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

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

CHORDIAL NOTES December 2011

Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. ~ Confucius

SEASON’S GREETINGS!
December is a time for so many, many wonderful musical opportunities, and we hope that you will be able to partake in many of them. This newsletter is filled with all kinds of concerts and events to help warm the cold days of winter and make our season bright! The Conservatory office will be closed from December 19 – 30, and will re-open January 2. Please check with your instructor for lesson times during this time. Many instructors continue to teach when the office is closed.

CALLING ALL FIDDLERS, CALLERS & DANCERS
It’s not too late to come an join in the fun on Saturday December 3, 2011 with David Kaynor. David Kaynor’s infectious fiddling and generous teaching are renowned across North America. Having learned and taught New England fiddling and dancing in the heart of New England his whole life, David is a recognized master of this form. Of his teaching, David says “I'm persistently watchful for ways to create the conditions of opportunity for transformative growth through music and dancing.”Fiddle workshop 10:30am -12:30pm | Caller’s workshop 1:30 --3:30pm (fiddlers are welcome to stay and play) | Dance workshop 3:30-5:30pm (fiddlers and callers welcome to stay and play and call for the dancers) | Concert 7:30 with Contra Dance after the break. First workshop: $20 | Additional workshops plus concert & dance: $10 | Evening only for the concert & dance $15
Sounds like tons of fun!! No dance experience necessary!


WHY NOT GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Need a great gift idea? How about music lessons!! The Conservatory has gift certificates available in any denomination you might wish to choose, for the beginning student or one who has already been taking lessons. We provide a gift certificate and gift card when you purchase a gift of music lessons. Generally $100 will buy approximately a month of lessons in most instruments, or two to four months of group lessons like choir or orchestra!

Perhaps you have someone that is hard to buy for, the person who has everything? We have a solution for that too! The NCM is a charitable organization and a number of people in the past have made a donation in the name of their friend or relative who has everything!! A donation to the Conservatory in the name of your loved one is a “gift-gift” and a great way to celebrate the season! Again we provide a gift card as well as a tax receipt for the full amount of your donation.

ANNOUNCEMENTS and EVENTS (there’s a lot this time!!)
· Semester end Suzuki Flute/ Flute and Recorder Recital featuring the students of Cindy Speelman - Saturday Dec. 3 at 12 Noon in the Ensemble Room
· Hello Friends! Christine McMahon’s students are presenting a Christmas Benefit Concert for the Loaves & Fishes Food Bank on Sunday, Dec. 4. at 2 pm at St. Philip's by-the-Sea in Lantzville. We have a wonderful variety of Christmas solos, duets, and carols featuring nine singers from Voice Alive Music Studio, including Elizabeth Herman, Simon Tozer, Anastasia Glerup, Brittany Hannah, Rhyan Cavan, Janice Byerley, Sandy Bartlett, Andrea Georgiev and Christine McMahon. Donna Falconer is our accompanist, and Susanne Bullock will be our special guest on clarinet & flute.
· Community Carol Festival - Wednesday, December 7, 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St. Catch the Christmas spirit as eight of Nanaimo’s finest community choirs entertain and inspire with the sounds of the season at the annual Community Carol Festival. Listen to beautiful music and join the choirs in singing favourite carols. Following the festival, join the choirs at a reception in the church hall. Admission by donation. This year’s participating choirs are: A Cappella Plus under the direction of Rosemary Lindsay; Camerata Singers under the direction of Marian Smith; Harbour City Singers under the direction of Lionel Tanod; Island Bel Canto Singers under the direction of Lionel Tanod; Nanaimo Youth Choir under the direction of Marian Smith; Panache! a self-directed vocal ensemble of 6 women, including the Conservatory’s own Executive Director, Kathleen Darby; Sinclair Singers under the direction of Sharon Sinclair. For more information, please call 250 591 8676.
· Winter Harp – Saturday December 10 @ 3:30 PM at the Port Theatre. This holiday tradition is a wonderful event and if you come early you can hear the harp ensembles of Marilyn Rummel who teaches harp for the Conservatory and in her private studio in Duncan. Harp students will be accompanied by their violin playing siblings as well!
· MUSIC AT MIDDAY - St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 29 Church Street, Nanaimo; Organist: Peter Orme (Director of Music, St. Paul’s Church) - Wednesday, 14th December “French Noëls” Music by d’Aquin, Balbastre, and Franck 12.15 p.m. – 12.45 p.m. Admission free – donations to St. Paul’s organ fund.
· CHRISTMASTIME - Celebrate the season in song with Camerata Singers and Nanaimo Youth Choir. Friday, Dec 16 at 7:00 P.M. St. Andrew's United Church. Fitzwilliam and Wesley in the Old City Quarter. Tickets $12 Available from choir members or at the door. For more information, contact: Marian Smith 250-741-6998, marian@nanaimoyouthchoir.ca
· Marjorie Cullerne has a number of events coming up in the next few weeks --6. Sat. Dec. 3rd: Vancouver Island Symphony's A Brassy Christmas www.vancouverislandsymphony.com Tickets at the Port Theatre (Nanaimo) Box Office; Saturday Dec. 10, 2:00 PM violinist in the choir's presentation of Gloria by Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi at St. Stephen's United Church, Qualicum. The choir conductor is soprano Skye Donald; Sunday Dec. 11th, Marjorie's violin student "Works-in-Progress Recital". Phone Marjorie at 250 248 9339 for details re time and place; Friday December 16th, 6:00 pm Marjorie's violin and guitar duo, www.starlightreverie.com entertains in the main house at Milner Gardens Christmas Magic www.milnergardens.org; Thursday Dec. 23rd, 3:00 pm Marjorie leads an ad hoc group of instrumentalists to accompany The Children's Messiah, held at St. Mary's Anglican Church, Powder Point Road, Nanoose Bay, with Dr. Sherilene Chykoski, conductor.

COMMUNITY EVENTS
· Trumpets and horns herald in the Christmas season of festivities - it’s Nanaimo’s traditional family Christmas with the VI Symphony. Pierre Simard conducts the VI Symphony, Brass Players of the VIS, Malaspina Choir, and audience (sing-along) in A Brassy Christmas on Saturday, December 3, 7:30 p.m. Port Theatre. Tx: 250-754-8550.
· SINGALONG MESSIAH with Malaspina Choir and the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra Sunday, December 18th at 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church* Come and ‘Singalong’ the stirring MESSIAH choruses and raise the roof! This is an opportunity to rehearse with our dynamic conductor, Wade Noble, as he puts the final touches on the choruses so we are all uplifted with the glorious music of Handel’s MESSIAH. Any questions please phone Rosalyn 250 585 6687 or visit our website, www.malaspinachoir.com
· The Strings Section of UIMF will take place on Friday, Saturday, Sunday March 9, 10, 11, 2012. The Adjudicator will be Dolores Vann, violinist.
· Nanaimo is hosting Provincials the last week in May too! Volunteers will be needed at registration and more. Please let the Strings Chairperson know at uimfstrings@hotmail.com if you are interested in helping out. Also, the chairperson's position of the strings section will be open after the 2011-12 year. Now would be a good time for someone who is interested to step in and learn while shadowing. This fun volunteer position requires basic computer skills, some phoning and record keeping.

REPORT ON THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
· The NCM Annual General Meeting was held on November 15 at 7:00PM. Two members of the Board resigned this year: Leslie Mathews, who had been the Secretary for a number of years and gave tirelessly of her time in so many ways, and Christine Farenholtz. Many, many thanks to both of these great people who served the organization over the past number of years. We wish you all the best for the future. The Board also welcomed a new member, Daryoush Firouzli, whose son, Sam studies guitar with Patrick Olmsted, joined the Board in October. A warm welcome to Daryoush, a local architect.

THANK YOU!
· To everyone who helped with the ¡Sacabuche! concert last month! The event was a huge success with over 180 tickets sold, and we are told that audiences in Victoria and Vancouver were not much bigger. The feedback we have been getting was that it was a world class concert and that Nanaimo was incredibly fortunate to have had such an event. The players of ¡Sacabuche! performed for us and all of the proceeds went to the Conservatory to support our charitable activities in our community. Thank you in particular to Linda Pearse, the group’s director; Donna Laing for her incredible commitment and hours of work; the Concert Committee for their support with all the little details; Kathy Grabher for sourcing funds to support the reception form Thrifty Foods; and Thrifty Foods for their support too; Christine Moore from Triple T Party Rentals for supplying glasses for the reception and for helping set it all up with Leslie Mathews; St. Paul’s Anglican Church for providing the venue; Cuyler Page for bringing his wonderful continuo organ up from Victoria for the Concert; Kimberly Plumley for proving publicity services; Tom Lee Music for sponsoring the Conservatory every year; all the board members who brought wonderful food for the musicians’ dinner and Peter Bowen, Youtube’s 5 Minute Gourmet for helping to make the dinner that much more special. We are completely blessed by all of the help and support for this concert which raised $2,500 for the Conservatory, a very valuable contribution in this, a challenging year financially! Hats off to everyone who helped out and also to everyone who attended this incredible event. We hope to have them back in the future!
· To Pat Wells who was seen again trimming in the garden over the past few weeks. If you notice that the garden always looks so lovely lately, it’s because Pat, a student of Cindy Speelman, has been tending the front garden with loving care for more than a year now!

NEW FEDERAL ARTS TAX CREDIT
A new federal arts tax credit of up to $500 is available for music lessons. Please let us know if you will be making use of this credit for your child’s music education. For more information please see: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2011/qa01-eng.html

CALENDAR

Please update your calendars, new dates have been added.
Dec 1 Adult Recital – Ensemble Room 7PM
Dec 3 Flute/Recorder Recital 12 Noon
Dec 3 Fiddle/Calling/Dance Workshops
with David Kaynor @ 10:30
Dec 7 NYC Community Carol Festival
Dec 16 NYC Christmas Concert
Dec 19 – 30 Winter Break (office closed)
Jan 7 Prelude Orchestra begins again
Jan 28 Winter Recital
Feb 24-26 VI Chamber Music Festival
May 6 Showcase Concert
June 2 NYC Year- end Concert
June 9 Spring Recital and Awards Ceremony
CHORDIAL NOTES November 2011

"It's easy to play any musical instrument all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself."
— J.S. Bach

REMEMBERING…
November 11 is our day to remember how wonderful it is to live in this great country and to give thanks to those who have given their lives for freedom and peace. The Conservatory office will be closed on Friday November 11, 2011. Please check with your instructor regarding your regularly scheduled classes that day.

