Chordial Notes - December, 2012

THE GIFT OF MUSIC

Local, lasting, and naturally environmentally-friendly, the Conservatory is the perfect place to shop for this holiday season. Whether starting someone very young on the path to a musical life, or finally granting someone else’s long-time wish to learn their favourite instrument, there can be no act of generosity less thoughtful, effectual, or poignant than giving music lessons.

Gift certificates are available for lessons, programs, and tickets to our Krzysztof Jablonski gala concert in March.

LAST CHANCE: KRZYSZTOF JABLONSKI TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE FOR CONSERVATORY FACULTY AND STUDENTS!

Solo piano     2:00pm March 17^th, 2013 at the Port Theatre

For a limited time only, specially priced student tickets are available from the Conservatory at just $15 – that’s a 60% discount! This offer expires December 14^th, 2012, at which point tickets for the general public will sell at $38. Mr. Jablonski is an internationally award-winning pianist who has appeared professionally both on recordings and in concert for most of his life. We are thrilled to bring this virtuouso back to the Port and invite you to also attend his masterclass for advanced students (observers may attend for an additional $10 fee).  For tickets and more information, please call NCM at 250 754 4611.

JOIN THE CHOIR FOR JUST $250

New Junior Choir students are invited to join the Nanaimo Youth Choir for the remainder of its season for just $250. We actively seek children ages 5 to 14 years old with little or no musical experience. With no audition necessary, its foremost purpose is to instill a love for music and singing, while imparting important fundamentals and basic technique. In this safe and comfortable environment, children are encouraged to form friendships and discover the camaraderie of choral activities for the first time. Come on by and see what it’s all about! For more information, please contact NCM or Marian Smith at
250 741 6998.

SPRING BREAK MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP

We are very pleased to announce that we are offering our long-anticipated musical theatre program March 18^th-22^nd, 2013. Led by renowned performing artist Joëlle Rabu, classes will concentrate on vocal technique, performance training, movement for the stage, teamwork, exploring creativity, and problem solving. Although the workshop is designed primarily for children ages 7 – 12 years, keen learners who fall outside of this group are welcome to apply. Each day will run from 10am to 4pm, although working parents may drop off as early as 8:30am and pick up as late as 5:30pm. The final performance will be a musical revue at Nanaimo Centre Stage!

The cost is $350 for the week, plus script fees. Partial bursaries may be available to current Conservatory students! For more information, please contact NCM at 250 754 4611.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING           

All Conservatory members are welcome to attend our AGM, Tuesday, December 11^th at 7:00pm in the Conservatory’s ensemble room.

WINTER RECITAL      

Students and faculty are now urged to begin preparing for our Winter Recital, taking place Saturday, January 26^th. A sign-up sheet will be made available the first week of January. There will be afternoon and evening performances with public admission by donation.

NEW FACULTY SPOTLIGHT:  JOËLLE RABU, MUSICAL THEATRE

For nearly three decades, Joëlle has toured five continents to rave reviews and standing ovations for both her concert, original songs, and her stage play "Tonight Piaf." A two time Jessie Award winner, Juno nominee and Touring Artist of the Year recipient, Joelle has performed in many other theatrical productions (including Anything Goes, Marion Bridge, Irma la Douce, Cabaret, Hot Flashes, Murder on the Nile) and she has also sung with numerous symphony orchestras across Canada and the U.S.

Joëlle's background of travel and culture is the source of a varied spectrum of expression, joie de vivre, and pure love of entertainment. Whether performing in English or in French, Joëlle smashes linguistic barriers with her rich, intoxicating voice and emotional delivery. Joëlle’s music and style do not fall into any specific category; rather, she has been described as “Purely Canadian” (Vancouver Province), and this unique aspect of her performances describes the rich diversity of her homeland. As a performer, Joëlle Rabu embraces her audience with her welcoming stage presence, her honesty and her passionate voice.

FROM THE STUDIO OF CHRISTINE McMAHON

Brittany Hannah received First Class Honours in her grade 10 RCM Voice Exam, and Elizabeth Herman was awarded First Class with Distinction in her grade 9 Voice Exam in August of this year. Recently, Elizabeth Herman and fellow student Simon Tozer performed a scene from 'Phantom of the Opera' at the Gala Benefit of the Bailey Theatre, raising $3000 for the new emergency room at the Nanaimo Regional Hospital.

CHRISTMAS RECITALS, GATHERINGS, AND STUDENT APPEARANCES

Teresa Borek’s studio will be holding a Christmas piano recital on Saturday, December 8^th at 2:00 PM in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church on Departure Bay Road. Cindy Speelman’s flute and recorder students will also host a Christmas recital on Saturday, December 8^th at 2:00pm in the Conservatory’s Ensemble Room.

On Thursday, December 6^th, Anne Tanod’s studio is throwing a Suzuki Piano Party here at the Conservatory at 4:45pm.

Marilyn Rummel’s harp students will be performing in the lobby of the Cowichan Theatre on Sunday, December 9^th at 1:00pm as part of the Winter Harp concert, a touring ensemble show featuring some of Canada’s best harpists.

Finally, on Saturday, December 15^th the Nanaimo Youth Choir will present “The Colours of Christmas” with the Camerata Singers at St. Andrew’s United Church. Tickets are $12 and the concert will start at 7:00pm.

VANCOUVER ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL

 
It’s a go! With great anticipation NCM has begun planning the 2013 VICMS. It’s taking place February 21 – 24^th, so make sure you save the date. Interested in volunteering or otherwise contributing? Please stay tuned and watch this spot for more information.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Teresa Borek piano studio recital

                December 8^th at 2:00 PM – St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Departure Bay Road.

            Students will perform a Christmas Recital.

Community Carol Festival

 December 5^th at 7:30pm – St. Andrew’s United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St.

