NCM Blog

CHORDIAL NOTES January 2012

2012-01-17T13:57:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-07T13:56:00.001-08:00

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!

2011-12-07T13:55:00.001-08:00

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

2011-11-29T13:31:00.000-08:00

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

CHORDIAL NOTES OCTOBER 2011

2011-10-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

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

FIDDLE ENSEMBLE UP AND RUNNING!!

2011-09-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-09-07T15:57:00.000-07:00

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

Chordial Notes June 2011

2011-06-07T17:54:00.001-07:00

“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

2011-04-27T16:25:00.001-07:00

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

Vancouver Island Fiddle Camp

2011-03-07T15:50:00.001-08:00

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

2011-02-21T12:30:00.000-08:00

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

HOME TOWN HERO SAVES FUNDRAISING CONCERT

2011-02-02T12:33:00.000-08:00

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

CHORDIAL NOTES JANUARY 2011

2011-01-21T12:30:00.001-08:00

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

2011-01-21T12:21:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-08T16:25:00.000-08:00

CHORDIAL NOTES - NOVEMBER 2010 "Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything." ~ Plato ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Tuesday, November 16, 2010 – NCM Ensemble Room NOTE CHANGE OF TIME (was 7:00PM) now 8:15PM Please join us for our Annual General Meeting on November 16. It has been a great year, and we have accomplished so much. We are also

2010-10-06T16:24:00.000-07:00

Chordial Notes - October 2010 Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. ~Victor Hugo GORDON STOBBE In Concert Thursday, October 7th at 7:00 p.m. 7220 Royal Avenue, Lantzville BC Master fiddler Gordon Stobbe is a dynamic and charming performer with a lively, buoyant and danceable feel and an encyclopaedic knowledge of North American fiddle traditions

2010-09-13T15:50:00.000-07:00

Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes REGISTRATION IS OPEN! A new academic year is upon us and we have lots to share with you! Please drop by any time to register for your fall classes. All students, whether new or returning are required to fill out a registration form for 2010/2011 and

NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA - AUGUST 5

2010-07-28T16:37:00.001-07:00

The National Youth Orchestra will be here in a week! Wow, this is going to be a fantastic show with over 90 musicians performing amazing music. Don't miss this great opportunity to see the best of Canada's young classical musicians at the Port Theatre on August 5, 2010. Tickets are very reasonably priced and high school students can take advantage of the EyeGo program for only $5 a seat! If you

2010-06-22T18:04:00.001-07:00

"If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music." - Albert Einstein HAVE A MUSICAL SUMMER!! This is our last newsletter of the year. The next one will be out at the end of August. But if you want to continue with your musical studies over the summer we have some great programs to choose from…see

2010-05-11T14:05:00.000-07:00

Chordial Notes - May 2010 CALENDAR Please make sure to update your calendars. May 20 Suzuki Piano Recital 5:30 PM St. Paul’s Anglican Church May 25 Suzuki Violin Recital June 5 Spring Recital June 10 Year-end Adult Recital June 15 Musical Theatre’s Willy Wonka Junior at the Nanaimo Entertainment Centre at 6:30 PM (admission by donation) WE’RE SAD TO SEE YOU GO…

Chordial Notes April 2010

2010-05-05T17:46:00.001-07:00

Happy Easter! OFFICE CLOSED FOR EASTER We are closed for Easter on Good Friday and will re-open on Tuesday April 6. Please check with your instructors regarding lessons on Friday and Monday. SHOWCASE 2010 Get ready! Our third annual showcase concert is happening on May 2, 2010 at the Port Theatre. This year we will focus on the talents of our amazing students, and there will be plenty! Over 100

Fiddle Camp Showcase Concert Heats up Lake Cowichan

2010-03-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

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

Janina Fialkowska a Smashing Success

2010-03-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CONCERT & MASTER CLASS JANINA FIALKOWSKA – SOLO PIANO RECITAL CONCERT: SUNDAY MARCH 14, 2010 @ 7:30PM MASTER CLASS: MONDAY, MARCH 15, 2010 @ 10:00 AM BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS “FREDERIC CHOPIN AND ROBERT SCHUMANN TURN 200!” Music lovers wanting an intimate evening of superb piano artistry should waste no time getting their seats at the Port Theatre. Canadian pianist Janina

2010-02-19T15:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine’s Day! VANCOUVER ISLAND FIDDLE CAMP Registration is open and ongoing, but spots are limited. Please visit http://web.me.com/nanaimofiddlers for all the information you need to sign up. Fiddlers and classical violin students of all ages are welcome and encouraged to come! Camp instructors for this year include: Gordon Stobbe (Seaforth NS); Patti Lamoureux (Courtenay BC); Geoff

Janina Fialkowska Concert coming soon

2010-01-19T15:45:00.001-08:00

Press Release Event: Piano Recital Performer: Janina Fialkowska – pianist Venue: Port Theatre Date and Time: Sunday March 14, 7:30 pm Price: adults $30 students $20 Contact: Nanaimo Conservatory of Music 250-754-4611 The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music is thrilled to bring back on of Canada’s best loved pianists Janina Fialkowska for a special celebration of the 200th anniversary of both

Why Kindermusik?