¡SACABUCHE! IN CONCERT November 27 @ 2:00PM
LOCAL MUSICIAN COMES HOME
Trombonist Linda Pearse grew up in Yellowpoint and developed a love of the trombone while playing in the North Oyster Elementary school band. She is now the director of ¡Sacabuche! North America’s rising ensemble for 17th Century music. After performances of ‘The Glories of Venice’ in Vancouver and Victoria, Linda will bring this group of talented musicians and singers, based in Indiana, to Nanaimo for a special afternoon concert as a benefit for the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. She also wants to share her love of Vancouver Island with her fellow musicians! The concert takes place at 2pm, Sunday November 27th, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Nanaimo.
¡Sacabuche! Is a sackbut and cornetto ensemble that began as a collegiums group based at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music’s Early Music Institute. ¡Sacabuche! won the 2009 Early Music America Collegiums Musicum grant competition, resulting in a well-reviewed performance at the Boston Early Music Festival fringe festival. The next year, by invitation, ¡Sacabuche! was the opening night headline ensemble at the June 2010 Berkeley Early Music Festival and recently toured China including performances at China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts. They were voted No.1 Critic’s Choice for December by ‘Time Out Beijing’ and drew the largest audiences for the entire year for the Beijing 2010 concert series. In their program for this West Coast Tour, the rich sonorities of Venetian composers will come alive with virtuosic voices, period instruments: brass, strings and chamber organ. This is an event not to be missed.
Linda completed a master’s degree in Early Music Performance at the Schola Cantorum in Basel, Switzerland and worked in Europe for over ten years before returning to North America, where she earned her PhD at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music’s Early Music Institute. She is now a professor at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick.
Tickets are $20 and $17. For more information and tickets please call the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music office 250 754 4611. Contact person: Kathleen Darby, Executive Director.
NCM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – NOVEMBER 15, 2011
The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music Annual General Meeting which will take place at 7:30PM November 15, 2011 in the NCM Ensemble Room. Please consider attending this meeting as we go over the business of the past year and elect our new Board Members! RSVP to Kathleen 250 754 4611 or ncmusic@island.net.

FIDDLE WORKSHOP SERIES CONTINUES WITH DAVID KAYNOR – DECEMBER 3, 2011
The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music Workshop Series – We’re not just classical music folks
First time in Nanaimo! Join master fiddler, caller, and raconteur David Kaynor at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music on December 3rd for a memorable day of music and dance. David Kaynor’s infectious fiddling and generous teaching are renowned across North America. David‘s career began in New England with two significant events. The first was when he attended his first contra dance in Maine in Grade five. The second is when he got hold of an 1800s Fairbanks Vega banjo-mandolin a neighbour literally threw out a window while cleaning house. He has been making music ever since. Having learned and taught New England fiddling and dancing in the heart of New England his whole life, David is a recognized master of this form. David has taught, called, and played at many music and dance camps and festivals including Northern Week at Ashokan, Northeast Heritage Music Camp in Johnson, Vermont, the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, Washington, Folklife Festival in Seattle, Washington, and in several European countries. David is also skilled at Swedish fiddling, including the art of seconding, a style of rhythmic harmony accompaniment. Of his teaching, David says “I'm persistently watchful for ways to create the conditions of opportunity for transformative growth through music and dancing.”
Fiddle workshop 10:30am -12:30pm | Caller’s workshop 1:30 --3:30pm (fiddlers are welcome to stay and play) | Dance workshop 3:30-5:30pm (fiddlers and callers welcome to stay and play and call for the dancers) | Concert 7:30 with Contra Dance after the break.
First workshop: $20 | Additional workshops plus concert & dance: $10 | Evening only for the concert & dance $15
Sounds like tons of fun!! No dance experience necessary!


NEW FEDERAL ARTS TAX CREDIT
A new federal arts tax credit of up to $500 is available for music lessons. Please let us know if you will be making use of this credit for your child’s music education. For more information please see: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2011/qa01-eng.html


ANNOUNCEMENTS and EVENTS
· Suzuki Piano Workshop – At the end of October our Suzuki piano students along with Suzuki parents and teachers from all instruments had a wonderful opportunity to meet and study with Merlin Thompson, a Suzuki piano teacher trainer based in Alberta who actually spent three years in Japan working with Dr. Suzuki. He inspired us all with his demonstrations of intuitive learning and thinking/teaching/playing in so many different ways. There was an awful lot of laughing going on in the student mini-lessons and loads of enthusiasm for his "Minute to Win It" game. Many thanks to Kathy and Carly Grabher for organizing coffee/tea/juice for the parent session and to Cindy Speelman and Roni Wagner for so generously changing their schedules to accommodate the workshop
· Adult Semester End Recital featuring the students of Marilyn Rummel, Roni Wagner and Cindy Speelman will be held on Thursday Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. in the Ensemble Room
· Semester end Suzuki Flute/ Flute and Recorder Recital featuring the students of Cindy Speelman - Saturday Dec. 3 at 12 Noon in the Ensemble Room
· Suzuki Flute Book 1 Graduation Recital featuring Jocelyn Maguire and assisted by Justin Hu on piano on Sat. Nov.19 at 2:30 p.m. in the Ensemble Room
· Patrick Olmsted has recently launched his Web site www.gabriolaguitars.com. He would like to invite everyone to visit his new website please let him know what you think!
· Nanaimo Youth Concert Choir and Chapters/Starbucks are having a great fundraiser – YOU are invited! Fine music and good books are like a match made in heaven! Throw in a good cup of coffee while you shop…what more could you ask for? As a guest of the choir browse and make any purchases you’d like – Chapters will donate 10% of each guest’s purchase to the Nanaimo Youth Choir. Coffee by donation provided by Starbucks. Create a Christmas List of books this year, for all your friends, family and colleagues. Santa has given his stamp of approval! Monday November 21, 2011, 5 – 7pm, CHAPTERS/Starbucks (Woodgrove). To support the NYC fundraising campaign, the goal being to attend an International Youth Choir Festival in July 2012.
· Marjorie Cullerne has a number of events coming up in the next few weeks – Friday Nov. 11, 2:00 pm, Remembrance Day performance (solo violin) Stanford Place Care Campus, Parksville; Sat. November 12th, 2:00 pm, solo violin music during the resident's afternoon tea: Arrowsmith Lodge, 266 Moilliet Street, Parksville; Wed. Nov. 23rd, 1:30-2:30. strolling violinist at Cokely Manor's Christmas Bazaar - 266 Moilliet Street, Parksville.
· MUSIC AT MIDDAY - St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 29 Church Street, Nanaimo; Organist: Peter Orme (Director of Music, St. Paul’s Church) - Wednesday, 9th November - “The 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible (1611)” Music by Orlando Gibbons (1583-1625) with readings from the King James Bible 12.15 p.m. – 12.45 p.m.Admission free – donations to St. Paul’s organ fund.
· It’s spine-tingling music that rings with hope and glory as the Vancouver Island Symphony presents Last Night of the Proms at the Port Theatre on Saturday, November 19, at 7:30 p.m. Based on the final night of the Proms Concerts, the world’s largest and most democratic music festival, the VI Symphony presents a program of favourite light classics along with the traditional Land of Hope and Glory, Rule Britannia and Jerusalem. Conservatory faculty performing with the VI Symphony include: Calvin Dyck (guest artist and concertmaster), Nicole Arendt, Marjorie Cullerne, Karen Hough, James Mark and Pippa Williams. Tix: 250-754-8550.
· Lux Aeterna: Island Consort, November 26th /27th 2011 – Now in its 5th season, and with an ensemble of 19 voices under the direction of Bruce Farquharson, the choir presents “Lux Aeterna” (Eternal Light) with works by Byrd, Palestrina, Bach, Elgar, Holst, Gorecki, Whitacre and others. Juxtaposed with the Bach motet for double choir, “Komm Jesu, Komm” is guest artist, cellist Hannah Wilson, to play the Bach Cello Suite #1. November 26th, 7:30 pm at the Ladysmith Waterfront Art Gallery (tickets $15 at Salamander Books, or $17 at the door) and November 27th, 7:30 pm at Brechin United Church ($15 at the door). For information call 729-8910.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
· Congratulations to Marion Drage, flute student of Cindy Speelman who completed her Grade 2 RCM exam with Honours.

COMMUNITY EVENTS
· Inspiring young people and families to love music - that’s the incentive behind the Vancouver Island Symphony’s increasingly popular Symphony Community Day of FREE EVENTS being held at the Port Theatre on Saturday, November 19. Kids (6+) and families can come and meet musicians (many are instructors with the Nanaimo Conservatory), try out instruments at the Musical Instrument Zoo (11 a.m. to 12 noon), ask questions at the NoteworthyKids Music Club Family Event (11:45-12:15) and even sit in on an Open Rehearsal (12:30-1:30 p.m.) as the orchestra prepares for the evening concert. (Complimentary tickets for the rehearsal must be reserved through the Port Theatre Ticket Centre 250-754-8550.)
· Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra presents: SWEET CELLO, SWEET MUSIC – Sat Nov 12 - Brechin United Church, Nanaimo 7:30 PM; Sun Nov 13 - St. Edmunds Church, Parksville 2:30 PM; Guest Artist - cellist, Helena Jung; Program: Penderecki – 3 Pieces in baroque Style; William Walton – 2 pieces from Henry V; Haydn – Cello Concerto no 1 in C; John Ireland – A Downland Suite; Handel – Concerto Grosso op6 no1.

THANK YOU!
· to Donna Laing for all her work in preparing for the ¡Sacabuche! Concert on November 27 and to the entire Concert Committee for working with Donna in preparing for this exciting event!