Join family and friends to sing some of your favourite carols, as Vancouver Island's best choirs celebrate the Christmas season at the Community Carol Festival! Admission by donation to be shared with the Salvation Army.

Jazz trio in concert

                December 15^th at 7:00 PM – The Driftwood Bistro, Victoria Crescent.

            Jazz Guitar Trio with Pat Coleman, Hans Verhoeven, and NCM faculty member Ken Lister.

A Carol for Christmas

                December 20^th to 22^nd at 7:00 PM – Central Heights Church, Abbotsford.

            A variety show featuring music, dance, drama, audience antics, and more, featuring many Vancouver Island

              Symphony musicians, including Pippa Williams, Joel Stobbe, Manti Poon, Mark D’Angelo and Anthony Averay.

CALENDAR

Dec  6           Suzuki piano party Dec  8           Flute & recorders concert                      Teresa Borek studio Christmas recital Dec 11          Annual General Meeting Dec 15          Nanaimo Youth Choir Christmas Concert

Jan       26                  Winter Recital
Feb       6                 Kindermusik begins

Feb       21-24          Chamber Music Festival              

Mar       17               Krzysztof Jablonski

                                                                       

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Open House at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music

CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC HOSTS OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, September 15, 2012

375 Selby Street in the Old City Quarter

11AM to 3 PM

The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music invites everyone to come down and have a taste of musical fun at their 5^th annual Open House on Saturday September 15, 2012 from 11 to 3.

The schedule for the day includes mini lessons; an instrument petting zoo hosted by Tom Lee Music Nanaimo; performances by Conservatory students; prizes; refreshments and more! This is a chance for you to check out what kind of instrument you might want to play, or just to relax and listen to some great music!

If you already know where your interest is then the following schedule might help you to decide what time you will go and visit:

11:00   – Voice

11:30   – Piano and Organ

12:00   – Strings including bass, cello, guitar, harp, violin and viola

1:00     – Choir, Winds and Brass including flute. clarinet, oboe, bassoon and more!

2:00     – Suzuki Program including flute, cello, violin and piano

The Conservatory offers programs for students of all ages and all levels of development, and, it is fully qualified to help you or your child achieve excellence in Royal Conservatory exams leading to a career in music, or just to learn to play for fun.

Why should a parent consider music lessons for their child? Studies have proven time and again that quality music instruction has a significant impact on children’s memory and literacy levels; assists in developing motor coordination and helps troubled children deal with negative emotions in a positive way. As early as the 19th century, the visionary Dr. Maria Montessori included music and arts into her worldwide school curricula to greatly enhance and accelerate learning.

The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music offers music lessons in more than a dozen instruments as well as group classes like choir, musical theatre, various ensembles and early childhood classes all of which contribute to developing self-esteem; cooperation and creative thinking.

     Summer Jazz Intensive Faculty Concert

Tel 250 754 4611

ncmusic@island.net

An Evening of Stellar Jazz Not to be Missed

Although she has made a name for herself as one of Montreal’s top composers and her music has been performed as far away as India and Peru, Vancouver Island-raised jazz musician Christine Jensen’s next big performance will be here in Downtown Nanaimo, at the Diners Rendezvous restaurant. “I’m really happy that we’re able to do the jazz camp and concert again in Nanaimo, and I’m thrilled to be working with Ken Lister and Phil Dwyer.” She adds, “I am also grateful that Nanaimo Conservatory of Music is hosting the events for the first time.” The concert, scheduled for Tuesday August 14 at 6:00 PM, coincides with the non-for-profit community music school’s inaugural Summer Jazz Intensive, aimed at young, aspiring jazz musicians.

Ken Lister, Christine Jensen, and Phil Dwyer (winner of the Juno for Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 2012) belong to an elite class of internationally renowned Canadian musicians and composers, and share a deep connection to central Vancouver Island. Jensen, a native of Cedar who now resides in Montreal, is excited to work with Nanaimo’s next generation of jazz musicians. Dwyer and Lister, who both live in Qualicum Beach, are just two more examples of established bandleaders and session players who have helped make a name for Vancouver Island on the international jazz scene. Between the two of them, they have shared the stage with everyone from Tom Harrell, to Renee Rosnes, Kenny Wheeler, Joshua Redman, and Slide Hampton, and both men have also appeared on multiple Juno-award winning albums.

The Summer Jazz Intensive Faculty Concert is Tuesday, August 14^th at 6:00 PM at the Diners Rendezvous. Tickets are $20 and $10 for students, and are available in advance from the Diners Rendezvous restaurant or Nanaimo Conservatory of Music by phoning (250) 754 4611.

Approaching its 35th anniversary as a major player in the Harbour City arts scene, the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music is proud to present their brand new summer program. Under the direction of three Juno award winning artists, the very first Summer Jazz Intensive will offer master classes, music appreciation, ensemble work, and individual instruction, as well as an opportunity to witness world class professional musicians work their magic firsthand.

 

For more information and interviews contact:

Kathleen Darby, Executive Director

Nanaimo Conservatory of Music

250 754 4611

ncmusic@island.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top musicians will work with students

