8383 www.ChemainusClassicalConcerts.ca
¨ Marilyn Rummel, harp teacher at the Conservatory, is again working with Winter Harp as their Tour Manager. She promises another season of fabulous shows on the Island as well as parts east, including the addition of Duncan to the schedule. Look for Nanaimo Conservatory Harp students performing there in the Lobby! Island dates are: Courtenay - Dec. 8 & 9; Victoria - Dec. 10; Nanaimo - Dec. 11; Duncan - Dec. 12. More info at www.winterharp.com
¨ NCM faculty member Trish Clair-Peck has had a busy summer and fall. She is celebrating the release of Providence, her second CD of original and traditional fiddle music which was recorded and co-produced by David Essig. The CD is available for purchase online or directly from Trish: visit www.trishclairpeck.com to hear samples or to place an order. Trish has also collaborated with Ottawa-based pianist/fiddler Geoff Horrocks on a new line of fiddle books for students. Cross Canada Fiddle Tunes currently publishes two volumes of tunes from beginner to intermediate and intermediate to advanced players. You can learn more by visiting www.crosscanadafiddle.com.

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
¨ Artly Flute – Super Artist Model; solid silver body and head joint; open hole; great condition, recently serviced; beautiful tone. Call Joanne 250 390 2579. Asking $300.
¨ 17" viola case for sale. Contact Patsy at phofstrand@shaw.ca.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
¨ SPECIAL OFFER for NCM STUDENTS! Save $3.50 per ticket on groups of eight or more. The Barra MacNeils, Saturday, November 13 @ 7:30PM, Port Theatre, Nanaimo
For more information, call 250 758 0208
¨ Island Consort Performs – England has, for centuries, been a bountiful source of choral music both sacred and secular. The Island Consort celebrates the spectrum of English composers, illustrating the changes in style across four centuries, in a program entitled, “Passetyme Wythe Goode Company”, to be performed November 27th at 7:30 pm at the Ladysmith Art Gallery and November 28th at 7:30 pm at Brechin United Church (admission $15 at the door). Guest performers are the Sonora String Quartet: Karl Rainer, Hannah Wilson, James Mark and Trish Clair. For more information phone 729-8910.
¨ SPECIAL OFFER NCM students receive 2for1 STUDENT tickets. Contact Katy at razzledazzleproductions@gmail.com to reserve! Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular 2010 is a celebration of Christmas as well as an extravaganza of music and dance, lights and decorations, laughter and tears, all washed down with hot mulled apple cranberry, mince pies and butter tarts! A cast of 14 professional singers, dancers and musicians led by NCM's voice and musical theatre instructor, Katy Bowen-Roberts (Producer & Director) and NCM's violin instructor, James Mark (Musical Director & Arranger). Also playing in the popular YPCS band is Susanne Bullock, NCM's clarinet instructor. This year's singing and dancing extravaganza includes a Motown tribute, Frank Sinatra songs, Canadian Celtic fiddle tunes and dances, and a scene from 'The Phantom of the Opera' as well as many more classical hits and Holiday favorites. Call 250.754.8550 or visit www.porttheatre.com for tickets.
¨ ISLAND BEL CANTO SINGERS present "Stille Nacht, An Olde World Christmas"
SPECIAL GUESTS: Nanaimo Conservatory of Music Guitar Ensemble and Flute Trio
Saturday December 4th 2:30 p.m. at St Paul’s Anglican Church, 29 Church Street
Sunday December 5th 7:30 p.m. Nanaimo Ecumenical Center, 6234 Spartan Road
Tickets: Adults $15/ Child $10 available www.islandbelcanto.com, at the door, or Anne Tanod at 722-0232.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Chordial Notes - October 2010

Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.
~Victor Hugo

GORDON STOBBE In Concert
Thursday, October 7th at 7:00 p.m.
7220 Royal Avenue, Lantzville BC
Master fiddler Gordon Stobbe is a dynamic and charming performer with a lively, buoyant and danceable feel and an encyclopaedic knowledge of North American fiddle traditions. He plays music from a variety of backgrounds and is also a renowned composer of fiddle tunes. Gordon is in constant demand across Canada as a performer, instructor, adjudicator, dance caller, and all-night jam session instigator. He has taught at the Emma Lake Fiddle Camp, Canadian Grand Masters Camp, Pacific Fiddle College, the John Arcand Fiddle Fest, Kenosee Kitchen Party, and countless other camps and workshops. Don’t miss this rare chance to share an evening of music with one of Canada’s most well-loved fiddlers! Seating is limited so get your tickets today. Email kelli@etheridgephotographic.com or phone 250-390-8170 to reserve your tickets.

WORLD PREMIER FOR CONSERVATORY INSTRUCTOR
On October 23, 2010, the Vancouver Island Symphony will perform the world premiere performance of the haunting The Long Road Back by the Conservatory’s own James Mark, created in memory of his grandfather. http://vancouverislandsymphony.com/

ANDRE LAPLANTE – SOLO PIANO
Monday, February 7, 2011, 7:00 PM, Port Theatre
We are pleased to announce that André Laplante will be the guest artist for our annual Solo Piano Fundraising Concert. Tickets go on sale this month at the Port Theatre. Mr. Laplante will play works by Franz Lizst in honour of Liszt’s 2nd centenary. Check for more information about Franz Liszt at the Conservatory over the coming months!

FACULTY CONCERT SERIES ANNOUNCED
Please mark these on your calendars! These will be short (45 minute) concerts by groups of faculty, slanted towards an educational treatment of the pieces selected. The faculty will talk a bit about each piece, play them, and answer questions. Admission is by donation at the door.
Friday Oct 29 5 PM; Friday November 26 5 PM; and more dates to come in the new year

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars…
Oct 11 Thanksgiving – office closed
Oct 23 Sharlene Wallace, Harp Concert, St. Paul’s 7PM
Oct 29 Faculty Concert @ NCM
Nov 11 Remembrance Day – office closed
Nov 18 Suzuki Piano Recital
Nov 26 Faculty Concert @ NCM
Dec 24-Jan 3 Winter Break – office closed
Jan 29, 2011 Winter Recital – Location TBA
Feb 7 André Laplante in Concert
Mar 25-27 Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp
April 22 Good Friday – office closed
April 25 Easter Monday – office closed
May 15 Showcase 2011 at the Port with Silent Auction
May 23 Victoria Day – office closed
May 27 Last day of Suzuki classes
June 4 Spring Recital and Awards Ceremony – Location TBA
June 24 Last day of classes

WELCOME KIM PLUMLEY, Our New Publicist!
The illustrious Kim Plumley of Publicity Mavens is now helping the Conservatory get the word out! We are pleased to have her expert support in this area and we are looking forward to her help in generating a little more buzz about the Conservatory. If you have a story about the Conservatory, its faculty or students that you think is newsworthy, please let us know!

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK PAGE
If you have a Facebook account why not consider joining our Facebook page. Help us grow the interest in the Conservatory too, by inviting your friends!

NEW PROGRAMS!
The Musician's Body with Marilyn Rummel – Does your body ache in the places you’d STILL LIKE to play? You are invited to participate in a 6 week session of gentle but important exercises for musicians, focusing on the back and the arms - where it all happens. How to prevent injury, how to support yourself and your instrument without pain, and how freedom of movement becomes an aid to expressing yourself as a musician. 6 Thursdays from October 14th - Nov. 25th 11:30 am - 12:10 pm. 6 classes for $40.
Prelude Orchestra with Veronica Wagner – Starting on October 2, the Prelude Orchestra will meet biweekly on Saturdays from 1-2. The Prelude Orchestra is for beginners and children up to Grade 2 or 3 level. Although we will be using written music, note-reading is not mandatory initially. We will be starting with musical games, rhythmic counting, listening and a lot of open strings. Specially arranged parts will allow the least experienced students to contribute at a basic level while challenging the more advanced students.