CALENDAR

Please update your calendars, new dates have been added.
Nov 15 Suzuki Violin Recital 4PM Ensemble Room
Nov 15 NCM Annual General Meeting 7:30PM
Nov 24 Suzuki Piano Recital – St. Paul’s
Nov 25 Faculty Concert – Karl Rainer
Nov 27 2 PM ¡Sacabuche! NCM Benefit Concert
Dec 1 Adult Recital – Ensemble Room 7PM
Dec 3 Flute/Recorder Recital 12 Noon
Dec 3 Fiddle/Calling/Dance Workshops
with David Kaynor

Dec 7 NYC Community Carol Festival
Dec 16 NYC Christmas Concert
Dec 23 – Jan 2 Winter Break (office closed)
Jan 7 Prelude Orchestra begins again
Jan 28 Winter Recital
Feb 24-26 TBC VI Chamber Music Festival
May 6 Showcase Concert
June 2 NYC Year- end Concert
June 9 Spring Recital and Awards Ceremony

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Nanimo Conservatory of Music Workshop Series
We’re not just classical music folks
Presents
David Kaynor
Dec. 3rd
For more info
375 Selby Street. Nanaimo, BC V9R 2R4
(250) 754 4611
Join master fiddler, caller, and raconteur David Kaynor at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music on December 3rd for a memorable day of music and dance.
First time in Nanaimo! David Kaynor’s infectious fiddling and generous teaching are renowned across North America. David‘s career began in New England with two significant events. The first was when he attended his first contra dance in Maine in Grade 5. The second is when he got hold of an-1800s Fairbanks Vega banjo-mandolin a neighbor literally threw out a window while cleaning house. He has been making music ever since.
Having learned and taught New England fiddling and dancing in the heart of New England his whole life, David is a recognized master of this form. David has taught, called, and played at many music and dance camps and festivals including Northern Week at Ashokan, Northeast Heritage Music Camp in Johnson, Vermont, the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes in Port Townsend, Washington, Folklife Festival in Seattle, Washington, and in several European countries.
David is also skilled at Swedish fiddling, including the art of seconding, a style of rhythmic harmony accompaniment.
Of his teaching, David says “I'm persistently watchful for ways to create the conditions of opportunity for transformative growth through music and dancing”.
First workshop: $20
Additional workshops plus concert & dance: $10
Evening only for the concert & dance $15
Fiddle workshop 10:30am -12:30pm
Caller’s workshop 1:30 --3:30pm
fiddlers are welcome to stay and play
Dance workshop 3:30-5:30pm
fiddlers and callers welcome to stay and play and call for the dancers
Concert 7:30 with Contra Dance after the break
no dance experience necessary

Thursday, October 20, 2011

CHORDIAL NOTES OCTOBER 2011

I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me-like food or water. - Ray Charles

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
We wish all of our students and their families all the best for this season of gratitude! Here at the Conservatory we are grateful for the music that fills our days and for the opportunity to share that with you, the members of our Conservatory family. We will be thinking of you and sending you and yours our blessings.

TOP STORY! - FACULTY CONCERT, IRISH FIDDLE AND SINGING WORKSHOP AND SUZUKI EXPERT
The next few weeks are filled with events you won’t want to miss! Your Conservatory has prepared a feast of music starting on October 21.


· Faculty Concert – Friday, October 21 @ 5:00PM
Featuring Karl Rainer and James Mark – the focus of this Faculty Concert is violin and viola, with James and Karl choosing repertoire that will inspire string players of all ages and abilities!

· Irish Fiddle and Traditional Irish Singing Workshops – Saturday, October 22 @ 10:00 AM
Our new fiddle instructor, Paul Gitlitz, is already wowing us with his wonderful programming! This event features two incredible musicians giving workshops in Irish fiddle and traditional Irish singing. If you are interested in these workshops you can register anytime at the NCM office. And don’t miss their concert the night before (October 21 @ 7:00PM) with the Nanaimo Folk Connection at Hope Lutheran Church at 7:00PM.

· Merlin Thomson: Suzuki Piano Workshops – October 28-30
On the weekend of October 28/29/30, Suzuki piano students will enjoy a weekend workshop with Merlin Thompson, one of Canada’s leading authorities on the Suzuki Piano Method. Each student will have a mini-lesson with Mr. Thompson as well as a fun group session entitled “A Minute to Win It”. Classes will take place on Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday morning in the Ensemble Room. On Friday evening at 7:30, Mr. Thompson will lead a parents-only session entitled “Life Lessons from a Suzuki Piano Apprenticeship” open to all interested Conservatory parents. Many thanks to Cindy Speelman and Roni Wagner for changing their schedules to accommodate this workshop.

NEW FEDERAL ARTS TAX CREDIT
A new federal arts tax credit of up to $500 is available for music lessons. Please let us know if you will be making use of this credit for your child’s music education. For more information please see:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2011/qa01-eng.html

NCM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – NOVEMBER 15, 2011
This is the official notice of the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music Annual General Meeting which will take place at 7:30PM November 15, 2011 in the NCM Ensemble Room. Nominations to the Board will be accepted in writing by any member of the Conservatory (all current families have one memberhip) until the end of the business day November 1st. Nominations must be submitted in writing and include the names, addresses and signatures of two nominating members. Please consider attending this meeting as we go over the business of the past year and elect our new Board Members! RSVP to Kathleen 250 754 4611 or ncmusic@island.net.

OPEN HOUSE A GRAND SUCCESS – KUDOS AND THANK YOUS TO ALL!
The Open House was a total success with close to 150 attending the event. Special thanks to Andrew Homzy, Garry McKevitt, Donna Laing, Bobbi Walker and Christine Farenholtz for distributing flyers and manning the booth at the Harvest Festival and to Aidan Olmsted and Karl Rainer (and anyone I’ve missed) who played at the booth!...I am sure several people came up to the Open House from there, and it's great to get the word out. Many thanks also to the Faculty members who gave part or all of their day to be here and interact with potential students: Marjorie Cullerne, Marilyn Rummel, Karl Rainer, Cindy Speelman, Veronica Wagner, Susanne Bullock, Christine McMahon, James Mark, Teresa Borek, Nicole Arendt, Patrick Olmsted, and Hannah Wilson. There were some marvellous highlights from the faculty with Christine's vocal warm up and performance of "Summer Time," Patrick and Cindy's flute and guitar duo as well as James, Karl, Hannah and Cindy in various combinations throughout the afternoon. In addition, our appreciation goes out to the many Conservatory families who were in attendance including Choir members, the Stachow family, Suzuki flute students, piano students, the Prelude Orchestra families and more, who all did a marvellous job! Finally special thanks to Christine Moore from Triple T Party Rentals who supplied the tents and balloons; Scot Rounding and Phil from Tom Lee Music who provided an AWESOME instrument petting zoo that was rocking the whole time, and Ellen Wakelam who put all the little details together. This was truly a team effort which contributed to its success. I hope everyone enjoyed themselves!

¡SACABUCHE! – NCM Benefit Concert
Sunday November 27, 2011 @ 2:00 PM
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Tickets $20, $15 for registered Nanaimo Conservatory of Music students (very limited number)
Linda Pearse, who grew up in Nanaimo, is the Director of ¡Sacabuche! ¡Sacabuche! is a sackbut and cornetto ensemble that began as a collegium ensemble based at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music’s Early Music Institute and performs the beautiful and lesser-known repertoire of baroque trombones, organ and voice ¡Sacabuche! was the opening night headline ensemble at the June 2010 Berkeley Early Music Festival, and recently toured Beijing, China, with the multi-disciplinary program “Matteo Ricci: His Map and Music,” including performances at China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art. The media coverage was exceptional, including large pre-tour articles in "The Beijinger" and "Time Out Beijing" magazines. They were voted No. 1 Critics’ Choice for December by "Time Out.” Concerts were "standing room only" events with the NCPA and Ullens both citing the highest audience attendance for their series for the entire 2010 year.


ANNOUNCEMENTS and EVENTS
· Pianist Ian Parker – inspiration for any student
Ian Parker, one of Canada’s most brilliant pianists, returns to Nanaimo on Saturday, October 22 for “Genius & Madness” with the Vancouver Island Symphony, to play his all-time favourite, Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No. 1”. Conservatory faculty performing with the VI Symphony include: Calvin Dyck, Nicole Arendt, Marjorie Cullerne, Karen Hough, James Mark and Pippa Williams. Tix: 250-754-8550.
· Celebrating 200th birthday anniversary of F.Liszt – with SAYURI KUBOTA who will be playing PIANO RECITAL “Liszt and His Friends” on Saturday, October 15, 2011, 7:30 p.m. at St.Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Departure Bay Road (behind Country Club Mall). Program includes Phantasiestucke op.12 by Schumann, Fantasie-Impromptu op.66 and Nocturne in C-minor op.48 by Chopin, Etude de Concert No.3 ”Un Sospiro” and Mephisto Waltz by Liszt. This program is too good to be missed! Admission by donations. All proceeds go to the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music.
· The NCM Youth Harp Ensemble has been invited to perform before the Winter Harp Performances again this year - Dec. 10th, Port Theatre - save the date! Details to follow.
· A new federal arts tax credit of up to $500 is available for music lessons. For more information please see:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2011/qa01-eng.html
· MUSIC AT MIDDAY
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 29 Church Street, Nanaimo
Organist: Peter Orme, Director of Music, St. Paul’s Church
Wednesday, 12th October - “The Centenary of Jehan Alain.” Music by the French composer who lived from 1911 to 1940. Admission free – donations to St. Paul’s organ fund
· UPPER ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL NEWS: The Strings Section of UIMF will take place on Friday, Saturday, Sunday March 9, 10, 11, 2012. The Adjudicator will be Dolores Vann, violinist. Also, Nanaimo is hosting Provincials the last week in May! Volunteers will be needed at registration and more. Please let the Strings Chairperson know at uimfstrings@hotmail.com if you are interested in helping out. Also, the chairperson's position of the strings section will be open after the 2011-12 year. Now would be a good time for someone who is interested to step in and learn while shadowing. This fun volunteer position requires basic computer skills, some phoning and record keeping. Any questions can be addressed to the above email address!
· FOUND: Box of 9 DS Games
· FOUND: Leather glasses case
· Don’t forget to check our Lost and Found near the washrooms if you have lost something at the Conservatory

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
· Gabriola Island resident Hayden Wood (cello) did and outstanding job on his Grade 2 cello exam August 15th in Victoria, BC. He scored a 91!