By Darrell Bellaart, Daily News July 12, 2012

Fresh from a Juno Award, saxophonist Phil Dwyer will soon coach budding jazz musicians at the Summer Jazz Intensive in Nanaimo.
Dwyer, Ken Lister, bassist on Dwyer's successful Changing Seasons production and fellow Juno winner Christine Jensen will teach at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music production Aug. 13 to 16.
For Dwyer, it's a pit stop on a busy touring schedule that includes Mill Bay on July 21, the Kulth Festival in Coombs the following day and the Filburg Festival in Comox on Aug. 6. He'll be in Toronto and Ottawa between now and then.
"It's lots of air points, at least," Dwyer said.
Dwyer is recognized as a master of his craft, on sax and as a composer, arranger, a pianist and an educator.
With more than 100 recordings to his credit, he has also appeared on Juno Award winning releases with Guido Basso, Joe Sealy, Terry Clarke, Don Thompson, Molly Johnson and Hugh Fraser, and the Phil Dwyer/Dave Young Quartet.
A successful session player for 15 years and a regular at Toronto's top jazz clubs, he appeared with the likes of Kenny Wheeler, Red Rodney, Tom Harrell, Randy Brecker, Marcus Belgrave, Alain Caron, Don Thompson, Dave Young, Joe Labarbera, Ingrid Jensen and Rodney Whitaker.
An in-demand arranger, musical director, composer and performer, he appears regularly on CBC Radio and has toured around the world.
A Central Island resident since 2004, Dwyer remains busy as a performer and as a composer and arranger for concert and recording projects. This includes orchestral projects with Sarah Slean and the CBC Orchestra, big band work with Hard Rubber Orchestra, chamber music for the Gryphon Trio, and several projects with the Art Of Time Ensemble, of which he is a founding member.
Dwyer was twice named arranger of the year at the National Jazz Awards.
His most recent project, an ambitious 40-minute Changing Seasons piece was written for violin virtuoso Mark Fewer. It received its successful premiere at McGill University in late 2010, and plans are currently underway for a studio recording.
"It was kind of a unique project," Dwyer said. "I don't think anything like that has ever been done before, in Canada, at least." Registration for the four-day course is $325, by calling 2507544611 or e-mail ncmusic@island. net. The Conservatory is at 375 Selby St.
"If a student has an interest in jazz music, any instrument, basically they're going to get something out of this," said Kathleen Darby, conservatory executive director.
DBellaart@nanaimodailynews.com 250-729-4235

© Copyright (c) Postmedia News

CHORDIAL NOTES APRIL 2012

FESTIVAL OF RECITALS - YEAR END PERFOMANCES! JUNE 1 AND 2, 2012
On the weekend of June 1st & 2nd we will celebrate the successes of all of the wonderful students of the Conservatory. A special awards performance is being planned followed by a full day of musical fun which ends with the award-winning Nanaimo Youth Choir’s final performance of the year. All the details will be available soon and the full schedule of events will be posted in the next newsletter. Make sure to mark the date and plan to be with us for this first-ever super-celebration.

CONSERVATORY MEMBERS TO ATTEND PROVINCIAL MUSIC FESTIVAL!
The following individuals who are either students or accompanists with the Conservatory have been recommended to the Provincial Festival to be held in Nanaimo May 27-31, 2012. Congratulations to all! Brittany Hannah – Senior Classical Voice Johanna Gallant – Piano (Johanna is a NYC accompanist) Liam Pistor – Intermediate Woodwinds (also NYC accompanist) ALSO - Congratulations to Conservatory Students who are Upper Island Music Festival Bursary Recipients! The bursaries are awarded at the Honours Performance on Sun. April 22 at 2:30 pm. Recipients are asked to arrive at 1:45 to the back of St. Andrews Church, Fitzwilliam & Wesley St. Guitar Strings Alex Kolodinsky Aidan Olmsted Morgan McPhee Christopher Torrie Clif Clemotte Chloe Hardbattle Ella Wyndlow

NANAIMO YOUTH CHOIR NEWS
Youth Choir Recommended to the Provincial Music Festival - AGAIN!
Year after year the Nanaimo Youth Choir achieves awards and recognitions and this year is no exception! Once again our illustrious Choir is honoured to have been recommended to the Provincial Music Festival which will be happening very soon right here in Nanaimo. Don’t forget that the Nanaimo Youth Concert Choir is raising funds to attend the Pacific Childrens Choir Festival in Eugene, Oregon June 26th - July 2nd. We would appreciate your support by: · purchasing the Nanaimo Youth Choir CD $15(launched in Nov) available at: Quilted Duck, A to Zebra, Tom Lee Music, Nanaimo Museum Gift Store, Newfoundland to Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music; · picking up a Thrifty's Smile Card from Shelley Wallace at 250-758-1834. This fund raiser costs you nothing but guarantees the choir 5% of groceries purchased at any Thrifty's store; · collecting bottles/cans for the choir's bottle drives. We would appreciate it if you could drop your returnables at the Mostar bottle depot and just say you want the money to be added to the Nanaimo Youth Choir account there.

SUMMER PROGRAMS
Keep your passion alive this summer by attending summer programs at the Conservatory.
1. Summer Jazz Intensive with Christine Jensen, Phil Dwyer and Ken Lister August 16-19, 2012 Early Bird Tuition (by May 31) $275 Regular Tuition $325 Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn the art of jazz with some of the finest Canadian Jazz musicians! Open to students ages 14 and up, the program includes three days of instruction as well as an instructor’s concert and student concert. Register early as space is very limited. To register call the Conservatory at 250 754 4611
2. Summer Flute with Cindy Speelman Dates to be Announced Cindy Speelman will be offering her flute workshops again this summer for beginner to advanced. These workshops are a wonderful way to keep your musical studies going over the summer or to even find out whether studying the flute is for you. Email Cindy directly at spcindy@shaw.ca for more details.
3. Guitar Styles with Patrick Olmsted Tuesday and Thursday evenings – more details to come Introduction to Spanish Guitar, Introduction to Gypsy Jazz Guitar, Gypsy Swing and World Guitar. These introductory classes are open to all. A foundation in world ensemble traditions and improvised music is something that all musicians can benefit from.

FROM THE FACULTY
From Teresa Borek: Congratulations to Johanna Gallant – member of the Nanaimo Youth Choir and the accompanist for the Junior Choir, who was a winner in all her piano classes (Classical, Romantic, Concert Group). She won a bursary, has been invited to perform in the Honour Performance on April 22 and she will represent Nanaimo in the Provincial Festival of the Arts (in Junior category) in May 2012 in Nanaimo.