KINDERMUSIK
Village – Dream Pillow (birth to 18 months)
Starts November 10 – This class is a continuation of the Kindermusik Village class that started in September, but it is a new unit, so we can take a few more registrations. Tuition is $80 plus $40 for materials. The title “Dream Pillow” alone brings images of rocking, cuddling, singing, and lulling to sleep. But leading up to sleepy time are many upbeat and playful activities. Babies and adults will swirl to a dreamy cloud dance “Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland.” They’ll also play baby appropriate instruments to “Aiken Drum,” and “Sarasponda.” Favourite nursery rhymes like “Wee Willie Winkie,” and “Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling,” are sprinkled throughout the classes. It’s easy to weave many of the class songs and activities into your families’ daily routines.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Andrea, Laura and Cassidy Stachow – piano students of Teresa Borek, performed in the Conservatory’s Open House on September 18, 2010.
Congratulations to the guitar students of Patrick Olmsted who spent some of their summer preparing for and completing their RCM exams. Martin Haaf for successfully completing Grade 9, David Macleod and Nicolas Hatfield for achieving Honours and Sam Firouzli, Maxime Therrien and Cameron Craig for receiving first class honours in their respective levels, well done!
Brittany Hannah, voice student of Christine McMahon, received First Class Honours with Distinction in her Grade 9 practical voice exam in August, with a mark of 90%. Brittany also recently received a Book Award from the B.C. Registered Teachers of Music for completing all the theoretical & practical requirements for her Grade 8 voice exam last year.
Ianna Folkes and Micaela Pereira each did RCM violin exams in June. Ianna got 82% on her Grade 4 practical and Micaela got 88% on her Grade 3 practical. Way to go!

NCM FACULTY NEWS

Teresa Borek’s adult piano student Sayuri Kabota gave a Chopin Piano Recital on October 2, 2010. She donated all proceeds from this concert to the Nanaimo Conservatory Piano Fund.
Teresa Borek is heading to Warsaw, Poland to observe the 16th International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition. Between 3 and 22 October, 2010, 81 young pianists from 24 countries will compete in this one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world. One of Teresa’s former students at the Nanaimo Conservatory – Akari Kai is studying currently in Warsaw at the F. Chopin Academy of Music.
Christine McMahon and accompanist Donna Falconer, will be offering two Studio Workshops in November where students are invited to present a new work in progress and to receive coaching and feedback on it from Christine & Donna, as well as their peers. These are fun Saturday afternoons; a chance to meet and hear the other singers in the Studio in a safe and supportive environment.

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
2007 3/4 Gliga violin. Excellent condition. Paid $600 (bought through Art Petrie). Asking $550. 250-247-8434.
Young Chang “Weber” 6 ft Grand Piano. Excellent condition 1982. Asking $5800 OBO, call 250 722 2013.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Harp Concert – Sharlene Wallace, Canada's foremost lever harpist in Concert at St. Paul's Anglican Church October 23rd @ 7:00 PM. Sharlene Wallace is a classically trained harpist who in addition to her orchestral work, is a performing and recording artist with a lever harp style all her own. In a repertoire ranging from Celtic to South American, to her own, often rhythmically stunning compositions, she will bring her mastery of the instrument to the pleasure of your ears! Members of Marilyn Rummel’s Nanaimo Youth Harp Ensemble will accompany her on one special piece, and will play as the audience arrives - here's an opportunity to hear both the youngest harp talent in the city, and the finest in Canada. Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for students and kids. Tickets are limited, get yours at the Conservatory office. More information about Sharlene can be found at www.sharlenewallace.com.
Island Consort Performs – England has, for centuries, been a bountiful source of choral music both sacred and secular. The Island Consort celebrates the spectrum of English composers, illustrating the changes in style across four centuries, in a program entitled, “Passetyme Wythe Goode Company”, to be performed November 27th at 7:30 pm at the Ladysmith Art Gallery and November 28th at 7:30 pm at Brechin United Church (admission $15 at the door). Guest performers are the Sonora String Quartet: Karl Rainer, Hannah Wilson, James Mark and Trish Clair. For more information phone 729-8910.
Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra – The magic of the flute is featured in the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra’s upcoming concert at 7:30 pm November 12th at Brechin United Church. The Orchestra, headed by Karl Rainer, is now in its seventh year of operation and continues to explore new and diverse repertoire. Guest artist is flautist, Cindy Speelman who will perform the Concerto in E Minor by Mercadante. Tickets are: adults $20, students $10 at the door.

THANK YOU
A new scholarship has been donated to the Conservatory this year. Many thanks to Arla Jean Murch who has made it possible for the Conservatory to give a scholarship of $100 annually in perpetuity to a deserving Conservatory student. The first “Joie de Vivre” Scholarship, in honour of Ms Murch’s late daughter will be awarded in June 2011 at the end-of-year recital.
Isabel Albrecht for the donation of a piano for our new studio and Tom Lee Music for arranging the moving of the piano!
Everyone who attended this year’s Open House! It was a great way to celebrate our new studio.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

A new academic year is upon us and we have lots to share with you! Please drop by any time to register for your fall classes. All students, whether new or returning are required to fill out a registration form for 2010/2011 and pay a 4 lesson, or in the case of groups a one month deposit, plus an annual registration fee. If you have the time to come in the morning, you might find it easier, and have less of a line up at before things start to get busy in the afternoon.

OPEN HOUSE – September 18, 2010

Plan to join us for our annual Open House on September 18, 2010 from 11 AM to 3 PM and bring a friend! There will be mini lessons, demonstrations, a chance to meet the Conservatory faculty and talk with them about studying music. In addition, our sponsor, Tom Lee Music will have an instrument “petting zoo” on site, so you can try one out! There will be prizes and refreshments too, don’t miss out!

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars…
Sept 7 First Day of Classes
Sept 8 Fiddle Groups Begin
Sept 13-17 Most other groups begin (check with instructor)
Sept 18 Open House, bring a friend!
Oct 11 Thanksgiving – No lessons, office closed
Nov 11 Remembrance Day – office Closed
Dec 24-Jan 3 Winter Break – Office closed
Jan 29, 2011 Winter Recital – Location TBA
Feb 7 André Laplante in Concert
Feb 8 TBConfirmed - André Laplante piano Masterclass
Mar 25-27 Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp
April 22 Good Friday – No lessons, office closed
April 25 Easter Monday – Office closed
May 15 Showcase 2011 at the Port with Silent Auction
May 23 Victoria Day – Office closed
May 27 Last day of Suzuki classes
June 4 Spring Recital and Awards Ceremony
June 24 Last day of classes

NEW KINDERMUSIK CLASSES START SEPT 15
All classes will be held Wednesday mornings this year. Specific Kindermusik questions are best emailed to Miss Nicky, at nicolepercussion@gmail.com. Classes run September 15 to January 12, 2011. There will be no classes October 13, December 22 or December 29.

Village (0-18 mnths) with caregiver - 9:45-10:30am
Zoom Buggy! — Swoosh, vroom, and clickety-clack your way through this delightful unit. Babies and adults will dance, sing, and play instruments to the theme of being on the go. Chug around the room to the song “Little Red Caboose,” hold on tightly while “Riding in the Buggy,” and dance your way to “Zoom-e-oh!” Engage in playful activities such as infant massage, lap bounces, exercise, and quiet time.
Dream Pillow — This title alone brings images of rocking, cuddling, singing, and lulling to sleep. But leading up to sleepy time are many upbeat and playful activities. Babies and Adults will swirl to a dreamy cloud dance “Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland.” They’ll also play baby appropriate instruments to “Aiken Drum,” and “Sarasponda.” Favorite nursery rhymes like “Wee Willie Winkie,” and “Diddle, Diddle, Dumpling,” are sprinkled throughout the classes. It’s easy to weave many of the class songs and activities into your families’ daily routines.

Our Time (1.5-3yrs) with caregiver - 10:30-11:15am
Milk & Cookies — Make everyday home activities and chores easier and more fun with music! Cook and sing to “The Muffin Man”; dust and clean to the original song “In My House”; get ready to wash clothes to the delightful poem “Washing Machine”. Baking cookies, eating cupcakes, blowing on hot cross buns, wiggling like jelly, going grocery shopping and making tea are all represented in familiar as well as new songs. Move, play, and sing together in developmentally appropriate activities created just for 1 ½ to 3-year-olds. Capture the familiar and new moments of the day and learn how music can impact your toddler.

Imagine That! (3.5-5yrs), caregiver(s) attend last 15 minutes of class - 11:15am-12pm
Hello Weather! Let’s Play Together! — Sunshine, rain, snow, thunderstorms, and more in this imaginative and delightful weather-related musical adventure. Preschoolers create storm sounds with a drum to “Wild Storms,” jump in pretend puddles to “Mud Puddle Jump,” throw pretend snow-balls to “Snowballs,” and sing along to “Colors of the Rainbow.” With weather as our learning theme, preschoolers will explore musical styles that range from Opera to American folk, and become more self-sufficient in a creative musical environment that integrates music, pretend play, storytelling, movement, and more.