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
· Hammond Organ model # 340207 with books and bench. Asking $1200 firm. Contact: Peter Kozlowski Port Alberni 250 723 5297

THANK YOU!
· A big THANK YOU to our good neighbour Denise Callingham who put plants in our window pots outside and tended them through the summer (with the help of faculty and staff members) as well as doing other garden-y things.
· More thank yous to Garry McKevitt, Andrew Homzy and Jenni Cluff for tidying up the weeds in the parking lot!
· And further thank yous to Pat Wells for tending our beautiful garden and keeping it trimmed!

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars new items have been added!
Oct 21 Faculty Concert – James Mark and Karl Rainer
Oct 22 Irish Fiddle and Traditional Irish Singing Workshops
Oct 28 Suzuki Piano Workshops with Merlin Thompson
Nov 4 Nanaimo Youth Choir (NYC) Combined concert with
Vancouver Orpheus Male Choir, St. Andrew's United
Nov 15 NCM Annual General Meeting 7:30PM
Nov 24 Suzuki Piano Recital
Nov 25 Faculty Concert
Nov 27 2 PM Sacabuche! NCM Benefit Concert
Dec 7 NYC Community Carol Festival
Dec 16 NYC Christmas Concert
Dec 23 – Jan 2 Winter Break
Jan 28 Winter Recital
Feb 24-26 TBC VI Chamber Music Festival
May 6 Showcase Concert
June 2 NYC Year- end Concert
June 9 Spring Recital and Awards

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

FIDDLE ENSEMBLE UP AND RUNNING!!

We are pleased to announce that as of September 2011, the Conservatory's new and improved Fiddle Ensemble is up and running! If you are interested in joining the fiddle group or in taking individual lessons with Paul Gitlitz, please call and we will put you in touch with Paul.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

OPEN HOUSE at the NANAIMO CONSERVATORY of MUSIC

Saturday, September 10th, 2011
11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Come join Nanaimo Conservatory of Music's staff and students for a day of music, instruments and creativity at 375 Selby Street. Come by for the day or check out a time that works for you. The doors open and the music begins at 11 am and goes to 3 pm.

11:00 – 11:30 Voice and Choir
11:30 – 12:00 Piano, Both Suzuki and Traditional Method
12:00 – 1:00 Woodwinds and Brass Instruments including Suzuki Flute
1:00 – 3:00 Strings: Violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar and harp including Suzuki strings

The Prelude Orchestra will be having their regularly scheduled class from 1-2 on that day and it is a great opportunity to see what that group is doing. Tom Lee Music will be on hand with their instrument petting zoo, there will be refreshments and a silent auction.

CHORDIAL NOTES

September 2011
WELCOME BACK!!
Classes begin on September 6, with some group lessons starting right away. Please read further for more information! We have a great year of music-making planned for you with wonderful events to partake in as well as workshops and masterclasses. Now is the time to re-register for your lessons. For details on the process please check it out below.
Office Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars
Sept 9 Concert Choir Rehearsals Start
Sept 10 OPEN HOUSE 11 AM to 3 PM
Sept 14 Junior Choir Rehearsals start
Sept 19 Junior Orchestra Rehearsals start
Sept 30 TBC Faculty Concert
Oct 28 – 30 Suzuki Piano Workshop with Merlin Thompson
Nov 4 Nanaimo Youth Choir (NYC) Combined concert
with Van. Orpheus Male Choir, St. Andrew's United
Nov 15 7 PM NCM Annual General Meeting
Nov 24 Suzuki Piano Recital
Nov 25 Faculty Concert
Nov 27 2 PM Sacabuche! NCM Benefit Concert at St. Paul's
Dec 7 NYC Community Carol Festival
Dec 16 NYC Christmas Concert
Dec 23 – Jan 2 Winter Break – contact your instructor re lessons
Jan 28 Winter Recital
Feb 24-26 TBC VI Chamber Music Festival
May 6 Showcase Concert
June 2 NYC Year- end Concert

OPEN HOUSE
Come join Nanaimo Conservatory of Music's staff and students for a day of music, instruments and creativity at 375 Selby Street. Come by for the day or check out a time that works for you. The doors open and the music begins at 11 am and goes to 3 pm.

11:00 – 11:30 Voice and Choir
11:30 – 12:00 Piano, Both Suzuki and Traditional Method
12:00 – 1:00 Woodwinds and Brass Instruments including Suzuki Flute
1:00 – 3:00 Strings: Violin, viola, cello, bass, guitar and harp including Suzuki strings

The Prelude Orchestra will be having their regularly scheduled class from 1-2 on that day and it is a great opportunity to see what that group is doing. Tom Lee Music will be on hand with their instrument petting zoo, there will be refreshments and a silent auction.

NEW AND RETURNING STUDENTS – REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Now is the time to register for your lessons for the fall if you have not already done so! All returning students will need to fill out new paperwork and provide a 4 lesson deposit for individual lessons and a 2 month deposit for groups along with your annual registration fee and incidental fees by the middle of September. Please note that if you have not completed your new paperwork by mid-September you will be contacted by your instructor to ensure that this is done. New for this year is that all groups (except Suzuki) require a 2 month non-refundable deposit. Group class fees are now calculated annually, but we do offer payment options. You may register over the phone or in person. Please call the office if you would like any more information or if we can be of assistance. You can also register in person at our Open House!

ANNOUNCING OUR NEW FIDDLE INSTRUCTOR: Paul Gitlitz – Private and Group Fiddle Instruction
Paul Gitlitz has played music for 51 of his 59 years. Paul plays several stringed instruments including Fiddle, Mandolin, Guitar, and Tenor Banjo. His musical explorations have taken him to many styles of music including Irish, Old Timey (Appalachian), Quebecois, New England, Klezmer, Greek, and more. Paul has studied at UBC and Capilano College, and taken private and group lessons with fiddle luminaries such as Kevin Burke, Rodney Miller, and Pascal Gemme. Paul toured professionally for 19 years and has done extensive recording, composition and production work. Albums he has produced have won numerous awards including a Juno. Paul has always been attracted to traditional dance music and this is mostly what he composes, teaches and performs. He loves sharing this passion with students and other players and is happy to be part of carrying the tradition forward. For more information, see his website http://www.glitchless.net. You can register for lessons with Paul starting on September 6.

KINDERMUSIK with Miss Nicky
Village - for Birth to 18 months
15 Wednesdays starting October 5; 11:15-12 noon
Units covered:
Feathers: We explore the musical poems of Woody Guthrie, bird songs, and the naturally occurring sounds in nature that help babies develop an early appreciation - and accelerated aptitude - for language, movement, and music. At Home Materials include 1 CD, colourful board book, art banners, and chime ball.
Do-Si-Do: Get ready to dance the Charleston, Tango, Waltz, Virginia Reel, and many more! You'll find some slow, gentle dances and others with fast and lively rhythms. This unique collection of movement-related tunes will have you do-si-do-ing around the room. "Do-Si-Do" was created as part of a Kindermusik curriculum class for children ages newborn to 18 months. Do-Si-Do Home Materials: CD with songs from class, an instrument - Kindermusik eggshaker and scarf, a picture board book - Do-Si-Do - with lilting move-to-it rhyming text, and a set of Art Banners for the nursery wall that strengthens vision and promotes early literacy.
Our Time – for 18 months to 3 years
15 Wednesdays starting October 5; 10:30-11:15
Wiggles and Giggles
Splash in the tub, row your boat, jump in puddles, swim with the fish - all without ever getting wet! This unit is designed to reflect the importance of movement in the life of a toddler. You’ll learn 15 different dances, and explore many types of instruments and props. Dance and play, while developing language and cognitive abilities, fine motor skills, gross motor abilities, and social skills. At Home Materials include 2 CDs with over 50 songs, Home Activity Book, zig zag blocks instrument, and 2 books: Watch Me! and Pete and P.J.

¡SACABUCHE! – NCM Benefit Concert
Sunday November 27, 2011 @ 2:00 PM
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Tickets $20, $15 for registered Nanaimo Conservatory of Music students
Linda Pearse, who grew up in Nanaimo, is the Director of ¡Sacabuche! ¡Sacabuche! is a sackbut and cornetto ensemble that began as a collegium ensemble based at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music’s Early Music Institute and performs the beautiful and lesser-known repertoire of baroque trombones, organ and voice. ¡Sacabuche! won the 2009 Early Music America Collegium Musicum grant competition, resulting in a well-reviewed performance at the Boston Early Music Festival fringe festival. The next year, by invitation, ¡Sacabuche! was the opening night headline ensemble at the June 2010 Berkeley Early Music Festival, and recently toured Beijing, China, with the multi-disciplinary program “Matteo Ricci: His Map and Music,” including performances at China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) and the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art. The media coverage was exceptional, including large pre-tour articles in "The Beijinger" and "Time Out Beijing" magazines. They were voted No. 1 Critics’ Choice for December by "Time Out.” Concerts were "standing room only" events with the NCPA and Ullens both citing the highest audience attendance for their series for the entire 2010 year.

¡Sacabuche! artistic director and baroque trombonist Linda Pearse completed a master’s degree in early music performance at the Schola Cantorum in Basel, Switzerland and worked in Europe for over ten years before returning to North America, where she now teaches early trombone at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music's Early Music Institute.

NEW FEDERAL ARTS TAX CREDIT
A new federal arts tax credit of up to $500 is available for music lessons. For more information please see:
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2011/qa01-eng.html


ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
· Nanaimo Youth Choir began at the end of August for our Concert Choir with camp at Capernwray on Thetis Island. They worked hard and played hard and are off to a good start with some of their repertoire for this year. Their first Concert will be Friday, Nov. 4th with the Vancouver Orpheus Male Choir at 8 o'clock in St. Andrew's United Church. Nanaimo Junior Youth Choir will begin their regular schedule of rehearsals on Wed. Sept. 14th. They meet from 3:45 - 5:15 PM in the Ensemble Rm. of NCM. If you are coming back, which we hope you are, we'll see you then.

For friends who might have children interested in this choir, please let them know that it is very good musical training not only for their voices but also general music knowledge in reading music, voice health, rhythm, and ear training. The ensemble work is not only fun but valuable for self confidence, self discipline, self expression and the latest research shows that children who sing in choirs do better in math and can increase their IQ. All those benefits and a lot of fun too! Please come and join us and advertise us to your friends.