MUSIC AT MIDDAY
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 29 Church Street, Nanaimo 12.15 p.m. – 12.45 p.m. Organist: Peter Orme (Director of Music, St. Paul’s Church) Wednesday, 9th May - Music by J.S. Bach (1685-1750); Admission free – donations to St. Paul’s organ fund

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED The Conservatory’s Annual Silent Auction will be happening in a few months and we are accepting donations starting now. If you have something you would like to donate, please bring it by any time. All donations of items will receive a tax receipt for the full value of the item. Thank you so much for supporting your Conservatory!!

COMMUNITY EVENTS
The Vancouver Island Symphony presents - Carnival Saturday, April 21, 7:30 p.m. Guest Artists: Elizabeth and Marcel Bergmann, Piano Duo; Conductor: Pierre Simard What a way to celebrate life! ALL life! Join in the Carnival on Saturday, April 21 at 7:30 as the Vancouver Island Symphony performs their final concert of this season at the Port Theatre. Like the Carnival parades of Brazil there will be joyous rhythms and fantasy with powerful, exciting, thrilling music. Beams Maestro Pierre Simard, “These are classical works that are really popular, music that is so joyful you forget it’s classical.” Why go all the way to Brazil when you can experience the music of Carnival right in Nanaimo! Get your tickets while they last – by calling 250-754-8550 or online at www.porttheatre.com. Come early to the Pre-Concert Talk (6:30 p.m.) and hear Maestro Simard tell the stories behind the music. For more information visit: www.vancouverislandsymphony.com

IN MEMORIAM – WE REMEMBER · WELDON DAVIDSON BRADLEY
Donations to the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music are being made in celebration of the life of Weldon Davidson Bradley, an avid fiddle player from the central island area. Mr. Bradley has been fondly remembered by the following people who have made a donation to the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music in his name: Dr. D. Bradley, Joan and Marvin Sheppard. Thank you for joining with us in this celebration of Mr. Bradley’s life and his love of music. Donations will be used to support music instruction for students of the Conservatory.

CALENDAR
Please check your calendars, many new dates have been added
April 27 Faculty Concert TBA
April 27 Suzuki Parent Session
May 17 Suzuki Piano Recital at St. Paul’s
May 25 Faculty Concert
June 2 Festival of Recitals and NYC Concert
August 13-16 Jensen Jazz Camp

Hey, we’re on Facebook! Are you?
If you are, please like our page and tell us all about your musical experiences.
It’s a great way to keep in touch.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nanaimo-Conservatory-of-Music/192271397455

Summer Jazz Intensive
August 13-16, 2012

Faculty:
Christine Jensen
Phil Dwyer
Ken Lister

Registration opens on April 16, 2012

Early Bird Registration (before June 1): $275
Regular Registration (June 1 - August 1): $325
Last Minute Registration (Up to Aug 10): $400

Program includes three days of instruction as well as concerts!

To be first on the list to receive a registration package, contact the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music at 250 754 4611 or "ncmusic at island dot net."

Chordial Notes
Newsletter – March 2012

Upper Island Music Festival Success!
Congratulations to all the Nanaimo Conservatory students who participated in the Upper Island Music Festival this year! It seems as though everyone did very well. Thank you to the parents who helped in preparing students and to all of the volunteers of the festival. Here are the notes from your instructors:
Patrick Olmsted: Hearty Congratulations to the Conservatory
guitarists who all delivered stellar performances at the 2012 Upper Island Music Festival !!! The clean sweep of gold and silver was well deserved due to the number of personal best presentations from everyone. Kudos to : Rhys Wong, Maya Dean, Jonah Madson, Honor Thaagaard, Morgan McPhee, Karolina Malinowska, David Moddle,
David Macleod, Sam Firouzli, Maxime Therrien, Clif Clemotte,
Cameron Craig, The Nanaimo Conservatory Guitar Ensemble, and their leader Alexander Kolodinsky. Well done all!!!
Cindy Speelman: Congratulations to the following flute students of Cindy Speelman who performed beautifully at the Upper Island Music Festival this week: Robyn Boar, Ella Hannesson, Emily Holmes, Uei-Young Jung, Brooke Sorensen and Andrea Stachow. Keep up the great work. Thank you to our accompanists Douglas Holmes, Viky Jung and Justin Hu (piano student of Anne Tanod).
James Mark: Congratulations to Aidan Olmsted who placed first in U10 fiddle, Grade 1 romantic and Grade 1 baroque violin at Festival this weekend!
Christine McMahon: Vocal students of Christine McMahon earned kudos in the Upper Island Music Festival this week. Brittany Hannah gave stellar performances in the 19 - 28 yr. old group, gleaning First place in all six of her classes! Elizabeth
Herman was awarded four Firsts and one Second in the 29 year and over group. In the 10 and under group, Lilu Scott received three Firsts, and Akela Szasz received a Second Place.
Anne Tanod: Congratulations to Justin Hu who performed the first movement of the Mozart Piano Sonata K545 in the Grade Eight Classical Music class. Justin also accompanied some of Ciny Speelman/s flute students in the Festival. Way to go,
Justin!
Karl Rainer: Congratulations to Emma Leigh, Ella Wyndlow, Chloe Hardbattle, Clif Clemotte and Jasmine Mather for wonderful performances at the Upper Island Music Festival. All five violinists were wonderfully poised, confident and musical. Of special note were Emma's Allegretto, Ella and Chloe's duo of Judas Maccabeus, Clif's concerto by Accolay, and Jasmine's Hejre Kati. Everyone produced a rich beautiful sound which was the main focus of last year's lessons. Well done all! I was very proud of you.