NEW REGISTRATION DATABASE
We are pleased to announce that we have a new on line registration database provided by Museminder. As a result we will be asking for a bit more information on your registration form this year. Please bear with us as we implement this system which we expect will provide our students and faculty with increased accessibility to accounts and other sharing of information! More to come…

THE LAST NEW STUDIO IS ALMOST READY
Studio 7 is almost complete! Although we had some setbacks we are in the final stages of the renovation and the studio will be up and running on September 13. Help us launch our new studio at the Open House on Sept 18th.

NEWS FROM YOUR FACULTY RE: START DATES
Harp with Marilyn Rummel
Nanaimo lessons begin Tuesday Sept 7th. Kids GROUP begins the following Tuesday at 3:20, and every Tuesday thereafter except for Sept 28th. Adult GROUP begins Thursday 9th (1:20) and runs every two weeks.
Fiddle Groups with Trish Clair
Please refer to the Nanaimo Fiddlers Web site at: http://web.me.com/nanaimofiddlers/Nanaimo_Fiddlers/Class_Notes.html
Foundation Orchestra with Veronica Wagner
The Orchestra meets every Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:30 and it will start on Thursday, September 9.

MUSICAL THEATRE
SEUSSICAL JUNIOR! with Katy Bowen-Roberts
Katy Bowen-Roberts is producing SEUSSICAL Junior! this year at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. The class will focus on vocal, speech and musical theatre techniques, movement and choreography, improvisational skills, character development as well as discussions regarding the props, set and costumes. It will end with a final performance of the show at the Nanaimo Entertainment Centre for family and friends in June. Tuition is $450 for the full year plus script fees. This is a very popular program which runs this year on Tuesday evenings from 6PM – 8PM and is for students ages 6-14.

NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA (August 4 & 5, 2010)
"Nanaimo was one our favourite stops" was the response of the National Youth Orchestra musicians after their very successful Canadian tour. On August 5th 2010 the National Youth Orchestra had a chance to come back to that favourite stop and it was their only one on the island! It was a total success and the performance was heart-stopping, especially with 90+ musicians on stage! Our own Veronica Wagner sat in on one piece as she was once a member of the Orchestra.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Many students completed exams over the summer. Check the October issue of Chordial Notes for more…

NCM FACULTY NEWS
Katy Bowen-Roberts stars as Eliza in Ubetcha Production’s My Fair Lady at the Port Theatre September 23-26. Don’t miss our beloved Musical Theatre teacher in this show where she gets to play the “role she always dreamed of.” Break a leg, Katy!
Christine McMahon, one of the Conservatory’s voice instructors has a new Web site, and it looks great! Check it out at: http://www.voicealivenanaimo.com
Marilyn Rummel has been working hard on the World Harp Congress 2011, July 24 - 31. Program is pretty much done, with over 150 performers - not including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra! Registration should open towards the end of September with good bargains for early registrants. http://www.worldharpcongress2011.com Volunteer opportunities abound - call for volunteers will go out October 1, but you can let Marilyn know in advance if you want to help.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
A HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC CREDIT may be available for students who are pursuing music lessons and Royal Conservatory of Music examinations at the grade 8 level or above. Check with your local School District (#68 in Nanaimo/Ladysmith) to find out more.
PARKING – please note that we have a parking lot in the back of the building for student use.
TOLL FREE NUMBER – The Conservatory has a toll free phone number for our out of town students:
1-877-754-4611.

THANK YOU
¨ Donna Laing and Leslie Mathews, for all their work on the billets for the National Youth Orchestra
¨ To all of the people agreed to billet the young musicians while they were in town. We understand that they really liked having home-cooked meals and a chance to do their laundry, and some even got to play music with their host families.
¨ Mike Herald, from Herald Engineering for the report we need to get the window installed in Studio 7
¨ Garry McKevitt for coordinating the renovations on Studio 7.
¨ Bill Costin for teaching at the Conservatory for so many years!!
¨ Pat Wills for continuing to look after our front garden.
¨ Peter Bowen for cutting down the fennel in the back yard in the spring.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA - AUGUST 5

The National Youth Orchestra will be here in a week! Wow, this is going to be a fantastic show with over 90 musicians performing amazing music.

Don't miss this great opportunity to see the best of Canada's young classical musicians at the Port Theatre on August 5, 2010. Tickets are very reasonably priced and high school students can take advantage of the EyeGo program for only $5 a seat! If you are a music student at the Conservatory you should absolutely be attending this performance if you are able. Parents please make sure that you seriously consider taking your budding musicians to this event.

The Conservatory is co-producing this event with the Port Theatre.

See you at the concert!
Kathleen

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

"If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music." - Albert Einstein

HAVE A MUSICAL SUMMER!!
This is our last newsletter of the year. The next one will be out at the end of August. But if you want to continue with your musical studies over the summer we have some great programs to choose from…see below! And don’t miss the National Youth Orchestra on August 5…see you soon!

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars…
June 19 Nanaimo Youth Choir Concert
St. Andrew’s Church
7:00 PM
June 25 Registration
June 30 Final day for registration for summer programs
July 2010 Limited administration
Aug 3 Office open with summer hours TBA
Aug 5 National Youth Orchestra - Port Theatre
Sept 7 Classes begin (confirm with instructor for dates)

RECITALS HAD GREAT PARTICIPATION!
Numerous recitals have been happening since our last newsletter, including the Suzuki Piano and Violin Recitals, the NCM Spring Recital and Awards Ceremony; the Suzuki Flute Recital, the Adult Recital (new this year) and the final performance of the Musical Theatre Company’s “Willy Wonka Junior!” Many, many Conservatory students participated in these events and all the students did so very well! Congratulations to everyone who participated and thank you to everyone who helped make the events a success. A big thank you as well to all of our wonderful instructors who help students prepare for these events!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Nine students received scholarships for outstanding work this year. Scholarships were awarded at the NCM Spring Recital and Awards Ceremony on June 5. Congratulations to everyone. Keep up the good work!
Joyce Horner Memorial Scholarships
Hailey Davies – Violin
Brittany Hannah – Voice
Ryley Hounsome – Flute
Justin Hu – Piano
Chelsea Letourneau – Violin
Nickolas Lunny – Jazz piano
Andrea Stachow – Flute
Barry Swann Guitar Scholarship
Padraic Hildebrand – Guitar
Jean Apland Memorial Scholarship
Martin Haaf – Classical guitar

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS
¨ Summer Flute/Recorder Workshops
with Cindy Speelman

Beginner: July 16 – 18 (mornings)
Beginner Adult: July 16 – 18 (afternoons)
Intermediate: July 23 – 24
Advanced: Aug 14 – 15
Recorder: Aug 6 – 7

¨ Summer Musical Theatre
NCM's Musical Theatre Summer Camp presents:
SEUSSICAL JUNIOR!
Music Director: Katy Bowen-Roberts
Drama Director: Jessica Lowry
Katy Bowen-Roberts and Jessica Lowry are producing SEUSSICAL Junior! in August at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. The camp will focus on vocal, speech and musical theatre techniques, movement and choreography, improvisational skills, character development as well as discussions regarding the props, set and costumes. It will end with a final performance of the show at the Nanaimo Entertainment Centre for family and friends on August 27th.
Auditions at NCM: June 29th 2 -5pm
(email razzledazzleproductions@gmail.com to book audition slot)
Summer camp dates: August 16th – 27th, 2010
Class schedule: 10 – 3pm Monday to Friday (10 days total)
Final Show: August 27th at 2pm – Nanaimo Entertainment Centre
¨ Foundation Orchestra
Play your instrument in a fabulous ensemble led by Veronica Wagner this summer. Only $60 for a weekly class all summer. Youth and adults welcome.

¨ Summer Private Instruction Available in:
Suzuki piano, Suzuki violin, piano, oboe, violin, viola, flute, guitar and clarinet. Get a head start on the fall!

HELP US HOST THE ACCLAIMED NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA (August 4 & 5, 2010)
"Nanaimo was one our favourite stops" was the response of the National Youth Orchestra musicians after their very successful Canadian tour. On August 5th 2010 the National Youth Orchestra will get a chance to come back to that favourite stop and it will be their only one on the island! Did you know that more than a third of professional musicians in Canada are NYOC graduates performing in leading orchestras such as the Boston Symphony, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the New York, London and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestras.

The 2010 tour repertoire is as follows: Shostakovich | Festive Overture; Strauss | Don Juan; Rimsky-Korsakov | Scheherazade; Dukas | L’apprenti-sorcier; Hétu | Sur les rives du Saint-Maurice; Ravel | La Valse; Stravinsky | Petrouchka; Agocs | Perpetual Summer

The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music is coordinating the billets for the Youth Orchestra. If you would like to have the opportunity of hosting one of these young musicians, please get in touch and we will give you connect you with Donna Laing and Leslie Mathews who are the billeting coordinators. In thanks for your support, all billeting families will receive a ticket to the concert on August 5th at the Port Theatre.