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
· Heckel Contra-Bassoon #608. Excellent condition, including two Heckle bocals; “C” Bell; contra stand; soft and hard cases. Performed at Met Opera, N.Y. Phil., Carnegie Hall. Serviced by Frank Marcus. Contact 250 537 9290 lstubbs.bsn@hotmail.com.

WEBSITE
Please note that our Web site is updated as a donated service and although we have started the process it has not been updated as yet. We hope that this will be completed in the next two weeks. Thank you for your understanding!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Chordial Notes June 2011

“The painter turns a poem into a painting; the musician sets a picture to music.” - Robert A. Schumann

OFFICE HOURS – JULY AND AUGUST
Tuesday – Thursday 10AM to 5PM
We wish you a fun and music-filled summer, and look forward to seeing you soon!

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars
June 4 Flute Recitals @ NCM 1:30PM
June 7 Youth Harp Recital @ NCM 5PM
June 9 Adult Ensemble Recital @ NCM 7PM
June 10 Nanaimo Youth Choir Concert at St. Andrews United, Old City Quarter, 7PM
June 16 Adult Harp Ensemble Wrap Up 1PM
June 17 Fiddle Fundraiser, 6:30PM Quarterway School
June 21 SEUSSICAL Junior! Nanaimo Entertainment Centre 6:30 PM



June 30 Deadline for registering for Flute and Recorder Workshops
September 6 Fall Term begins

REGISTER NOW FOR SEPTEMBER
Registration for lessons in the fall is open. New registration forms are now available. Please take advantage of the opportunity to register before the end of June, as doing so has many benefits, including:
· Guaranteeing your lesson time and instructor for the fall
· Avoiding line ups at the office door
· Saving $5 on your registration fee which will be subject to an increase on September 1, 2011
· Getting one more thing off your list for September!

FEE INCREASES FOR THE FALL
We don’t want to increase fees, but every so often we really need to. This is one of those years. As a result of what is shaping up to be a crushing reduction over our previous BC Gaming grants, at least 50% and possibly as much as 75%, we are looking for ways to ensure that we can continue to operate effectively and still offer the best music education you can find in the area. The fee increases we are proposing will not nearly cover the reduction we are expecting, but they will be one part of the plan to keep the Conservatory stable. Other plans include some fun, grass roots events that we will tell you more about in the fall, as well as some hard decisions in terms of cuts to our budget. With your help and understanding we can weather this storm and continue to offer quality music instruction and solid management practices. The actual increases have not yet been approved by the Board, but they will be affordable. For most students the increases will total between $2 and $10 per month, and will be effective in September. If you would like more information, please contact the office and we would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

ARE YOU TAKING PRIVATE LESSONS THIS SUMMER?
If you are continuing your lessons beyond the end of June, please contact the office to let us know. As the summer is considered a different term, you will be required to prepay for all of the lessons you intend to take in July and August. Please go over the summer schedule with your instructor to confirm the number of lessons that you will be taking and then call us or send us an email before June 24 and we will finalize your summer term arrangements!

SUMMER PROGRAMS
Summer Flute Workshops - Registration deadline: June 30/11
Instructor: Cindy Speelman; Location: NCM Ensemble Room
Minimum class sizes required; All materials are for take home after the workshop.
For additional information please contact Cindy at 250-591-8891 or by email - spcindy@shaw.ca
· Introduction to Suzuki Flute - Come and see if this is the instrument for you and get started on the right foot. For students ages 4 and up.Come and see the wonderful world of Suzuki Flute. Aug. 27, 2011 from 9-11 a.m. $30/student $10 for materials (includes a plastic mini flute)
· Beginners - Introduction to the Flute (no previous experience) Ideal for students starting band in the Fall. Aug. 20-21, 2011 from 9-11:30a.m. daily. $65/student and $35 for materials.
· Adult Beginners - Introduction to the Flute (no previous experience) A great opportunity for those who have always wanted to learn the flute. Aug. 20-21, 2011 from 12:30-3 p.m. daily. $65/student and $35 for materials.
· Intermediate - for those who have been playing for several months to a few years. Come and increase your skills and take your playing to the next level. July 16-17, 2011 from 2-5 p.m. daily; $70/student and $35 materials fee
· Advanced - for those who have been playing for a couple of years or who are currently taking lessons. Learn the latest techniques and skills that will make you a more confident and accomplished flutist. July 16-17, 2011 from 9-1 p.m. daily. $85/student and $40 for materials.
· Flute/Recorder Ensembles - a great opportunity to learn and play in smaller ensembles and be coached in these specific techniques. 1.25 hours/twice a month for July and August. $60/student

Summer Music with Patrick Olmsted
Patrick is introducing some new classes as part of the Conservatory's traditional music stream. These classes will be participatory, somewhat informal, and open to any interested person. The content will be influenced by the participants but will focus on ensemble playing, improvisation, and playing by ear. The classes are World Music, Gypsy Jazz, and Spanish Guitar. These are very broad subjects that will be narrowed by the interests and abilities of the class participants. The classes will run on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays throughout summer and will not require a continuous commitment to accommodate other summer activities. Interested parties should contact Patrick in June for more information and to determine the best times for everyone.

SHOWCASE CONCERT REVIEW – ORDER YOUR DVD!!
Although the Showcase Concert at the Port Theatre this year was a little long, it was also a smashing success! More than 150 students participated in the event and some amazing moments were shared. The Silent Auction also did well, netting more than $2,000 that will support the Conservatory’s group programs! If you want to see how well we all did, then you can place an order for a DVD of the event. This year, rather than printing DVDs in advance, we will take orders and when we have enough we will place an order (with a few extra). The price for the DVDs will be $15 and there will be two in the set. Please call the office to place your order.


SPRING RECITAL AND AWARDS CEREMONY REVIEW
Congratulations to all of the students who played at the Spring Recitals at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Saturday May 28 at 3 and 7 PM. Everyone played very well and people in the audience commented that it was one of the best recitals ever! We hope you like having the recital at St. Paul’s. We thought it would be a good venue as there seems to be parking and it is very accessible. Scholarships were awarded to 13 students.


ANNOUNCEMENTS/EVENTS
· Saturday, June 4/11 at 1:30PM in the Ensemble Room at the Conservatory: Suzuki Flute, Flute and Recorder Student Recital featuring the students from the studio of Cindy Speelman.
· Thursday June 9/11 at 7 p.m. in the Ensemble Room: Semester End Adult Recital featuring the Students of Marilyn Rummel, Veronica Wagner and Cindy Speelman.
· DON’T MISS THE MUSICAL THEATRE COMPANY’S PRODUCTION OF *** SEUSSICAL JUNIOR!
by Flaherty and Ahrens - based on Dr Seuss stories.
When: June 21st, 2011; Where: Nanaimo Entertainment Centre (46 Nicol Street, Nanaimo); Time: 630-800pm
Cost: Admission by donation (to NCM)
Come and meet the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Mayzie Labird, Gertrude McFuzz, the Sour Kangaroo, Mr Mayor, Mrs Mayor, Jojo and the who's, the Wickersham Brothers and others in a fun filled production of SEUSSICAL the musical. Nanaimo Conservatory's musical theatre program, directed by Katy Bowen-Roberts, presents a workshop performance of this fabulous Seussian musical adventure!
· Christine McMahon, NCM voice teacher, presented a sold-out workshop on the ‘Inner Art of Performing’ on Sunday, April 10 from 1– 5 pm. A group of fifteen singers and instrumentalists learned a variety of experiential mind/body techniques to help manage performance anxiety and build their self-confidence. Some of the participant’s feedback included: “I really liked the breathing techniques and the positive thinking affirmations.” “What was important to me today was visualizing my performance beforehand, silencing my inner judges, and the progressive relaxation.” “Ideal number of participants and a good range of experiences.” “At the end of the day I felt relaxed, enlightened and encouraged.” For those who are interested in taking part in this workshop, the Conservatory plans to offer it again in the fall. Check the next newsletter for further details.
· Congratulations to Brittany Hannah, voice student of Christine McMahon, who was recently awarded the Joyce Horner Memorial Scholarship for further studies. Brittany will perform at the Provincial Festival in Kamloops on June 7, as Senior Classical Voice Representative (ages 19 – 28), from the Upper Island Music Festival.
· From Marilyn Rummel: Thanks everyone for a wonderful year of harping on the mid island! Special note is due to those students who travel considerable distances each week in their commitment to music in their lives, and of course to the faithful parents who ferry their children once or twice a week to attend our rehearsals and lessons. Bravo All. Coming up at the Conservatory: June 7th Youth Harp Ensemble (with guest siblings) Recital 5 pm. Students need to arrive just before 4:30, and parents bringing reception goodies as well as guests are especially welcome. Many students will also play solos. June 16th - Adult harp ensemble wrap - 1 pm. All welcome to hear all of the ensemble pieces and a number of adult solos as well. And at the Duncan studio, but open to youth harpists from NCM - Sharlene Wallace Youth Summer workshop, Aug 3 - 5th, email marilyn@harpcanada.com for more info. Best wishes to all the harp students preparing for exams this month. Lastly, anyone who has not confirmed their times by registering with the office for next year, please do so that this month and save on the registration fee as well as assuring yourself of a spot on the teaching schedule.

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
· CX-4S KAWAI PIANO FOR SALE. DOWNSIZING, SO MUST SELL. EXCELLENT CONDITION, BLACK EBONY WITH BENCH. PHOTO AVAILABLE BY EMAIL. PARKSVILLE LOCATION. $1650. CALL GARY @ 250-248-6871.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
· Emeris Nordine, 10 year old piano student of Teresa Borek - is very excited about her upcoming concert on June 19 on Salt Spring Island. Opening the show for her will be Monik Nordine (her mother) on soprano saxophone playing J.S. Bach's unaccompanied flute sonata in A minor. Emeris recently won the "Joi de Vivre Award" from the Nanaimo Conservatory, which was given to an outstanding student who also shows involvement in the community. The award was donated by AJ Murch in memory of her daughter. Two years ago Emeris raised funds for child poverty, so the award was quite fitting. The proceeds from the June 19 Concert will go towards Emeris' post-secondary studies and 10% will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross.