NANAIMO YOUTH CHOIR NEWS
MARIAN SMITH TO BE HONOURED BY THE CITY OF NANAIMO!
Marian Smith has been awarded the City of Nanaimo's Honour in Culture award for dedication and support of the development of the cultural fabric of Nanaimo. Previous recipients of this prestigious award have included Conservatory founder Joyce Horner, theatre supporter Gordon Kirby, literary arts supporter Thora Howell, The Nanaimo Theatre Group, Arts Alive Summer School of the Fine Arts, and arts supporter Sandra Thompson. The awards will be presented at the Port Theatre by City Council, in the form of a framed photograph of the recipients done by Gary Peters that will be displayed in the Margaret Strongitharm Gallery at the Port Theatre. Sincere congratulations to Marian. She is a very worthy recipient and it's great that she is being recognized this way. She will be keeping illustrious company in the Margaret Stongitharm Gallery!

The Nanaimo Youth Concert Choir is pleased to announce their plan to attend the Pacific Childrens Choir Festival in Eugene,
Oregon June 26th - July 2nd. The choir will be busy raising funds in a variety of ways. We would appreciate your support by:
• purchasing the Nanaimo Youth Choir CD $15(launched in Nov) available at: Quilted Duck, A to Zebra, Tom Lee Music, Nanaimo Museum Gift Store, Newfoundland to Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music;
• picking up a Thrifty's Smile Card from Shelley Wallace at 250-758-1834. This fund raiser costs you nothing but guarantees the choir 5% of groceries purchased at any Thrifty's store;
• collecting bottles/cans for the choir's bottle drives. We would appreciate it if you could drop your returnables at the Mostar bottle depot and just say you want the money to be added to the Nanaimo Youth Choir account there.
• Attending the NYC Beer and Burger Fundraiser tentative date March 31st. Please call Shelley Wallace (250-758-1834) for more details, to purchase tickets or to donate items to the silent auction. This promises to be a fun evening and the more,
the merrier!

SUZUKI FLUTE NEWS
Congratulations to Uei-Young Jung for completing her Suzuki Flute Book 1 Graduation Recital on March 3.
Upcoming event: Suzuki Flute Book 1 Graduation Recital on Friday March 16 at 3:15 p.m. in the Ensemble Room featuring Robyn Boar on Flute assisted by Justin Hu on piano. Everyone Welcome.

MUSIC AT MIDDAY
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 29 Church Street, Nanaimo 12.15 p.m. – 12.45 p.m.
Organist: Peter Orme (Director of Music, St. Paul’s Church)
Wednesday, 11th April - Canadian Organ Music; Wednesday, 9th May - Music by J.S. Bach (1685-1750); Admission free – donations to St. Paul’s organ fund

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED
The Conservatory’s Annual Silent Auction will be happening in a few months and we are accepting donations starting now. If you have something you would like to donate, please bring it by any time. All donations of items will receive a tax receipt for the full value of the item. Thank you so much for supporting your Conservatory!!

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Music Known & Unknown
At 2 pm on Sunday, March 25th, in the intimate setting of 1891 heritage St. Michael’s Church, select wind instrument players from Ensemble Pacifica join with pianist Julian Greenwood in spectacular performances of a quintet by W.A. Mozart and a sextet by the little-know late-Romantic composer Ludwig Thuille. Following the performance, stay for a delicious “Meet the Artists Reception”! Tickets ($15 in advance or $20 at the door) are available at Valley Vines to Wines (Mill Bay), Ten Old Books (Duncan), Ocean Soul Book Caffé (Crofton), Salamander Books (Ladysmith), the Chemainus Festival Inn or by calling 250-748-8383. You may also buy tickets at Toad Hall Emporium (Chemainus) at the advance price of $15 until one hour before concert time!
The Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra presents
“From Russia with Love”, Saturday Mar 24th, 7:30 pm at Brechin United Church and Sunday Mar 25th, 2:30 pm at St.Edmund’s Anglican Church – Parksville. Chris Helman is guest artist, to play the Glazunov Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra. As well, the program includes works by Bach, Vivaldi, Delius, Bartok and Morricone. Tickets are $20 adults/$10 students (under 12, free) at the Port Theatre Box Office or at the door.

IN MEMORIAM – WE REMEMBER
• AL BURROWS - A donation has been made by Helen Milne in memory of Al Burrows.
Thank you for celebrating Mr. Burrows life with us.
• WELDON DAVIDSON BRADLEY - Donations to the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music are being made in celebration of the life of Weldon Davidson Bradley an avid fiddle player from the central island area. Mr. Bradley has been fondly remembered by the following people who have made a donation to the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music in his name: Madlyn & Wes Bradley (with Trevor, Dale, Christi and Becky Bradley; Russ and Anne Bradley and Erica, Jeff, Cohen & Ethan Schmidt), Edna Smith, Douglas Morrison, Josie Rinald, Frank Bradley, Anna West, Richard Linstedt and Jacqueline Dumont, Joseph Boyda, Sandra Winkler, Peter and Joan Copiak, Fred and Lynn Meredith, Ethel and Terry Whibley. Thank you for joining with us in this celebration of Mr. Bradley’s life and his love of music. Donations will be used to support music instruction for students of the Conservatory.

CALENDAR
Please check your calendars, many new dates have been added
March 19- 23 Spring Break, please check with your
instructor regarding scheduled lessons
March 16 Suzuki Flute Book Graduation
March 30 Faculty Concert TBA
April 6 Good Friday, office closed
April 9 Easter Monday, office closed
April 27 Faculty Concert TBA
April 27 Suzuki Parent Session
May 17 Suzuki Piano Recital at St. Paul’s
May 25 Faculty Concert
June 2 Festival of Recitals and NYC Concert
August Jensen Jazz Camp – Details in April

CHORDIAL NOTES - FEBRUARY 2012

Vancouver Island Chamber Music Festival

FEBRUARY 24-26, 2012 @ NANAIMO CENTRE STAGE - 25 VICTORIA ROAD

Don’t miss this amazing festival of chamber music. More than 40 musicians,
professional and amateur, will perform in 8 concerts over three days. In
addition, three of the ensembles will be doing community concerts at a local
retirement residence, an elementary school and at the University. This is an
expansion of the inaugural festival from last year and is shaping up to be just
as exciting and of equally high quality.