2010-01-17T23:30:00.000-08:00

http://www.kindermusik.com/LandingPages/WhyKindermusik/KI_video_download_simple.aspx

2010-01-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

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

When to Start Music Lessons?

2009-12-29T19:51:00.000-08:00

Check out pediatrician David Geller's answer to this question.http://www.babycenter.com/404_when-can-we-start-music-lessons_6876.bc

2009-12-23T11:39:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS The Conservatory office is closed for the holidays and will re-open on January 4 @ 9:00AM. Instructors may still offer lessons, as well as make up lessons, during this time so please check with your instructor directly for further information. NEW FACULTY PHONE LINE You can now leave a message for any NCM instructor at 250 716 1482. This is not a private line, all instructors

2009-12-09T17:47:00.000-08:00

CHORDIAL NOTES December 2009 FRIENDS OF THE CONSERVATORY HOLIDAY TREE Support the Conservatory by making a donation and receive a special decoration that you can hang on the Friends of the Conservatory tree. You can even honour your favourite teacher by writing a small note on the back. Suggested donation: $2. Many thanks to Canadian Tire Nanaimo for donating the lovely musical tree that is now

2009-11-18T15:08:00.000-08:00

Interesting Article... Carlsbad, CA, April 29, 2009— According to a new Gallup survey, interest in playing music is at an all-time-high as outlined by the 2009 Public Attitudes Towards Music study, which was conducted on behalf of NAMM (the National Association of Music Merchants), the not-for-profit trade association for the international music products industry. The study indicates that more

2009-11-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

CHORDIAL NOTES NOVEMBER 2009 Remembrance Day November 11, 2009 Conservatory office closed. Please contact your instructor regarding lessons. GREAT NEWS! We are pleased to announce that the Conservatory is the recipient of a grant from the Nanaimo Community Foundation! This contribution will be matched with funds we have already received from the BC Gaming Capital Fund and make it possible for

Upcoming Flute Concert

2009-10-24T09:20:00.000-07:00

Join Jennifer Cluff and Cindy Speelman- flutes and Jacqueline Droz- piano on Tuesday Nov. 10/09 at 7:30 p.m. at the Port Theatre for the Random Acts series. We will be performing arias and opera classics. Tickets are available at the Port for $15.

Flute and Recorder ensembles

2009-10-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Join in for the fun with these Conservatory EnsemblesChildren's Flute ensemble- Bi-weekly Fridays from 3:15-4:45- Ages 6-16Beginner Flute ensemble- Mondays from 5-6 p.m.- All agesInt./Adv. Flute ensemble-Mondays from 6-7 p.m.- All ages- audition requiredRecorder ensemble-Mondays from 1-2 p.m.- All ages

2009-10-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

Speech by Karl Paulnack of Boston Conservatory February 21, 2009 at 6:18 pm One of my parents’ deepest fears, I suspect, is that society would not properly value me as a musician, that I wouldn’t be appreciated. I had very good grades in high school, I was good in science and math, and they imagined that as a doctor or a research chemist or an engineer, I might be more appreciated than I would

2009-10-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

Board Member Katie Hommy, IPod Winner Brenda Flemming and Michael Penn from Nanaimo's Boutique Mac THANK YOU! To our Treat Yourself Raffle Prize Donors: Middle Beach Lodge http://www.middlebeach.com/ Jamie's Whale Watching Tours http://www.jamies.com/ Morningstar Golf Course http://www.morningstargolf.com/ Boutique Mac www.boutiquemac.ca Mahle House http://www.mahlehouse.ca/

2009-09-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

Chordial Notes October 2009 Happy Thanksgiving! Now that the new year is in full swing we have a number of events to tell you about and a few interesting things that you might want to sign up for. You can also follow our latest news at www.nanaimoconservatoryofmusic.blogspot.com. CALENDAR New dates have been added since the last newsletter, so please make sure to update your calendars.

2009-09-29T13:04:00.000-07:00