REMEMBERING BARRY SWANN
by Patrick Olmsted
It is with great sadness that I must relay the news to the Conservatory community of the passing of Mr. Barry Swann. My personal connection with Barry goes back about 20 years to the Central Vancouver Island Community School (CVICMS) now the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. He was a very passionate student of music, guitar and guitar building. He was also very passionate about teaching skills to young people. In his decades as a teacher in Nanaimo he taught generations of students in the area. Barry Swann, and his wife Winifred, contributed generously to the Conservatory in general but specifically Barry contributed to the to the guitar program by creating the annual ongoing “Swann Guitar Scholarship.” Anyone attending the Showcase 2010 or 2011 concerts have heard recipients of this award: Eric Barraclaugh, Martin Haff, the entire Conservatory Guitar Ensemble, including this years winners Alex Kolodinsky and Cameron Craig. Past recipients have been Maxime Therrien, Sam Firouzli and Padraig Hildebrand who is currently attending at the Berklee School of Music. Upon his passing we have been informed, by his daughter Carol, also a friend of the Conservatory, of a bequest Barry has left to the Conservatory as an ongoing legacy for the study of music, and in particular guitar, in our community.
Thanks so much Barry! You are truly missed

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

CHORDIAL NOTES APRIL 2011

SHOWCASE 2011
Sunday May 15, 2011 @ 2:00 PM

It’s back! Our annual Showcase of amazing talent will take place at the Port Theatre on Sunday May 15, 2011 at 2:00PM. More than 100 Conservatory students will take part in the Showcase this year which includes performances by the Prelude Orchestra, the Junior Orchestra, the Foundation Orchestra, the Nanaimo Fiddlers, the Musical Theatre Company, the Flute Ensemble, the Guitar Ensemble, the Recorder Ensemble, the Nanaimo Youth Choirs, the Suzuki Violin Groups and more, along with a handful of solo and duo performances.

Tickets for the event are on sale at the Port Theatre. the price is the same as last year, except this year we are adding a “Family Pass” which will be good for up to four tickets. Prices are:
Adults $20
Children $10
Family (4) $40
Children 3 and under are free!

Please note that participating students are NOT required to pay any fee to participate, nor do they need to buy a ticket to watch the Showcase. Each performer will receive a hand stamp at the rehearsal which will allow them into the theatre to watch the performance when they are not required backstage.

For participating students, your instructor will provide details regarding your participation and an information sheet will be available in the first week of May so you can plan for the day. Please note that the technical rehearsal for the performance is in the morning before the show, so you will need to plan to be available from as early as 8:00 AM (or maybe a little later) until the Showcase is over at about 4:30 PM. We are very excited about this year’s Showcase as there are so many talented and award-winning students participating!! Please encourage your friends and family to come!

SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS NEEDED FOR THE SHOWCASE CONCERT!
Please consider asking your contacts to make a contribution to our Silent Auction which is held at the Port Theatre in the lobby on the day of the Showcase Concert. More than 400 people attend and it is one of the ways that the Conservatory generates the funding to support our group programs and our bursaries and scholarships. Last year we raised over $3,000 through the silent auction. There will even be two $500 gift certificates for group music lessons. All silent auction donors (if they request it) will receive a tax receipt for the full value of their donation. Some of the baskets we are hoping to make up are: Pets, Car Care, Chocolate, Coffee/Tea, Adventure…or perhaps you have your own idea for a great basket!

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars
April 22 Good Friday – office closed
April 25 Easter Monday – office closed
April 29 Faculty Concert – Trish Clair and Geoff Horrocks
May 1 Nanaimo Youth Choir with BC Boys Choir at the Port
May 15 Showcase 2011 at the Port with Silent Auction
May 23 Victoria Day – office closed
May 24 Suzuki Violin Recital
May 28 Spring Recital and Awards Ceremony – St. Paul’s Church
June 14 Harp Recital
June 24 Last day of classes

NCM FACULTY NEWS
· Marilyn Rummel and her harp students will be among those providing music for the Chocolate Lily Festival at St. Peter's church in Duncan, Saturday, April 16th. Set in a Gerry Oak meadow whose eco-system has been preserved throughout the 140 years the church has stood on the site, St. Peter's is a beautiful spot. Tours of the wildflowers, including the rare chocolate lily, tours of the cemetery, music in the church, and in the hall - chocolate! Chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, chocolate fudge, and more. $5 per person.
· April 16th and 17th Saturday 7:30 pm at St. Stephen's United Church in Qualicum and at the same time on Sunday at Brechin United Church. Island Consort performs “Echoes,” singing a selection of titles that features pairs of contrasting compositions for each title. The concert repertoire allows the choir to perform music that spans 5 centuries with several works accompanied by organist Peter Orme. The first half will end with the scintillating Handel Chandos Anthem #6, accompanied by strings of the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra + woodwinds and organ. Tickets $15 (under 12 free) at Fascinating Rhythm, The Quilted Duck and at the door.
· Jennifer Cluff of The Delphinus Trio invites you to a Sunday afternoon concert of beautiful flute, cello and piano trio music at The Oceanside Community Arts Council in Parksville. Sunday May 1st at 2 pm. This delightful flute, cello and piano trio music spans styles from classic to Celtic folk-rock. Upbeat, rhythmic, with exquisite tone colour and subtle soundscapes, The Delphinus Trio creates a warmth that is both sparkling and unforgettable! Tickets are $15 at door. Doors open at 1:30 pm.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
· From Anne Tanod, Suzuki Piano Instructor: On Sunday, March 6, Suzuki piano students were treated to an exciting two-hour workshop. During their first hour, they had fun playing their review pieces together on keyboards complete with super garage band accompaniments. In their second hour, they experimented with musical Ipad and Iphone apps and tried their hand at composing with Finale Notepad. Many thanks to Tom Lee for lending us the keyboards, and to our apps addict John Zeweniuk and our computer guru Bruce Currell, two Suzuki parents who very generously donated their time and expertise to help make the day a success.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS – WOW!!
· From Patrick Olmsted, guitar instructor: I would like to send hearty congratulations to the following students for their fantastic performances at this years Upper Island Music Festival (in order of appearance); Karolina Malinowska, Rhys Wong, Jack Phillips, Morgan McPhee, Honor Thaagard, Maya Dean, Conor Reid, Alex Kolodinski, David MacLeod, Cameron Craig, Maxime Therrien, Sam Firouzli, Nicolas Hatfield, the Nanaimo Conservatory Guitar Ensemble, Martin Haaf, and David Moddle. Well done! Also thanks to Charles Wolzien for his excellent adjudication and to Rita Haaf and the other volunteers who are responsible for hosting this fine event!
· Karl Rainer would like to congratulate his students who entered in the Upper Island Music Festival this year. They all had excellent performances and showed a lot of dedication and persistence in their preparation. Jasmine Mather, Clif Clemotte, Maria Clemotte, Elise Cullon, Jaime Cullon, Nicolas Gunn and Alex Retzer. Bravo!
· Congratulations to Emeris Nordine, piano student of Teresa Borek, who received four 1st places in her classes in the Upper Island Music Festival. She was awarded a bursary and was invited to perform in the Honour Performance on Sunday, April 17.
· Congratulations to Moji Alabi, Ryley Bennett-Hounsome, Ella Hannesson and Andrea Stachow, flute students of Cindy Speelman, who performed at the Upper Island Music Festival. They all performed beautifully and received high marks from the adjudicator. Way to go! We are proud of you. Keep up the great work!
· Brittany Hannah, voice student of Christine McMahon, had a very successful year at the Upper Island Music Festival in March. She won Gold in each of her seven vocal classes, including Opera, Oratorio, Sacred Song, Musical Theatre, Concert Group, Vocal Variety and Duet. Brittany has been chosen as Senior Classical Voice Representative (ages 19 - 28) at the Provincial Festival in Kamloops in June. She will also appear at the Honours Performance to be held at St. Andrew's United Church on Sunday, April 17 at 2 pm. Elizabeth Herman sang in the Adult Open Division, and placed First in her Concert Group and Oratorio classes, and Second in the Opera Class. Theory student Dahliea Greeve (18 and under) was awarded three Firsts and a Third place in her first time performance at the Music Festival, and Flavia Sposato, also a theory student (16 and under) received a First, a Second, and Third Place.
· Congratulations to students from Katy Bowen-Roberts' studio for their stellar performances in the Upper Island Music Festival this year: Rachelle Reed, Sean Hagerty, Lilu Scott and Madyson Crow. Sean came away with a 2nd in his Musical Theatre Comedy, Lilu came away with a 1st in her Musical Theatre Ballad and 2nd in her folk song and Mady came away with three 1st place certificates! Well done to you all.
· Ian Grabher performed in a recital class at festival for piano and received 1st. At that time, he had received the highest mark the piano adjudicator had given, with a mark of 92. Reminder: The Honours Performance will be held April 17th at 2:00pm at St. Andrews United Church.

COMMUNITY MUSIC EVENTS
· From Christine McMahon: If any young person you know is interested in working with one of the finest performers and teachers in the Musical Theatre business, please forward this to them. It is aimed at young people from 12 - 19 years of age and is reasonably priced for 20 hours of instruction over four days, including lunch. ------The Chalkboard Theatre Society in Duncan is hosting a four day workshop with Jeff Hyslop, international star of television and the Broadway stage, over the May Long Weekend, (May 20 - 23) at Queen Margaret's School in Duncan. This dynamic Musical Theatre intensive will offer 'triple-threat' instruction in singing, dancing, and acting for teens age 12 and up. The Workshop will run from 9 am -3 pm each day and the cost is $200, (including a hot lunch & snacks). Register either on our website: www.chalkboardtheatre.com or contact: Nancy Glerup @ (250) 748-6619. There are still a few spots remaining in the workshop, so act now. A chance to work with Jeff Hyslop is not to be missed!
· The Upper Island Music Festival Honours Performance will be held April 17th at 2:00pm at St. Andrews United Church. It is an excellent opportunity to hear some some outstanding musical talent from Festival.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp

Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp
Thursday, March 24th to Saturday, March 27th
Seven Springs Resort in Nanoose Bay, BC

Three days of fiddle, piano, guitar, mandolin and vocal instruction for everyone: aged 6 years to 60+, ranging from total beginners to advanced fiddlers, and including those classical players with no experience in fiddle music. Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp happens Thursday, March 24th to Saturday, March 27th at Seven Springs Resort in Nanoose Bay, BC. There is also an Instructors' Showcase Concert featuring all of the fabulous and talented teachers. This is open to the public. The concert is on Friday March 25 at 7pm at St. Mary's Anglican Church (2600 Powder Point Rd.). Tickets are $20 and $10, available at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music ((250) 754-4611) or at the door. The camp website is web.me.com/nanaimofiddlers.