The Festival kicks off on Friday evening at 7:00 PM with Mount Benson
Brass Werks, a local brass ensemble featuring Heather Walker on French
horn, Shawn Wright on trombone and Mark D’Angelo on trumpet. They will
play Bach’s Trio in D Minor; Robert Fink’s Modal Suite; Robert Muczynski’s
Voyage for Brass Trio; Ian McDougall’s Trio for Brass, and Steven Verheist’s
A Song for Japan. We will then be treated to the Sonora String Quartet with
guest clarinetist, Susanne Bullock. Members of the Quartet include: James
Mark, violin; Karl Rainer, violin; Trish Clair, viola and Hannah Wilson, cello.
Their choice for the second half of the programme on Friday evening is the
Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115 by Brahms.

Our Saturday Matinee at 2:00 PM features two ensembles who hail from
Vancouver. In the first half we will have a chance to hear the illustrious
Vancouver Clarinet Trio featuring Kate Frobeen, Liam Hockley and Shawn
Earle who will play the Diveritmento No. 3 K. 229 by Mozart, Um Chornho em
Aldeia by Araujo, arr. Silveria; Mororo by Sedicias and Funf Stucke fir 3
Klarinetten by Takacs. In the second half the Kwantlen Trio have chosen In
Memoriam Harry Adaskin by Chatman; The Jet Whistle by Villa-Lobos and
Trio in d minor by Mendelsshon. Musicians who make up the Kwantlen Trio
are: Paulo Bortolussi, flute; Brian Mix, cello and Jane Hayes, piano.
Saturday evening at 7:00 PM starts with the familiar, sweet sounds of the
Flute & Guitar Duo, Patrick Olmsted, guitar and Cindy Speelman, flute who will be playing selections by Chopin, Bach, Handel and Fauré.

We then close the professional program of the Festival with Trio Con Brio who we understand from other French horn players, will be playing a most challenging piece! This trio is made up of Andrew Clark, French horn; Christi Meyers, violin; and Katrina Russell, bassoon. This illustrious ensemble has chosen to perform Diveritmento A Tre by Haydyn; Trio in F Major Op. 24 by Danzi and Concerto in F Major
by Telemann. If you are not yet familiar with Andrew Clark’s work, you can check out his Web site at http://www.naturallyhorns.co.uk/. We are thrilled that Katrina and Andrew have decided to make Vancouver Island their home and look forward to their performance with Christi!

On Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM we close the Festival in true central island style with a tribute to two local amateur (which is no reflection on the quality of their performances) ensembles. In the first half we will have the pleasure of listening to selections of early music by Holborne, Gibbons, Fauré, Schein and more, played by Heart’s Ease. And in the second half and the final performance of the Festival our
own Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra will treat us to pieces composed by Grieg, Warlock, Ramnish, Holst, Handel, Walton and Vivaldi.

Festival passes are just $30 (students $25) for all eight concerts (4 shows) which guarantees an event ticket as long as you arrive 15 minutes or more before show time. Individual show tickets are $10 (cash only) and are only available at the door. Individual show tickets go on sale to the general public at 15 minutes before the show, but be sure to arrive early!

Many thanks to our funders: Department of Canadian Heritage and the City of Nanaimo, our sponsors Tom Lee Music Nanaimo and Purtzki & Associates as well as all of our Festival Supporters and Volunteers! Finally, hats off to Pippa Williams who has volunteered as our Music Director this year, she has done an incredible job of raising the bar for our second annual (hopefully) Vancouver Island Chamber Music Festival. For more information and performer bios visit: www.vancouverislandchambermusic.blogspot.com.

NEW OFFICE HOURS
Our new office hours are 11 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Friday. Feedback is always welcome!!

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
• Congratulations to Hayden Wood on winning the provincial Gold Medal for his top notch performance on his Royal Conservatory of
Music Grade 2 exam.
• Kudos to all of the students who participated in the Conservatory’s Winter Recital at St. Paul’s at the end of January. Such amazing
talent and obvious hard work has been blossoming here at NCM. We are so proud of all of our students!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Violinist Aisslinn Nosky, from Nanaimo BC, was a student of Heilwig von Königslöw at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music when she played her solo debut with the CBC Vancouver Orchestra at the age of eight. It's possible she has not stopped for breath since. To read the whole article visit: http://bit.ly/AkZ6Sa

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED
The Conservatory’s Annual Silent Auction will be happening in a few months and we are accepting donations starting now. If you have something you would like to donate, please bring it by any time. All donations of items will receive a tax receipt for the full value of the item.Thank you so much for supporting your Conservatory!!

NANAIMO YOUTH CHOIR NEWS
The Nanaimo Youth Concert Choir is pleased to announce their plan to attend the Pacific Childrens Choir Festival in Eugene, Oregon June
26th - July 2nd. The choir will be busy raising funds in a variety of ways. We would appreciate your support by:
• purchasing the Nanaimo Youth Choir CD $15(launched in Nov) available at: Quilted Duck, A to Zebra, Tom Lee Music, Nanaimo
Museum Gift Store, Newfoundland to Nanaimo and the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music;
• picking up a Thrifty's Smile Card from Shelley Wallace at 250-758-1834. This fund raiser costs you nothing but guarantees the choir
5% of groceries purchased at any Thrifty's store;
• collecting bottles/cans for the choir's bottle drives. We would appreciate it if you could drop your returnables at the Mostar bottle depot and just say you want the money to be added to the Nanaimo Youth Choir account there.
Attending the NYC Beer and Burger Fundraiser tentative date March 31st. Please call Shelley Wallace (250-758-1834) for more details, to purchase tickets or to donate
items to the silent auction. This promises to be a fun evening and the more, the merrier!

