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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