FIDDLE CLASS SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2010
Homeschool Fiddle for Beginners Weds 12:30-1:30pm, Intermediate and Intermediate Plus Fiddle on alternating Thursdays from 3:30-4:30, Advanced Fiddle on Wednesdays from 6:30-8. New class for 2010 is Folk Band, which is like an orchestra class for folk fiddle music. Folk Band is included for all fiddlers in the regular fiddle groups, or you can take it alone by paying the annual fee of $100 in advance. We also welcome penny whistle, brass and woodwinds, guitar, mandolin, percussion, and bass. The class will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 starting on September 8.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
¨ Good News from Marian Smith Director of our Concert Choir! The Nanaimo Youth Choir, who were recommended to Provincials from the local Upper Island Music Festival, won their class at the BC Festival of the Arts! As a result of winning at the Provincials, they have been recommended to the National Festival in Montreal this August! Also at the BC Festival of the Arts, our accompanist, Saehae Bae won her Intermediate Class in Piano. One of our choristers, Liam Pistor was chosen to represent Nanaimo at Provincials in clarinet. Liam won an Honourable Mention for his performance. Congratulations to all of these young people!
¨ Ianna Folkes and Micaela Pereira, students of Trish Clair are doing Royal Conservatory of Music violin examinations in June (grade 4 and 3, respectively).
¨ Brittany Hannah, student of voice teacher Christine McMahon, was awarded a Joyce Horner Memorial Scholarship at the Spring Recital on June 5. Brittany also represented Nanaimo at the Provincial Music Festival in Duncan in May, and received an Honourable Mention from adjudicator, Mel Braun, in the 18-and-under Classical Voice section. As well as hearing and meeting the other singers, Brittany enjoyed Mel Braun's workshop, and described the whole event as "an awesome experience!"
¨ Nikolas Lunny won a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston at the West Coast Jazz Festival at Vancouver Island University last month.

NCM FACULTY NEWS
¨ Trish Clair is teaching at 5 fiddle camps this summer including Yukon Summer Music Camp, Kole Crook Fiddle Camp in the NWT, Selkirk College Fiddle Camp (Castlegar) and Fiddleworks (Salt Spring Island). Trish's second solo CD of original fiddle music will be released at the end of June. You can order your copy online at www.trishclairpeck.com or purchase it directly from her. Trish has also just released two exciting new volumes of fiddle tune books entitled Cross Canada Fiddle Tunes. Visit www.crosscanadafiddle.com for more information.

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
¨ Yamaha 561 Model flute, open hole, offset G with B foot. In good playing condition with CY handcut headjoint. Head,body, footjoint are all solid silver. I am asking $1,600.00 OBO. Please contact Larry Miller if interested at larryhmiller@shaw.ca or phone 250-753-8623.
¨ Henry Hebert Piano - made by Mason Risch - $1,000.00 - O.B.O. Dimensions 59" Wide 40" High 24" Deep. Call 250-758-5602

ANNOUNCEMENTS
¨ A HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC CREDIT may be available for students who are pursuing music lessons and Royal Conservatory of Music examinations at the grade 8 level or above. Check with your local School District (#68 in Nanaimo/Ladysmith) to find out more.
¨ PARKING – please note that we have a parking lot in the back of the building for student use.
¨ TOLL FREE NUMBER – The Conservatory has a toll free phone number for our out of town students:
1-877-754-4611.
¨ HST – the good news? – music lessons are exempt.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Chordial Notes - May 2010

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars.
May 20 Suzuki Piano Recital
5:30 PM St. Paul’s Anglican Church
May 25 Suzuki Violin Recital
June 5 Spring Recital
June 10 Year-end Adult Recital
June 15 Musical Theatre’s
Willy Wonka Junior at the
Nanaimo Entertainment Centre
at 6:30 PM (admission by donation)

WE’RE SAD TO SEE YOU GO…
Art and Mabel Petrie, who brought the Suzuki program to the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music 10 years ago, have decided that this is their final year of teaching. Art and Mabel’s commitment and dedication to the Conservatory and their students has been unfailing over these many years. During their tenure as faculty here, the Suzuki program at the Conservatory has grown to include not only violin and piano, but also flute and, last year we added cello! With more than 100 students now taking lessons in the Suzuki method, the program is a huge success. Many, many thanks to both Mabel and Art for their enthusiasm and support, and happy trails to both on their North American road trip!

SHOWCASE CONCERT A SMASHING SUCCESS!
I would like to thank everyone: teachers, students, parents, volunteers, staff, Board members, Port Theatre production staff…everyone, for their part in making the Conservatory Showcase 2010 the success it was. By its nature, so much of what happens at the Conservatory takes place out of sight in studios and classes and practice sessions, all separated by time and space. So it is a real eye opener and inspiration to see all the energy and talent manifested at an event like Showcase. One begins to get a real sense of what a positive and buoyant influence the Conservatory is on the community as a whole.
Garry McKevitt, President

Congratulations and thanks to all the performers, teachers, volunteers, committee members, Port Theatre crew and staff, and Kathleen and Ellen! All of your hard work, diligence, enthusiasm and courage resulted in an event that was rewarding on many levels for the entire Conservatory community! Apologies to the guitarists whose names were omitted from the Twinkle portion of the program: Maya Dean, Jet Ferrarro, David McLeod, Morgan McPhee, Jackson Phillips, Jordan Pynn, Connor Reid and Rhys Wong. They and the Conservatory Guitars performed brilliantly!
Patrick Olmsted, Showcase Concert Chair

SPRING RECITAL AND AWARDS CEREMONY
The Spring Recital and Awards Ceremony will be held in the VIU Choral Room on Saturday June 5, 2010. There will be two time slots, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Students who have been awarded a scholarship will receive it at the recital in which they are scheduled to perform. Hope to see you there!

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER PROGRAMS
Summer Flute/Recorder Workshops with Cindy Speelman
Beginner: July 16 – 18 (mornings)
Beginner Adult: July 16 – 18 (afternoons)
Intermediate: July 23 – 24
Advanced: Aug 14 – 15
Recorder: Aug 6 – 7

Summer Musical Theatre
NCM's Musical Theatre Summer Camp presents: SEUSSICAL JUNIOR!
Music Director: Katy Bowen-Roberts
Drama Director: Jessica Lowry
Katy Bowen-Roberts and Jessica Lowry are producing SEUSSICAL Junior! in August at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. The camp will focus on vocal, speech and musical theatre techniques, movement and choreography, improvisational skills, character development as well as discussions regarding the props, set and costumes. It will end with a final performance of the show at the Nanaimo Entertainment Centre for family and friends on August 27th.
Auditions at NCM: June 29th 2 -5pm
(email razzledazzleproductions@gmail.com to book audition slot)
Summer camp dates: August 16th – 27th, 2010
Class schedule: 10 – 3pm Monday to Friday (10 days total)
Final Show: August 27th at 2pm – Nanaimo Entertainment Centre


BILLETING THE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA
August 4 & 5, 2010
This is a fantastic opportunity to have a young musician stay with your family and therefore bring even more music, and maybe even some tips on playing, into your home! Host families are responsible for transportation to and from the ferry and theatre as well as meals when the billet is at the home. Host families will receive one free ticket to the concert. Our billeting coordinators are Leslie Mathews and Donna Laing. Please call the Conservatory office if you are able to host one or more of these wonderful young musicians!

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
¨ Jordan Pynn received the “Best Junior Guitarist” award at the West Coast Jazz Festival.
¨ The Nanaimo Youth Choir is excited that they have been named as representatives to the BC Festival of the Arts from Nanaimo. The Concert Choir will be adjudicated with other choirs from around BC during the Provincial Festival in Duncan in May.
¨ Vanessa Croome who studies privately with Marian Smith and has been a member of the Nanaimo Youth Choir since she was five has also been has been named as the Junior Musical Theatre representative to the Provincial Festival. Vanessa was first place Junior Classical Voice winner in the BC Festival of the Arts in 2009.
¨ Saehae Bae, talented young pianist and accompanist of the Nanaimo Youth Choir will compete as the Intermediate Representative to the Provincial Festival in piano.
¨ Liam Pistor who sings in the Nanaimo Youth Choir has been named to the BC Festival of the Arts as Junior Representative for the clarinet.
¨ Congratulations to Padraic Hildebrand who has been accepted to the Berklee College of Music in Boston and qualified by audition for a substantial scholarship, well done Padraic!