MUSIC AT MIDDAY
St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 29 Church Street, Nanaimo 12.15 p.m. – 12.45 p.m.
Organist: Peter Orme (Director of Music, St. Paul’s Church)
Wednesday, 14th March - Happy Birthday – music by composers for whom 2012 is an important anniversary; Wednesday, 11th April -
Canadian Organ Music; Wednesday, 9th May - Music by J.S. Bach (1685-1750); Admission free – donations to St. Paul’s organ fund

NANAIMO ARTS COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIPS
Application forms are available for the Nanaimo Arts Council’s annual Achievement Awards program, designed to assist talented
individuals of any age and artistic discipline to further their arts education. The awards are open to all areas of the arts: performing, literary,
visual, and more. Former award winners have gone on to successful careers as professional artists. Application forms are available online
at www.nanaimoartscouncil.ca, or the Nanaimo Arts Council Gallery in Nanaimo North Town Centre. Applications must be submitted with
all supporting documentation by March 15. Late entries will not be accepted. Last year the arts council awarded $4,000 to students for
studies in visual arts, music, dance, photography, and theatre. For more information, please call 250-729-3947 or e-mail
admin@nanaimoartscouncil.ca.

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Symphony Community Day - FREE Events with the VI Symphony
Saturday, February 18, Port Theatre
Musical Instrument Zoo (11 a.m. -12 noon); NoteworthyKids Music Club Family Event (11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.); Open Rehearsal
(12:30-1:30 p.m.); Reserve your Complimentary Ticket: 250-754-8550. FREE and CASUAL and LIVE!
The Vancouver Island Symphony presents
Believe - Saturday, February 18, 7:30 p.m.
Conductor: Pierre Simard; Guest Artist: Ken Lavigne, Tenor
All Vancouver Island Symphony concerts feature faculty members from the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. We encourage you to
support both your instructors and the Symphony!
The Port Theatre, Tickets: 250-754-8550, www.porttheatre.com
Island Consort presents
. . . of Water and the Cosmos
Saturday April 28th, 7:30pm - St. Edmunds Anglican Church, Parksville, BC
Sunday April 29th, 7:30pm - Brechin United Church, Nanaimo, BC
Here is a concert that will take the audience to many places, emotionally and intellectually. The Island Consort, directed by Bruce
Farquharson, is now singing some very rich arrangements for up to 8 parts and for double choir. On the program are works by
Pachelbel and Rheinberger for double choir, 8-part renditions of Albinoni's "Adagio" and Paul Mealor's "Locus Iste", and 4 pieces
relating to First Nations culture. Players from the Nanaimo Chamber Orchestra will accompany the choir on 3 works; Monteverdi's
"Beatus Vir", Albinoni's "Adagio" and Raminsh's "The Great Sea". Water presents the finishing touch with 3 pieces; Full Fathom Five,
Sea Fever and Deep River. Admission is $15 (under 12, free) at the door.
Chemainus Classical Concerts presents
Aspects of Love
At 2 pm on Sunday, February 26th, in the intimate setting of 1891 heritage St. Michael’s Church, join us on a musical journey through
various “Aspects of Love”- the look that ignites the flame, the first kiss, the inevitable conflict, and the joys of abiding love. Spend an
afternoon in the company of Mozart, Schumann, Brahms, Bellini and others, as Alison Nystrom and Betty Suderman explore this
timeless Valentine theme. Following the performance, stay for a delicious “Meet the Artists Reception”! Tickets ($15 in advance or $20
at the door) are available at Valley Vines to Wines (Mill Bay), Ten Old Books (Duncan), Ocean Soul Book Caffé (Crofton),
Salamander Books (Ladysmith), the Chemainus Festival Inn or by calling 250-748-8383.

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS
• A donation has been made in memory of Helena Milne, wife of Tom Milne.
• Donations to the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music are being made in celebration of the life of Weldon Davidson Bradley an avid fiddle player from the central island area. A service is being held on Saturday February 18 at 1:00 PM at the Bradley Centre in Coombs, BC. Donations made in celebration of Mr. Bradley’s life will be posted in our newsletter, with permission of the donor.
• A donation of $5,000 was made by an anonymous donor last month! Thank you so much!!

CALENDAR
Please check your calendars, many new dates have been added!
Feb 24-26 Vancouver Island Chamber Music Festival
March 2 Suzuki Violin Book Graduation Celebration
March 19- 23 Spring Break, please check with your
instructor regarding scheduled lessons
March 30 Faculty Concert TBA
April 6 Good Friday, office closed
April 9 Easter Monday, office closed
April 27 Faculty Concert TBA
April 27 Suzuki Parent Session
May 17 Suzuki Piano Recital at St. Paul’s
May 25 Faculty Concert
June 2 Festival of Recitals and NYC Concert

CHORDIAL NOTES January 2012

Ever since I began to compose, I have remained true to my starting principle: not to write a page because no matter what public, or what pretty girl wanted it to be thus or thus; but to write solely as I myself thought best, and as it gave me pleasure. - Felix Mendelssohn, 1843
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Welcome to a new year here at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music. There are some very exciting things coming in the next few weeks, so make sure you take a good long look at this month’s newsletter!

FACULTY CONCERT – FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 @ 5PM
Faculty Concert featuring Cindy Speelman and Patrick Olmsted Friday January 27 @ 5 PM, all welcome, admission by donation. This concert series is intended as an enrichment program for students and all students are encouraged to attend. Concerts last for about an hour and include information on the pieces and instruments that are being used.

WINTER RECITAL – JANUARY 28 @ 3PM AND 7PM
The Conservatory’s Winter Recital will take place on January 28 at St. Paul’s Church in downtown Nanaimo. Students are welcome to sign up for either time and admission is free! This is a great opportunity for students to perform for an audience and for family and friends to see our students’ wonderful progress! Please plan to join us.