This camp has been running since March 2008. That first year we had four teachers and 25 registrations, and last year, 2010, there were over 50 participants and 7 instructors. We have a great core group of returning students each year, but most exciting for me as director is the number of new faces we see. I think that camps like this are a great way to build community and connect people of all ages through shared musical experience.

Registration is still open but closes at 5pm on March 17, so I would definitely encourage anyone interested in coming out this year to contact the Conservatory to complete registration.

Fiddle music is largely taught by ear in a group setting, and it is often more 'social' than other forms of music study because of the opportunity to participate in jam sessions with other students. The music is lively and energetic and full of joy, and is truly timeless in that it connects players of all ages and backgrounds. Instructors for this yearly event include Master Fiddler Gordon Stobbe (Seaforth NS), National Champion Fiddler Trent Freeman (Comox BC), Serena Eades (fiddle, Gibsons BC), Miriam Sonstenes (Fiddle, Victoria BC), Reuben Gurr (Groove and Choir, Vancouver BC), Geoff Horrocks (piano accompaniment, Nanaimo BC), and Trish Clair-Peck (Nanaimo BC).

This camp is an excellent opportunity to learn new tunes from some of Canada's finest folk music instructors. The atmosphere is one of sharing, encouragement, and fun. For those who have always wanted to learn to play an instrument, the first-time fiddle class gives you the chance to try your hand at fiddle. Classical violin, viola, or cello students who are curious about fiddle music are also welcomed and encouraged to attend. Camp participants come from across Canada: this year we have registrants from Toronto and Saskatoon as well as many Vancouver Island and lower Mainland students. The ages of participants is six and up.

The two "headliners" are Gordon Stobbe (Nova Scotia) and Trent Freeman. Gordon teaches at camps and workshops all over Canada, including being part of the Kole Crook Fiddle Association in the Northwest Territories (a not-for-profit group which brings fiddle teachers to remote NWT communities, and an organization with whom Geoff Horrocks and I are also teachers). Gordon is also a prolific recording artist and has published the most popular line of fiddle instructional books in North America.

Trent Freeman (originally from Comox) recently graduated from the performance program at Berklee School of Music in Boston, and is regularly touring the USA as a performer and clinician. He competed several times in the Canadian Grand Masters competition and has won many awards for his eclectic style of playing.

The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music also maintains a bursary fund to assist low-income families with tuition at camp. We have offered assistance to many families in past years, and are always welcoming donations to the fund. The Nanaimo Fiddlers, a local group led by Trish Clair-Peck and Geoff Horrocks, is also available for hire to play at private functions in return for a donation to the bursary fund.


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For more information, to talk to organizer of Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp, Trish Clair-Peck or Kathleen Darby of The Nanaimo Conversatory of Music to make enquiries, register for camp, make a donation to the camp bursary fund, or purchase tickets to the Instructors' Concert please call (250) 754-4611 or email nanaimofiddlers@me.com. Kimberly Plumley is happy to arrange interviews too! You can reach her at 250-390-9285 or via email at kim@publicitymavens.com.

--
Kimberly Plumley
Publicity Mavens
kim@publicitymavens.com
Office: 250-390-9285/Cell: 778-838-0514
Twitter: @KimPlumley
Check out www.thebookbroads.com and www.GarlickandPlumJam.com too.

Monday, February 21, 2011









VANCOUVER ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Friday February 25 at 7:00 PM and Saturday February 26, 2011 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 29 Church Street Nanaimo

Advance Festival Passes $20 (plus applicable fees) are available at the Port Theatre Box Office 250 754 8550 and on line at www.porttheatre.com until 3PM on Feb 25
Individual show tickets $10 – only available at the door

Part of the Nanaimo Arts Council’s Spirit of Shadow/Spirit of Light: Multimedia Arts Festival that is running throughout February, the first annual Vancouver Island Chamber Music Festival is being presented by the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music.

The Chamber Music Festival features 6 acts in three top-quality shows performed by professional musicians. There are a total of 15 musicians involved in the event, 10 of them teach at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music and many perform regularly with local symphonies and ensembles.

“We are thrilled that the Conservatory is able to present this Festival for the first time. The support of the Nanaimo Arts Council, the Province of BC and the Assembly of BC Arts Council means that we can create a new event that we are hoping will happen every year in Nanaimo!” Said Kathleen Darby, Executive Director of the Conservatory. “The programming is an eclectic mix of styles from classical, jazz and folk and is sure to delight audience members of all musical tastes.”

The Festival is supported by the Province of BC Ministry of Community, Sport and Culture and the Assembly of British Columbia Arts Councils.


Friday February 25 @ 7:00 PM
Sonora Quartet
Trish Clair, viola; James Mark, violin;
Karl Rainer, violin; Hannah Wilson, cello
8th String Quartet by Shostakovitch
Two Pieces for String Quartet – Elegy and Polka
by Shostakovtich

Susanne Bullock, clarinet
and Donna Falconer, piano
Suite Hebraique by Srul Irving Glick
Spiegel im Spiegel by Avro Part
Three Pieces After Gershwin by Paul Harvey
Sonata for Clarinet and Piano by Leonard Bernstein

Saturday February 26 @ 2:00 PM
Patrick Olmsted, guitar
and Cindy Speelman, flute
Selections by Guiliani, Ibert, Carulli and Piazolla

Blackberry Island Trio
Pippa Williams, oboe; Karen Hough, French horn; Sharon Wolzien, piano
Trio Opus 188 in A minor by C. Reinecke
2nd piece TBA

Saturday February 26 @ 7:00 PM
Nicole Arendt, marimba/piano and Chris Helman, soprano saxophone
Selections by Briggs, Rosauro, and Marcello

Delphinus Trio
Jennifer Cluff, flute; Allannah Dow, cello; Sharon Wolzien, piano
Cooking with Gas by Julia Bowkun
Five Impressions of a Holiday by Eugene Goossens
Trio by Norman Dello Joio
Mistral by Julia Bowkun

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

HOME TOWN HERO SAVES FUNDRAISING CONCERT

Yesterday the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music was devastated by the news that André Laplante had suffered an injury to his hand that would make it impossible for him to play his scheduled concert on February 7. Today, all that has changed as our home town hero Devon Joiner is coming to the rescue! The show will go on!

Devon Joiner is a 21 year old pianist based in Vancouver and New York.

Born into a musical family in Nanaimo, British Columbia, he began studying piano at age four with the Suzuki method, and then continued his musical studies under the guidance of Ellen Vander Putten, Lynne Gauthier and Diana Lawton.

He recently completed his Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance at the University of British Columbia with Professors Jane Coop and Robert Silverman. He is currently pursuing his Master of Music studies at the Juilliard School in New York with Professor Julian Martin.

Devon has won top awards in many National and International piano competitions and has had solo performances across North America and in China as well as performing with the UBC and Vancouver Symphony Orchestras.

Friday, January 21, 2011

CHORDIAL NOTES JANUARY 2011

The whole problem can be stated quite simply by asking, 'Is there a meaning to music?' My answer would be, 'Yes.' And 'Can you state in so many words what the meaning is?' My answer to that would be, 'No.' ~ Aaron Copland

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Welcome back and a warm welcome to our new students who have just joined the Conservatory family. Important events are coming up including the next Faculty Concert with Cindy Speelman and Jennifer Cluff on Friday January 28th, the Winter Recital on Saturday January 29th at VIU, our annual Solo Piano Concert on February 7th with André Laplante in celebration of Franz Liszt’s 200th birthday! And an announcement about the Spirit of Shadow – Spirit of Light Festival in February. Hope to see you at all of these great musical events!

FUNDRAISING CONCERT – ANDRE LAPLANTE Celebrates LISZT – February 7 @ 7:30 PM
On Monday, February 7, 2011, 7:00 PM at the Port Theatre 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 pieces by Bach, Schubert, Chopin and conclude with the Années de Pèlerinage, Book 2, Italy by Franz Liszt. Tickets are available at the Port Theatre Box office. Adults $30, Students $20…but…

***SPECIAL PRICE FOR CONSERVATORY STUDENTS***
Ask your instructor for a voucher. Conservatory students are entitled to one ticket at 50% off the regular
student rate for this concert, that’s only $10! Redeemable at the Port Theatre Box Office.

CONTEST #2 – LISZTOMANIA!!
Last month we asked: What was the name of the Princess that Franz Liszt almost married? The answer? Princess Carolyne zu Sayn-Wittgenstein. Thank you to all who entered. Now we have another question for you…

Lisztomania – Franz Liszt was an incredibly popular performer in his time, some have compared him to the Beatles! In fact, women fought over Liszt’s handkerchiefs and gloves, which they ripped to shreds as souvenirs. Helping fuel this atmosphere was the artist's mesmeric personality and stage presence. Many later testified that Liszt's playing raised the mood of audiences to a level of mystical ecstasy!

Where and when was the term “Lisztomania” first coined?

Email the correct answer to ncmusic@island.net by January 21 at noon and you will be entered to win 4 tickets to the André Laplante Solo Piano Concert. Draw will be at 1PM on the 21st.

MASTER CLASS WITH ANDRE LAPLANTE – Feb 8 10AM
Observer tickets are available from the Port Theatre for the Masterclass Tuesday, February 8 at 10AM at the Conservatory, 375 Selby Street in the Old City Quarter $10 for adults, $5 for students.

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars…
Jan 28 Faculty Concert - Flutes
Jan 29 Winter Recital 3 & 7PM @ VIU
Feb 7 André Laplante in Concert
Feb 8 André Laplante Master Class
Feb 25-26 Spirit of Shadow / Spirit of Light Festival –
Featuring the NCM Chamber Music Festival
Mar 24-27 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 – St. Paul’s
June 24 Last day of classes

FACULTY CONCERT – JANUARY 28, 2011
The next concert is January 28 at 5PM in the Ensemble Room featuring flutists Jennifer Cluff and Cindy Speelman. Come hear the sounds of the entire flute family from the bass flute to the piccolo.