NCM FACULTY NEWS
¨ Trish Clair-Peck adjudicated strings classes at Campbell River Music Week on April 30 and folk instrumental classes at the Sunshine Coast Festival of the Performing Arts in Gibsons on May 6.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
¨ Have you heard about EyeGo? Both the Port Theatre and the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra offer high school student tickets at only $5 each!
¨ Festival 88 – Nanaimo Piano Festival takes place on May 14-16 featuring ALL 3 WINNERS of the Honen’s International Piano Competition playing together in Nanaimo. This is a very exciting musical event for Nanaimo and we hope you have purchased your tickets! The winners perform with the Vancouver Island Symphony on Saturday May 15 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the Port Theatre Ticket Centre: 250-754-8550 or www.porttheatre.com Festival 88 Pass: (all 3 concerts) Adults: $88 Students: $30
Special Coupon Ticket offer for Festival 88:
Buy two tickets to any of the Festival 88 performances and receive $20 off!*
*Not valid on Student or Rush tickets. Quote Coupon number #1088 when reserving your tickets at the Port Theatre Ticket Centre, 250.754.8550.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Chordial Notes April 2010

Happy Easter!

OFFICE CLOSED FOR EASTER
We are closed for Easter on Good Friday and will re-open on Tuesday April 6. Please check with your instructors regarding lessons on Friday and Monday.

SHOWCASE 2010
Get ready! Our third annual showcase concert is happening on May 2, 2010 at the Port Theatre. This year we will focus on the talents of our amazing students, and there will be plenty! Over 100 Conservatory students will participate in this year’s event. There will be string orchestras, choirs, flute ensembles, soloists, musical theatre, fiddlers, harps, Suzuki groups and a whole lot more! Plan to join us in this spring extravaganza of incredible talent. Participating students will receive an information package in the next couple of weeks along with a voucher for one free ticket. Parents, siblings, grandparents and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend! Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students and available at the Port Theatre box office.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed to assist with the Showcase Concert in the following areas:
¨ Finding great Silent Auction Items
¨ Helping out Backstage
¨ Finding advertisers for the back page of the program

KINDERMUSIK VILLAGE
Last class of the year!
The next Village (Birth to 18 months) unit begins Monday, May 3rd at 11:15am. Here is a description: DewDrops -- Stop and smell the roses — and lily of the valley, and tulips, and pansies. In this class, parents and babies will play and move together to songs about flowers, such as “Jasmine Flower,” “How Does Your Garden Grow?,” and “White Coral Bells.” You’ll also hear traditional Irish music, dance a jig and move to the “Irish Trot.” Home Materials: CD of beautifully arranged songs from class, a board book of colourful flowers—DewDrops, a set of Art Banners for the nursery wall, and a Flower Bells instrument for music-making at home.

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars.
May 2 (2 PM) Showcase 2010
May 20 Suzuki Piano Recital
May 25 Suzuki Violin Recital
June 5 Spring Recital
June 10 Year-end Adult Recital




BILLETING THE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA
August 4 & 5, 2010
This is a fantastic opportunity to have a young musician stay with your family and therefore bring even more music, and maybe even some tips on playing, into your home! Host families are responsible for transportation to and from the ferry and theatre as well as meals when the billet is at the home. In addition, host families will receive one free ticket to the concert. Our billeting coordinators are Leslie Mathews and Donna Laing.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
¨ Brittany Hannah, voice student of Christine McMahon, received four first place awards in the 18-and-under division at the Upper Island Music Festival. Brittany was selected as local representative (Classical Voice) to the Provincial Competitions to be held May 23 - 26 in Duncan this year. Fellow singers, Elizabeth Herman and Kirsten Blondal, delivered commendable performances as non-competitive participants in the Adult Open & the Novice 19-and-over classes.
¨ Violin teacher Art Petrie had ten students participate in the strings section of the Music Festival: Chelsea Letourneau, Emma Carr, Jasmine Mather, Carly Grabher, Jamie Cullon, Alex Retzer, Elise Cullon, Dakota Farenholtz, Nicolas Gunn, Madeleine Whiting. All competed in at least two classes and everyone received a first place! Thanks to Pippa Williams for accompanying all of them. In addition, Carly Grabher and Nicholas Gunn have been chosen to play at the Honours Concert April 17th at 2:00PM.
¨ Students of Patrick Olmsted achieved significant recognition at the Music Festival: David Macleod - Gold; Alex Kolodinski - 2 Gold; Maxime Therrien – Gold; Sam Firouzli - Gold and Silver; Cameron Craig – 2 Gold; Nicolas Hatfield – 3 Gold; Connor Reid – 2 Silver; Martin Haaf - 3 Gold. Martin has also been invited to the Provincials and will be performing at the honours concert! Jackson Phillips, in his Festival debut, was awarded two marks in the 80's and received a bronze. Congratulations to all for their fine performances and thanks for all the hard work of the Festival volunteers!
¨ Two of Cindy Speelman’s flute students, Andrea Stachow and Ryley Hounsome were complimented by the adjudicator at the Music Festival for doing very well considering their age and the short time they have been studying! Andrea received marks of 85 and 88; and Ryley received marks of 82 and 84. Congratulations on a great performance and way to go!

NCM FACULTY NEWS
¨ Hannah Wilson and Karl Rainer are thrilled to announce the birth of Daniel and Jeremy, born late March 7th and early March 8th , respectively. Along with older brother Benjamin, we now have enough players in the family for a string quintet! Everyone is in good health, and Hannah looks forward to resuming teaching cello soon, and to accepting new cello students in the fall.

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
¨ For Sale: 4/4 cello in excellent condition; 9 years old, from the studio of William Fan, made in China. Comes with student bow and soft, black case, $3000. Contact Bruce Farquharson at 250-729-8910

ANNOUNCEMENTS
¨ Island Bel Canto Singers present
What A Wonderful World!
In tune with the Olympic theme of 2010, the choir presents a concert of wonderful music from around the world. The concert will be performed twice, on Saturday, May 1 at 2:30pm in St. Paul’s Anglican Church,100 Chapel St and on Sunday, May 2 at 7:30pm in the Nanaimo Ecumenical Centre, 6234 Spartan Rd. Proceeds of the Saturday concert will be shared with The Haven Society. Our guest artist is the brilliant young pianist Saehae Bae, well-known to the Conservatory as the former accompanist for the Nanaimo Youth Choir. And a Conservatory student, Kelly Mathews, will be featured playing flute obligato in one of the pieces. Tickets ($15 adults, $10 children 12 and under) are available online at islandbelcanto.com, from Anne Tanod (Studio 8 or 722-0232) or at the door.

THREE WAYS TO SUPPORT THE CONSERVATORY
1. Put an ad for your business in our Showcase Program – deadline April 23
2. Donate an item or service to the Silent Auction – tax receipt provided
3. Sell raffle tickets – prize for the most tickets sold!
Thank you for considering supporting our school!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Fiddle Camp Showcase Concert Heats up Lake Cowichan

After a fair bit of snow, the town of Lake Cowichan was warmed by the toe tapping sounds of the Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp Faculty. On stage were Trish Clair-Peck, Alex Lamoureux, Patti Lamoureux, Miriam Sonstenes, Gordon Stobbe, Zav RT and Geoff Horrocks. Thank you to all of our instructors, participants and volunteers for making another great camp! And special thanks to the Cowichan Lake Education Centre for making great food and a comfortable place to stay and play!

Janina Fialkowska a Smashing Success

We are very pleased to report that the concert at the Port Theatre and the Master Class at the Conservatory were both well attended and well received. Many thanks to Janina for bringing her wonderful talent to Nanaimo!

Friday, March 5, 2010

ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CONCERT & MASTER CLASS
JANINA FIALKOWSKA – SOLO PIANO RECITAL
CONCERT: SUNDAY MARCH 14, 2010 @ 7:30PM
MASTER CLASS: MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2010 @ 10:00 AM

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS “FREDERIC CHOPIN AND ROBERT SCHUMANN TURN 200!”
Music lovers wanting an intimate evening of superb piano artistry should waste no time getting their seats at the Port Theatre. Canadian pianist Janina Fialkowska has included Nanaimo in her cross Canada tour and will be at the Port Theatre for a 7:30 performance on Sunday March 14 as a part of her year-long international celebration of the 200 birthdays of both Frederic Chopin and Robert Schumann. Famous for her interpretations of Chopin, Mozart and Liszt, Ms. Fialkowska was chosen in 1990 to perform the world premiere of the recently discovered 3rd piano concerto of Liszt with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She is a regular guest soloist with most of the world’s prestigious orchestras and has made numerous recordings. Her latest CD, “Chopin Recital”, instantly received rave reviews from leading critics around the world. Norman Lebrecht, one of the classical music world’s most influential commentators calls her performance and interpretation “The Real Thing – high class Chopin playing, deeply felt and demonstrably authentic.” “A born Chopin interpreter!” (Arthur Rubinstein), Ms Fialkowska is the perfect choice for a concert tour honouring this composer’s brilliance.