VANCOUVER ISLAND CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 24-26, 2012
NANAIMO CENTRE STAGE - 25 VICTORIA ROAD
Eight groups will perform in the 2nd annual Vancouver Island Chamber Music Festival this year. We are just putting the final touches on the programming and will let you know all about it in the next newsletter. Festival passes will go on sale on January 20th and are available through the Conservatory office. Passes are only $30 for adults and $25 for students. Individual tickets will be available at the door only and are $10 per show.


NEW KINDERMUSIK CLASSES START FEBRUARY 1, 2012
The spring semester of Kindermusik begins Feb 1. Our Time is 10:30-11:15 and Village is 11:15am-12pm. Classes run weekly until May 16, with March 21 off for spring break.
Our Time (18 months to 3 years) - Away We Go! -- Hop on the train, get in the car, board the plane, and Away We Go! This class focuses on transportation, a favorite 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. Home Materials: Double CD featuring songs from class; two interactive story books—Shiny Dinah and Giddy-Up! to develop early literacy skills; Home Activity Book, and two harmonicas designed for toddlers.
Village (birth to 18 months) - 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 colorful flowers—DewDrops, a set of Art Banners for the nursery wall, and a Flower Bells instrument for music-making at home.

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED
The Conservatory’s Annual Silent Auction will be happening in a few months and we are accepting donations starting now. If you have something you would like to donate, please bring it by any time. All donations of items will receive a tax receipt for the full value of the item. Thank you so much for supporting your Conservatory!!

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
· The Nanaimo Conservatory Youth Harp Ensemble, along with 4 sibling violin players and the Duncan Youth Harpers, performed in a marvelous pre-show music session at the Port Theatre prior to the Winter Harp concert in December. The audience and the Winter Harp crew themselves were highly entertained and delighted by the efforts of the student musicians - good show! Left to right: Anneke (you can just see the edge of her white dress), Joseph, Meg, Trinity, Tianna, Juliet, Kayleigh, Ava, Hayley, Maria, Hannah, Dakota, Cliff

· The Voice Alive Singers, students of Christine McMahon, presented 'Glad Tidings', a Christmas Benefit Concert & Silent Auction at St. Philip's by-the-Sea on Dec. 4 in Lantzville, raising $3,000 for Loaves & Fishes Community Food Bank. L to R seated: Donna Falconer, piano, standing: Sandy Bartlett, Christine McMahon, Elizabeth Herman, Susanne Bullock, clarinet, Simon Tozer, Rhyan Cavan, Brittany Hannah, Janice Byerley, Andrea Georgiev. Thanks to all the donors, volunteers and the wonderful audience who helped make this such a special event.

SUZUKI PARENT SESSION – FRIDAY JANUARY 20 @7:00
Motivation: Secret to Success
A session for all current, new and prospective Suzuki parents of students studying Piano, Violin, Flute, Cello and other instruments. Program includes: Overview of Suzuki Philosophy and recommendations; Online, print, and activity resources for parents and students; timely tips for motivation for your child and yourself; question and answer session; parent discussion. Facilitated by Anne Tanod, Nicole Arendt and Cindy Speelman. FREE ADMISSION

LOST – PLEASE HELP!
Please help! A parent was in with their children for lessons and has lost a hard drive in the back waiting area while here. It was still in the box, though it had been opened. It was lost between 3:00 and 5:00 on Thursday, January 5, 2012. If you have any information about this lost item, or if you find it, please call David Ruel at 250 802 1650, or drop it off at the Conservatory office.

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

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! - DONATIONS IN 2011
Many thanks to the following individuals and companies who made contributions to the Conservatory in 2011. We appreciate your support which helps the Conservatory in its ability to offer excellent enrichment programs for our students.
Anonymous (9)
Lynne Alton
Digby Belcher
Andrew Bennett
Brian Bonnell
Richard and Lynne Bowen
Dolores Broadfoot
Edna Chadwick
Christopher Churchill
Coastal Community
Shannon Cowan
Phyllis Fafard
Solveig Farquharson
Floresque
Judith Fraser
J. Gansen
Pearl Gervais
Dirk Heydemann
Janice Hiles
Mrs. John Hough
Stephen Hynes
Jean Jacobson
Delores Johnson
Keith and Doreen Ketchen
Sayuri Kubota
Donna and John Laing
Rosemary Lindsay
Arthur Lionel
Catherine Lowe
Ken Lyall
Ken Mann
Mary and Helmut Mark
Christine McAuley
William McColl
Sue McDonald
Garry McKevitt
Christine McMahon
Helen Milne
Arla Jean Murch
Nanaimo News Bulletin
J.R. O'Rourke
Purtzki & Associates
Harriet Rueggleburg
Hye Joo Shin
Terry Simpson
Louise Thaagard
Tom Lee Music
Turley's Florist
Dick Vann
Stanley and Bernice Wardill
Joris Wiggers
Edna Woolfenden
Carol Wright
Susan Youle
Some of the donations above were made on behalf of the following loved ones.
Barbara R. Cowling
Peter Van Neiuwenhuizen
Henry Vann
George Thompson

We would also like to acknowledge a significant bequest from the estate of Barry Swann, a long time supporter of the Conservatory, a guitar enthusiast and maker, and the founder of the Swann Guitar Scholarship.

CALENDAR

Please update your calendars, new dates have been added.

Jan 27 Faculty Concert – Flute and Guitar
Jan 28 Winter Recital at St. Paul’s Church
Jan 30 Suzuki Parent Session 7:00 @ NCM
Feb 24-26 VI Chamber Music Festival
May 6 Showcase Concert
June 2 NYC Year- end Concert
June 9 Spring Recital and Awards Ceremony