VANCOUVER ISLAND FIDDLE CAMP
March 24-27, 2011 @ Seven Springs Retreat in Nanoose
Early Bird registration is available now. Check out the Nanaimo Fiddlers Web site for more information and registration forms: http://web.me.com/nanaimofiddlers/Nanaimo_Fiddlers/Fiddle_Camp.html

WINTER RECITAL – SATURDAY, JANUARY 29, 3:00 PM AND 7:00 PM
VIU Choral Room – Building 320 (pay parking available in lot E, just below the Recital Venue)
The list is up and we are hoping that you will make this the best recital yet by telling your instructor that you want to sign up to perform! Make sure you tell all your friends and relatives to come out too! It’s free (though we do take donations at the door), and there is a reception afterward each recital time with cookies and punch.

KINDERMUSIK – A NOTE FROM MISS NICKY
I sincerely hope you and your families had a wonderful holiday. I enjoyed sharing time off with family and friends, and I'm looking forward to the start of the teaching year again. Our spring Kindermusik classes begin the first week of February 2011. Each 45 minute class meets 15 times Wednesday mornings from February 2 to May 25.
Village (0-18 months) - 9:45am
Our Time (1.5-3 years) - 10:30am
Imagine That (3.5-5 years) 11:15am

SPIRIT OF SHADOW – SPIRIT OF LIGHT FESTIVAL
1st ANNUAL VANCOUVER ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL – Feb 25 & 26, 2011
Hats off to the Nanaimo Arts Council who are presenting the Spirit of Shadow – Spirit of Light Multidisciplinary Art Festival this February! The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music is one of four participants and we are presenting a series of three chamber music concerts on February 25 and 26 that will celebrate the talents of local musicians. More info to come in our next newsletter where we will announce the line up and the other events that will take place in conjunction with the Spirit of Shadow – Spirit of Light Festival in February.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE OVER, READY TO RE-GIFT?
Maybe you got a gift this year, but you already had one, or maybe even two! A great way to show your support for the Conservatory is to donate any gifts you received this season that you think might be good for the Silent Auction in May! Ellen, our Administrative Assistant, is accepting donations starting in mid-January and you will even receive a tax receipt for the full value of your donation.


NCM FACULTY NEWS
MUSIC AT MIDDAY (all concerts at 12:15, Admission by donation to St. Paul’s Organ Fund)
St. Paul’s Anglican Church 29 Church Street, Nanaimo
Organist: Peter Orme, Director of Music, St. Paul’s Church
Wednesday, 12th January, “From Heaven on High” Music by Bach, Langlais, Purvis & Pachelbel
Wednesday, 9th February, “18th Century England” Music by Walond, Hine, and Stanley

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
• Hammond Organ of the B Series; solid mahogany wood; drum machine; amazing bass sound; leslie speaker; headphone jack. Call Steven: 250 618 8412
• Full size violin for sale. Three years old, beautiful full sound, new performance quality strings, good bow (like new), case included. Paid $1200 asking $500 OBO. Contact Hazel Dean 250 729 9716 hazeldean@telus.net.
• Full size violin for sale in a lockable case, new strings, a few other accessories, two bows, one strung, one not, no label inside but probably French. I’ve given up trying to learn to play. $875 Call 250 323 2660.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND KUDOS
• KUDOS to the Concert Committee who are doing a fantastic job pulling together the André Laplante Solo Piano Concert! Thank you to Annette, Donna, Leslie, Bonnie, Carolyn and Michael as well as out Publicist, Kim for great work in making this happen.
• Make sure to show your support of your instructors who play with the Symphony by attending the Vancouver Island Symphony’s “Old Wine in New Bottles” Festival January 20-23, 2011 at the Port Theatre. More info: http://vancouverislandsymphony.com/index.php?p=2_38

COMMUNITY MUSIC EVENTS ($10 when space permits)
• Chemainus Classical Concerts presents
“Master Works for Wind” directed by George Corwin
Sponsored by: Connect Hearing
St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, Chemainus
Tickets: $15 advance; $20 at the door. Tickets available at: Toad Hall Emporium (Chemainus), Gallowglass Books (Duncan) $20 at the door; Ocean Soul Book Caffé (Crofton), Salamander Books (Ladysmith); Valley Vines to Wines (Mill Bay) and more info: 250-748-8383; Chemainus Festival Inn (reservations 250-246-4181) or www.ChemainusClassicalConcerts.ca;
We hope you will be able to join us in Chemainus at 2 pm, Sunday, January 23 for an exceptionally fine concert by Victoria's Ensemble Pacifica the program will include: "Octet-Partita in Eb" - Johann Hummel (1778 - 1837), "Joyous Music" (Premiere performance) - Alfred Uhl (1909 - 1992), "Rondino in Eb" - Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) and "Three Elizabethan Fancies" - Gordon Jacob (1895 - 1984). As with all SMP concerts, one free voucher for a child or teen is available with each advance adult ticket purchased; youth price at the door is only $5.
After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.
~Aldous Huxley, Music at Night and Other Essays
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
There are plenty of concerts to attend during the month of December, so make sure to check the events listings on the other side! Please note, the Conservatory office will be on reduced hours for the week of the 20-23 and closed from Dec 24-Jan 3 and will re-open Tuesday January 4 for regular hours:
Holiday Office Hours
December 20-23 10AM – 5PM
December 24-Jan 3 Closed

TOM LEE DISCOUNT CARDS
If you have not yet received your Tom Lee discount card please check with your instructor. The discount card entitles you to 10% off all purchases of sheet music and other in store promotions!

SHOWCASE DVDs ON SALE
We have only a few DVDs of SHOWCASE 2010 left and we are selling them for 50% off the original price…that’s just $10. It’s a great keepsake!

ANDRE LAPLANTE Celebrates LISZT – CONTEST!!!
Did you know that Franz Liszt was born 200 years ago in Hungary and spent most of his life in Paris? It’s true and he was so popular that women fought over his silk handkerchiefs and gloves! He also almost married a princess!

Question: What was the name of the Princess that Franz Liszt almost married?

Email us ncmusic@island.net with the correct answer by December 7 at 12 noon and you will be entered to win 2 tickets to the Yellow Point Christmas Spectacular! Draw will be at 1PM on the 7th.

On Monday, February 7, 2011, 7:00 PM at the Port Theatre 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 Années de Pèlerinage, Book 2, Italy by Franz Liszt.

SPECIAL PRICE FOR CONSERVATORY STUDENTS! Conservatory students are entitled to one ticket at 50% off the regular student rate for this concert. NCM student rate is $10 and a voucher must be obtained from the office (after January 4) which can be redeemed at the Port Theatre Box Office.

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.

CALENDAR
Please make sure to update your calendars…
Dec 2 Adult Winter Recital
Dec 14 Suzuki Violin Recital
St. Paul’s Church Hall 4PM
Dec 17 Nanaimo Youth Choir Concert
St. Andrew’s United – 7:00PM
Dec 24-Jan 3 Winter Break – office closed
Jan 28 Faculty Concert - Flutes
Jan 29 Winter Recital
Feb 7 André Laplante in Concert
Feb 8 André Laplante Master Class
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

FACULTY CONCERT - FABULOUS!
Roni Wagner and Karl Rainer performed Works for Two Violas Friday November 26 @ 5 PM. The were lots of people in attendance and it was a fabulous event! The next concert is January 28 at 5PM in the Ensemble Room featuring flutists Jennifer Cluff and Cindy Speelman. Come and experience the sounds of the entire flute family from the bass flute to the piccolo.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
¨ Marilyn Rummel and the Nanaimo Conservatory congratulates two students receiving Silver Medals for the highest Provincial mark in the RCM 2009-2010 examination year in their instrument and grade: Kaleigh Stroink, Gr. 6 harp, and Rosamund Graham Gr. 2 harp. Happy students received their medal at the Provincial presentation last month in Vancouver, where Kaleigh was also one of the medal winners chosen to perform.


NCM FACULTY NEWS
¨ 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
¨ CONCERT – Trish Clair and Paul Gitlitz - Degnen Bay House Concerts Gabriola Island, Thursday December 9, 8PM contact Trish at trish@trishclairpeck.com for tickets.
¨ CONCERT - FREE Festive Flute Concert on Saturday Dec. 11/10 from 2-3 p.m. at the Harbourfront Library featuring flutists and recorders from the Conservatory with teachers Cindy Speelman and Jennifer Cluff.
¨ CONCERT - What Sweeter Music – Celebrate the holiday season with the Camerata Singers and the Nanaimo Youth Choir, Friday December 17, 7:00 PM, St. Andrew’s United Church Old City Quarter Nanaimo. Guest Flutist: Jennifer Cluff; Artistic Director: Marian Smith, General Admission $12. Tickets at the door. Reception to follow.

INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
¨ Hammond Organ of the B Series; solid mahogany wood; drum machine; amazing bass sound; leslie speaker; headphone jack. Call Steven: 250 618 8412
¨ Full size violin for sale. Three years old, beautiful full sound, new performance quality strings, good bow (like new), case included. Paid $1200 asking $500 OBO. Contact Hazel Dean 250 729 9716 hazeldean@telus.net.
¨ Full size violin for sale in a lockable case, new strings, a few other accessories, two bows, one strung, one not, no label inside but probably French. I’ve given up trying to learn to play. $875 Call 250 323 2660.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
¨ COMMUNITY CAROL FESTIVAL, 7:30 p.m., December 1 at St. Andrew's United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam: Catch the Christmas spirit at the annual Community Carol Festival. Following the festival, join the choirs at a reception in the hall. Admission by donation. Proceeds shared with St. Andrew’s “Catch the Spirit” Capital Campaign to refurbish and restore the integrity of the church.
¨ YELLOWPOINT CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR - SPECIAL OFFER for CONSERVATORY STUDENTS Contact Katy at razzledazzleproductions@gmail.com to reserve!
Yellowpoint Christmas Spectacular 2010 is a celebration of Christmas with 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.