Both Chopin and Schumann were born in 1810. Chopin, while a poet of the piano and an inspired composer, was also a patriotic Pole, a man terrified by large audiences and often racked by illness. Schumann – a composer, critic and intellectual – lived a turbulent yet at times brilliantly creative life. Schumann was a great admirer of Chopin and is remembered for his famous exclamation: ‘Hats off, gentlemen, a genius’. Ms. Fialkowska’s program at the Port Theatre includes works by both these great composers: Chopin’s Polonaise in C# minor, Op.26/1; Grand Valse Brilliante in A flat major Op. 34/1 and Waltz in C# minor Op. 64/2; Preludes in F# minor, Op. 28/8 and A flat major, Op. 28/17; Nocturne in B major, Op 62/1 and the 2nd Scherzo in B flat minor. By Schumann: Humoresque and Carnival of Vienna. As an added treat she will perform Mozart’s Fantasy in C minor, K 475 and for all the young pianists in the audience, variations on “Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman”, K 265 – otherwise known as Twinkle Twinkle Little Star! Ms. Fialkowska will share her thoughts about these great composers with the audience throughout the evening.

This concert is the Conservatory’s Annual Gala Fundraising Concert. Come and celebrate these birthdays with one of Canada’s most respected and best-loved pianists and help to provide ongoing high-quality music education in our community.

Ms. Fialkowska will give a master class to a group of advanced students at the Conservatory on Monday, March 15 at 10 a.m. The public is welcome to come and observe and meet the pianist. Tickets are $10. Please call the Conservatory office at 250-754-4611. Tickets to the Concert are $30 for adults and $20 for students available through the Port Theatre box office at 250-754-8550. Ms. Fialkowska has an excellent website at www.janinafialkowska.com.

FIDDLE CAMP INSTRUCTOR’S CONCERT
On Saturday March 13, 2010 join us for a night of fantastic fiddling! The concert will be held at Centennial Hall, 309 South Shore in the town of Lake Cowichan. Tickets $20/$10.

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars.
March 12 Fiddle Camp starts
March 13 Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp Instructor’s
Showcase Concert
March 14 Janina Fialkowska in Concert
March 15 Janina Fialkowska Master class
May 2 (2 PM) Showcase 2010
May 20 Suzuki Piano Recital
May 25 Suzuki Violin Recital
June 5 Spring Recital
June 10 Year-end Adult Recital

BILLETING THE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA
August 4 & 5, 2010
This is a fantastic opportunity to have a young musician stay with your family and therefore bring even more music, and maybe even some tips on playing, into your home! Host families are responsible for transportation to and from the ferry and theatre as well as meals when the billet is at the home. In addition, host families will receive one free ticket to the concert. Our billeting coordinators are Leslie Mathews and Donna Laing.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
¨On Saturday, February 27 the Suzuki piano students of Nicole Arendt, Mabel Petrie, and Anne Tanod were treated to a percussion workshop taught by Nicole. All students had an opportunity to hear performances on a variety of percussion instruments. Students, siblings, teachers, and parents joined in the fun playing in a hand drumming ensemble, and marimba ensemble. Participants were also treated to a mini-concert of a piano/strings ensemble playing a "Sonatina Jamboree" with Justin Hu and Thomas Grabher on piano and Trish Clair-Peck, Karl Rainer, Art Petrie and 3 of Art's students Haley Davies, Jasmine Mather and Clif Clemotte playing strings. We may be hearing more of this ensemble in the future. It was a fantastic experience for our Suzuki Piano students and their families. Thank you to all the teachers and especially to Nicole for sharing both her instruments and her expertise with us.
¨From Leslie Mathews, parent and Board Member: “I just returned from the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival . It was great! Niko Lunny won as best jazz pianist (he also took that honour at the recent Surrey Jazz Festival). Bill Costin should be proud! The grade 11 Jazz Band from Wellington Secondary also won their category and got to perform on the big stage for the winner's gala. Conservatory students Brittany Hathaway on piano, and Kelly Mathews on trumpet, played in this Band. Generally all the Nanaimo students did very well and Artistic Director John Clayton commented there must be something in the water in Nanaimo.”
¨Maia Etheridge-Pedden placed 1st (mark 89) and 2nd (mark 87) in piano in the Upper Island Music Festival.
¨Thomas Grabher competed in the Upper Island Music Festival in the Grade 3 Classical Composers class, and placed first in the class with a mark of 89. Congratulations to Thomas and his family too!
¨Katy Bowen-Roberts, has two students performing in the 'Random Acts Series' at the Port Theatre this month. Kristen Wald "K-Law" (voice & piano) will open the 7:30pm show on Thursday, March 11th with a 20 minute set of her own tunes as well as some covers. She will then be followed by Crimson Coast Dance's Holly Bright who is performing three dances, two of which will be incorporating the voice.

NCM FACULTY NEWS
¨Meijuan Li in Concert (Pipa Recital) - Date: Saturday March 27, 2010. Time: 2:00 p.m. Place: Nanaimo Conservatory of Music at 375 Selby Street, Nanaimo. One of Meijuan's students, Shu-xin Jiang will be playing one piece for about 3 minutes. Admission $10 per person. For more information, please phone 250-753-5876 (Cecilia Chong) or 250-754-6687 (Meijuan Li)

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
¨For Sale: 4/4 cello in excellent condition; 9 years old, from the studio of William Fan, made in China. Comes with student bow and soft, black case, $3000. Contact Bruce Farquharson at 250-729-8910

ANNOUNCEMENTS
¨ACCOMPANIST available for exams and festivals, Parksville studio. Call Margaret Nelson 250 954 5895 nelsonma@telus.net (2)
¨The Island Consort chamber choir performs May 7th at the Port Theatre in a program entitled " Voices in Motion, Bodies that Sing.” This is a collaboration with the Vancouver-based professional dance ensemble, "Dancers Dancing", who will dance to the music of this a cappella onstage choir, directed by Bruce Farquharson. This fascinating program features a Poulenc Mass, a Bach motet, a zany German speech choir work by Bergman and a contemporary Estonian pastoral work featuring soprano, Skye Donald.
¨The Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra presents
18th Century Musical Genius
Wise, witty, soul-stirring classics served fresh and a-live!
Music Director: Karl Rainer; Soloist: Toby Macklin, Oboe; Guest Artist: Rie Okamura, Piano
Friday, March 26, 7:30 p.m. Brechin United Church, Nanaimo
Saturday, March 27, 2 p.m. Community Hall, Gabriola Island
Tickets: $20, $10 Students, Under 12 Free; Nanaimo Tickets: The Port Theatre Ticket Centre 250-754-8550 www.porttheatre.com; Gabriola Tickets: Village Liquor Store
The Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra presents “18th Century Musical Genius” – wise, witty, soul-stirring classics served up fresh and a-live on Friday, March 26 at Brechin United Church. And if that feast of music just isn’t filling enough, there’s a second serving on Saturday, March 27, at 2 p.m., just a short ferry ride away at the Gabriola Island Community Hall. The program includes: Tomaso Albinoni’s Concerto a Cinque for Oboe and Strings – played soulfully by Gabriola Islander Toby Macklin; Symphony No. 77 by Joseph Haydn; Water Music by George Frideric Handel; and Piano Concerto No. 27 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart being performed by Nanaimo’s Rie Okamura.

THANK YOU!
¨Pat Wells for looking after our garden! It looks so lovely. We really appreciate it.
¨Chris Spidel from Central Island Lawn and Garden for filling all the potholes in our driveway at the back!
¨Annette Bowen-Roberts, Donna Laing, Michael Stebbings, Bonnie Stebbings and Carolyn Ricker for all your work on the Solo Piano Concert!

Friday, February 19, 2010

Happy Valentine’s Day!

VANCOUVER ISLAND FIDDLE CAMP
Registration is open and ongoing, but spots are limited. Please visit http://web.me.com/nanaimofiddlers for all the information you need to sign up. Fiddlers and classical violin students of all ages are welcome and encouraged to come! Camp instructors for this year include: Gordon Stobbe (Seaforth NS); Patti Lamoureux (Courtenay BC); Geoff Horrocks (Ottawa ON); Miriam Sonstenes (Victoria BC); Zav RT (Salt Spring Island BC); Trish Clair-Peck (Nanaimo BC).

SOLO PIANO RECITAL – JANINA FIALKOWSKA
SPECIAL PRICE FOR CONSERVATORY STUDENTS!
Celebrate Chopin’s birthday with us! On March 14 the Conservatory is proud to present Janina Fialkowska for one night only on her North American Tour.

Beloved the world over for her exquisite pianism, Janina Fialkowska has enchanted audiences for over thirty years with her glorious lyrical sound, her sterling musicianship and her profound sense of musical integrity. Blending her vast experience with her refreshingly natural approach "Fialkowska has become an artist of rare distinction as well as retaining all the virtuosity of her youth" (La Presse, Montreal, February 13, 2009)

This is one of the Conservatory’s annual fundraising concerts so we hope you will make every effort to attend. Tickets are now on sale at the Port Theatre Box Office. Conservatory students are entitled to special pricing as well. All Conservatory students may purchase two tickets for $20 (rather than the regular price of $30 for adults and $20 for students). Please see the office for your voucher.

KINDERMUSIK FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS
We hope you'll join us for our spring session of Kindermusik classes. Call the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music at 250-754-4611 to register today. You are welcome to start a class even after the first day. So don’t hesitate, this program is not only fun but proven to be beneficial for early childhood development!

¨ Village (birth – 18 months)
Monday 11:15am-12pm or Thursday 11:15-12pm; 8 classes, $120 incl. materials
Cock-a-doodle-Moo! -- Hop on the hayride—it’s time to head for the farm! In this class, you will sing songs about the farm, including “Old MacDonald,” “Hayride,” and “Clever Cows.” You’ll engage in rituals and playful activities with your baby, including infant massage, lap bounces, exercise, and quiet time. Home Materials: A picture board book with charming farm animals and the sounds they make—Cock-a-doodle-Moo, a CD of the songs heard in class, a Sunshine Jingle instrument for music-making at home, and a set of Art Banners for the nursery wall.

¨ Our Time (18 months – 3 years)
Thursday 10:15-11am; 15 classes, $210 incl. materials
Away We Go! - Hop on the train, get in the car, board the plane, and Away We Go! This class focuses on transportation, a favourite topic for toddlers who are on the go, go, go! Sing and play along with favorite songs, such as “I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad” and “Wheels on the Bus”. Explore fast and slow, smooth and bumpy, and high and low. Read stories about ways to get around. Shiny Dinah tells the story of a train, and Giddy-Up! has a horse, speedboat, racecar, and more to help you get where you want to go. This At Home materials set includes two Music and Movement Books, a Home Activity Book, two Home CDs, Child's Train Carry Box, and two Harmonicas - one for Baby and one for parent.

¨ Imagine That! (3 – 5 years)
Monday 10:15-11am; 15 classes, $210 incl. materials
Toys I Make, Trips I Take – Think of it like taking a course inside a child’s imagination. We’ll use the theme of a toy shop to make our pretend-creations, using rhythm and songs with every imaginary saw, hammer, and nail. The result is building the preschooler’s sense of a sequence of events, which is good for storytelling, as well as making his ideas a reality. Home Materials: Two books—If I Had a Big Blue Boat and Tippity Tippity Too, Toys I Make, Trips I Take Play Set, Two Home CDs, Family Activity Book, and a drum.
DO YOU HAVE A BUSINESS YOU WOULD LIKE TO PROMOTE?
The Conservatory has several opportunities for advertising! This newsletter is one of them. One insertion is $50, three or more are $40 each. You can also advertise in our upcoming program for the Janina Fialkowska Concert. A full page is $250, ½ page $150, ¼ page $100 and business card $75. This is a great opportunity to promote your business and support the Conservatory at the same time. For more information call Ellen at 250 754 4611.

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars, new dates have been added…
February 27 Suzuki Piano Workshop
March 12 Fiddle Camp starts
March 13 Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp Instructor’s
Showcase Concert
March 14 Janina Fialkowska in Concert
March 15 Janina Fialkowska Masterclass
May 2 (2 PM) Showcase 2010
May 20 Suzuki Piano Recital
May 25 Suzuki Violin Recital
June 5 Spring Recital
June 10 Year-end Adult Recital

BILLETING THE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA – August 4 & 5, 2010
It’s official, the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music and the Port Theatre are co-presenting the National Youth Orchestra on Thursday August 5, 2010. BUT in order to make this happen we need billeting families to host an orchestra member! This is a fantastic opportunity to have a young musician stay with your family and therefore bring even more music, and maybe even some tips on playing, into your home! Host families are responsible for transportation to and from the ferry and theatre as well as meals when the billet is at the home. In addition to the benefit of student exchange, host families will receive one free ticket to the concert. Please call the office to register your name and how many billets you will be able to take. There are 90 National Youth Orchestra Members so we will need a number of host families to accommodate them! Our billeting coordinators are Leslie Mathews and Donna Laing.

VOLUNTEERS
¨ Handy? We need a carpenter/renovator to help us make a dead space into a storage space. This will require putting in door and frame as well as deconstructing a small set of wooden stairs. All materials will be paid for by the Conservatory. If you have the time and skills and can help, please contact Kathleen at the office 250 754 4611.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
¨ We are pleased to report that more than 30 students participated in the Winter Recital held at the VIU Choral Room on January 30. All of the students played very well under stressful conditions. We thank all of the students who participated and their families and friends for coming out to the event. Congratulations to all!
¨ A student of Meijuan Lei, pipa instructor, Angela Wei will play at the Lunar New Year Celebration on Thursday, February 11, 2010 1:30 PM at the Bowen Complex Auditorium.
¨ From Teresa Borek: piano students Teddy Menzies, Andrea Stachow, Laura Stachow and Shelly Zhang - performed in the Winter Recital on January 30. Another piano student Carolina Mahecha completed her Grade 2 Royal Conservatory of Music exam in January receiving First Class Honours. Congratulations Carolina!
¨ Fiddle student, Serena Jack, is playing at a concert that she has organized to support the victims of the Haiti earthquake. The event is called WE CARE Haiti Fundraiser Concert and is being held at Knox United Church in Parksville on Valentine’s Day…a great way to show some love! Doors 6:00, Concert 6:30 PM. A few tickets are available at the Conservatory for $10 each.

NCM FACULTY NEWS
¨ Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra: A Clarinet, some Heartstrings, and the Big Bad Brass!
¨ Guest Artist: Susanne Bullock, Clarinet – Susanne Bullock, VIS Principal Clarinettist, begins this brilliant concert with the expansive Clarinet Concerto by Aaron Copland and Prairie Dawn by Canadian composer Stephen Chatman. Serenade for Strings, Op. 22 by Antonin Dvorak is an absolute masterwork, infused with classy romanticism, the embodiment of romance and very familiar. The VI Symphony Brass section is featured performing Ceremonial Fanfare by Aaron Copland, Fanfare for the Common Cold by Peter Schickele, Fanfare “La Péri” by Paul Dukas, Signals from Heaven II (Night Signal) by Toru Takemitsu and Concert Music for Strings and Brass by Paul Hindemith.
¨ Music at Midday presents "Celebrating Schumann (1810-1856)" Wednesday February 10, 2010 @ 12:15 - 12:45 pm with organist Peter Orme and guest artist Elizabeth Wilson (contralto) at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 29 Church Street. Free admission.

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
¨ Cello for sale: William Fan 4/4 chinese cello has been played for 9 years. Excellent condition, satin finish over red-toned stain. Comes with bow and soft case. Price: $3000. Contact Bruce Farquharson 250 729 8190.
¨ For sale: Gliga Gems 1 1/8th violin. $300. Call Graeme 250 756 0249.
¨ Art Petrie has students who have gone to the next size violins and have Gliga Gem 1 violins for sale ¼ and 1/8. If you are interested contact Art and he will give the name and number to contact.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
¨ ACCOMPANIST available for exams and festivals, Parksville studio. Call Margaret Nelson 250 954 5895 nelsonma@telus.net
MANY THANKS TO ISLAND RADIO FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Janina Fialkowska Concert coming soon

Press Release

Event: Piano Recital
Performer: Janina Fialkowska – pianist
Venue: Port Theatre
Date and Time: Sunday March 14, 7:30 pm
Price: adults $30 students $20
Contact: Nanaimo Conservatory of Music 250-754-4611

The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music is thrilled to bring back on of Canada’s best loved pianists Janina Fialkowska for a special celebration of the 200th anniversary of both Chopin and Schumann. The exceptional artistry and the brilliant virtuosity of Ms. Fialkowska have won her enthusiastic accolades from audiences and critics worldwide. As one of the world’s foremost interpreters of the music of Chopin she is an obvious choice for the celebrations – that she applies her brilliant virtuosity to Schumann also is an added bonus. Trained in Quebec, Paris and at Julliard, she won top prize at the first Arthur Rubenstein Piano Master Competition and has gone on to have a busy life performing and recording. Nanaimo is fortunate to have this artist perform as part of an international tour. Tickets are now on sale at the Port Theatre either by phone 250-754-8550 or online at $30 for adults and $20 for students. There will be a master class at the Conservatory on Monday, March 15th at 10 a.m. This is open to the public for a fee of $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets for the master class can be purchased at the Conservatory 250-754-4611. Further information about this artist can be found at www.ncmusic.com or at her website.

Monday, January 11, 2010

CHORDIAL NOTES - JANUARY 2010

Happy New Year!

WINTER RECITAL – JANUARY 30, 2010
Make sure you sign up to play at the Conservatory’s Winter Recital held on January 30, 2010. Faculty members can sign up students who are interested and ready to “show their stuff!” This year we will have three time slots: 2PM, 5PM and an adults only recital at 7PM.

VANCOUVER ISLAND FIDDLE CAMP – EARLY BIRD DEADLINE FEBRUARY 1

Registration is open and ongoing, but spots are limited! Please visit http://web.me.com/nanaimofiddlers for all the information you need to sign up! Camp instructors for this year include: Gordon Stobbe (Seaforth NS); Patti Lamoureux (Courtenay BC); Geoff Horrocks (Ottawa ON); Mark Sullivan (Vancouver BC); Miriam Sonstenes (Victoria BC); Zav RT (Salt Spring Island BC); Trish Clair-Peck (Nanaimo BC).

SOLO PIANO RECITAL – JANINA FIALKOWSKA
SPECIAL PRICE FOR CONSERVATORY STUDENTS!

Celebrate Chopin’s birthday with us! On March 14 the Conservatory is proud to present Janina Fialkowska for one night only on her North American Tour. This is one of the Conservatory’s annual fundraising concerts so we hope you will make every effort to attend. Tickets are now on sale at the Port Theatre Box Office. Conservatory students are entitled to special pricing as well. All Conservatory students may purchase two tickets for $20 (rather than the regular price of $30 for adults and $20 for students). Please see the office for your voucher.

THANK YOU OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS AND WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Last month we thanked our outgoing Board Members and welcomed our new ones, but we missed one important member. Bruce Farquharson was on the Conservatory Board for a number of years and served as Treasurer for part of that time. Many thanks to Bruce for his support of the Conservatory over the years!

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars, new dates have been added…
January 30 Winter Recital
February 27 Suzuki Piano Workshop
March 12 Fiddle Camp starts
March 13 Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp Instructor’s
Showcase Concert
March 14 Janina Fialkowska in Concert
March 15 Janina Fialkowska Masterclass
May 2 (2 PM) Showcase 2010
May 20 Suzuki Piano Recital
June 5 Spring Recital

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
¨ Billeting Coordinator for the National Youth Orchestra – please note that we need to establish this position as soon as possible as our ability to host this event depends on having a billeting coordinator. The Orchestra is coming to BC in the first week of August and is offering us the opportunity to host their only Vancouver Island performance! The volunteer we need will coordinate the billet homes for approximately 50 young musicians from the Orchestra. Please let us know soon if this interests you.

STILL TAKING REGISTRATIONS FOR
Musical Theatre class presents Willy Wonka Junior!
With Katy Bowen-Roberts
Jan 5 - Jun 15 - 2 hr class
Tuesdays 2-4pm (homeschooled students)
3 - 5pm (all other students)
$345 per student
Price includes 23 classes, 1 Final performance at the Nanaimo Entertainment Centre for parents (rental of theatre), Basic costumes, Basic set production, Theatre production techniques, dialogue coaching, Musical Theatre and Voice technique, movement and choreography.
LOST
Jupiter Flute with curved and straight head joint. Any info please contact Karen 250 754-8269

KINDERMUSIK FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS
We hope you'll join us for our spring session of Kindermusik classes beginning the second week of February, 2010: February 8 for Monday classes and February 11 for Thursday classes. Call the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music at 250-754-4611 to register today. Early registration helps us plan our classes and ensures your home materials will be shipped in time for you to enjoy at your first class.

¨ Village (birth – 18 months)
Monday 11:15am-12pm or Thursday 11:15-12pm; 8 classes, $120 incl. materials
Cock-a-doodle-Moo! -- Hop on the hayride—it’s time to head for the farm! In this class, you will sing songs about the farm, including “Old MacDonald,” “Hayride,” and “Clever Cows.” You’ll engage in rituals and playful activities with your baby, including infant massage, lap bounces, exercise, and quiet time.
Home Materials: A picture board book with charming farm animals and the sounds they make—Cock-a-doodle-Moo, a CD of the songs heard in class, a Sunshine Jingle instrument for music-making at home, and a set of Art Banners for the nursery wall.

¨ Our Time (18 months – 3 years)
Thursday 10:15-11am; 15 classes, $210 incl. materials
Away We Go! - Hop on the train, get in the car, board the plane, and Away We Go! This class focuses on transportation, a favourite topic for toddlers who are on the go, go, go! Sing and play along with favorite songs, such as “I’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad” and “Wheels on the Bus”. Explore fast and slow, smooth and bumpy, and high and low. Read stories about ways to get around. Shiny Dinah tells the story of a train, and Giddy-Up! has a horse, speedboat, racecar, and more to help you get where you want to go. This At Home materials set includes two Music and Movement Books, a Home Activity Book, two Home CDs, Child's Train Carry Box, and two Harmonicas - one for Baby and one for parent.

¨ Imagine That! (3 – 5 years)
Monday 10:15-11am; 15 classes, $210 incl. materials
Toys I Make, Trips I Take – Think of it like taking a course inside a child’s imagination. We’ll use the theme of a toy shop to make our pretend-creations, using rhythm and songs with every imaginary saw, hammer, and nail. The result is building the preschooler’s sense of a sequence of events, which is good for storytelling, as well as making his ideas a reality. Home Materials: Two books—If I Had a Big Blue Boat and Tippity Tippity Too, Toys I Make, Trips I Take Play Set, Two Home CDs, Family Activity Book, and a drum.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

¨ Padraig Hildebrand, guitar student of Patrick Olmsted, performed in Vancouver with renowned New York bassist Christian Fabian and members of the VSO in December. Congratulations Padraig!

NCM FACULTY NEWS

¨ MUSIC AT MIDDAY – FREE ADMISSION!
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 29 Church Street, Nanaimo
12.15 p.m. – 12.45 p.m. Admission free
Organist: Peter Orme (Director of Music, St. Paul’s Church)
13th January – Early Dutch Masters
10th February – Celebrating Schumann (1810-1856) with guest artist Elizabeth Wilson (contralto)
10th March – Music by François Couperin (1668-1733) with guest artists Ruth Bard, Rasma Bertz (sopranos)
Wednesday, 14th April – Organ music for Easter

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
¨ Nordheimer by Heintzman Piano for sale. $1200 OBO call (250) 758-3940 to make an appointment to view it!
¨ For sale -professional flute, solid silver, B foot $800. Call (250) 755-1898.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

¨ The Brent & Woofy Radio Show seeks young singers and musicians to appear on the radio show airing on January 24th 2010. Please contact Brent at 250-753-6657 or bwrs@shaw.ca for your child to audition. For more info visit our website at bbshows.ca/radioshow.

¨ Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra News
The Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra brings the crème de la crème of musical masterpieces to town this March. Handel, Haydn, Mozart -- soul-stirring classics served fresh and live! What better way to inspire a young student? The concerts are Friday, March 26th in Brechin Untied Church at 7:30 PM and Saturday, March 27th at the Community Hall on Gabriola Island, 2:00 PM. Tickets are available at the Port Theatre Ticket Office or at the door. And don't forget the Ticket Draw in the Conservatory lobby. For even if you are under 12 years, and therefore admitted free, the ticket you win will admit a parent.

¨ Island Bel Canto Singers Accepting New Members
Island Bel Canto Singers, one of Nanaimo’s most respected all-women’s community choir, is now accepting new members. Rehearsals are held Tuesdays at 7pm, starting January 12. If you love to sing and have fun, call Penny at 250-244-3591. Basic sight-reading skills are an asset. All ages welcome.


MANY THANKS TO ISLAND RADIO FOR THEIR ONGOING SUPPORT!