SOA September 2011 Newsletter

SOA acknowledges the

generous support of:

Welcome to the 2011 fall season of new and continuing activities in the Orchestral community. We look forward to another successful year of music training and performance. We are well into the process working with Sask Culture to create a new Sask Music Alliance that will see the five existing music provincial cultural organizations (PCOs), Orchestral, Band, Choral, Educators, and Festivals, joining together to foster even greater awareness and support for music in Saskatchewan. We have received some additional funding from Sask Culture to support these activities, which involve considerable travel and meeting time with the other groups and with our Consultant, Pat Rediger of Benchmark Public Relations. We are the only participant in these negotiations with a part time administrator, and Kathryn is seeing much more work than she can handle in the present situation. We are considering the option of hiring a full time Executive Director, in parallel with the other PCOs with whom we work. We encourage as many members as possible to register for, and attend, the Music Conference that our groups co-sponsor annually, this year in Regina November 3-5th at the Travelodge. See further details in the newsletter or check out the conference information on the SK Music Alliance website at http://www.saskmusic.ca/. Don’t forget the new Children’s Arts Tax Credit (CATC) that allows a deduction of up to $500 for each child 16 years and under paid toward music fees, lessons, equipment rental etc. This Credit is intended for activities which “… contribute

to the development of creative skills or expertise in artistic or cultural

activities…” This can be a significant help to families and at least puts us on equal basis with the Fitness Tax Credit introduced previously. And a reminder to all SOA participating groups….November 1 is the deadline for submission of project proposals, and we are also asking for your 3 year plans and requests as we prepare for the next 3 year grant application from Sask Culture due January 1. We must present a strong case to Sask Culture, and especially to the Sask Arts Board who are contracted to adjudicate the many arts and cultural applications funded through Lotteries and administered by Sask Culture. The better the information you give us, complete with student testimonials, photos, and special achievements, the stronger our application will be. We know there is a lot of exciting orchestral activity in our communities so please tell us about it and help us to gain support for you.

Saskatchewan Orchestral

Association, Inc.

NEWSLETTER

Inside this issue

President’s message 1

SOA Awards at SMFA 2

El Sistema 2

South SK Youth

Orchestra

3

SOA CD project 4

Saskatoon Youth

Orchestra

4

SK Honour Orchestra 5

Moose Jaw Youth String

Orchestra

5

SOA Conducting Work-

shop

6

Grant Applications 7

Project list 7

Rosamunde Summer

Music Academy

8

SK Music Conference 9

SOA Info 10

President’s Message September 2011

Hugh Wood

SOA September 2011 Newsletter 2

Congratulations to 2011 SOA Award Winners

in the Saskatchewan Music Festival!

The beginner and elementary level awards are $25 cheques; junior, intermediate and senior level awards are $150 award vouchers that can be used towards string workshops and group registrations. New for 2011 was that the vouchers could be used for more activities. They can now be reimbursed for the annual par-ticipation fees with any SOA member group, as well as registration for any SOA member workshop, the International Peace Gardens Music Camp (south of Boissevain, MB on the USA border) and the Rosamunde Summer Music Academy in Winnipeg. Many thanks to the local festival committee members who help to administer and process the awards! Questions or suggestions regarding the awards can be directed to the SOA office

Location Beginner Elementary Junior Intermediate Senior

Battlefords Jeanny Jung Jeanny Jung Zaide Masich

Humboldt Eowyn Riley Emily Engele

Melfort Shawn McAdam Anna Edwards Antoine Garez Bethany Helm Francois Garez

Moose Jaw Sophia Grajczyk Isabella Grajczyk Emily Karn Braydon Hager Rebecca Coghlin

Naicam Gabriella Will-Anderson

Nicole Stephaniuk

Liam Alsbach Kathryn Stephaniuk

Elyse Alsbach

Nipawin Anna Clapson Raina Soucy Raina Soucy Anna Edwards Bethany Helm

Prince Albert Emma Eaton Lauren Hope Levi Rask & Claudia Rask

Julianna Hare Christine Hambleton

Swift Current Rebecca Treen Joshua Dyck Alishia Beach Rachel Dueck Austin Castle

Yorkton Alex Cottenie Nevalea Tkachuk Corinne Stark

2011 Canadian Symposium on El Sistema:

Music Education and Social Change, at the University of Western Ontario, May 29, 2011

- a report by Wayne Toews

El Sistema is an after-school program of music education developed by Dr. José Arbreu in Venezuela. The

program of instrumental and choral music serves children from across the socio-economic spectrum in after-school music programs. The programs are given at no cost to those who cannot afford them. The children meet for about three hours each day, five days a week, 40 weeks a year. Similar programs have been intro-duced in Scotland, the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and Brazil. El Sistema gained attention be-

cause it created outstanding performing groups while providing opportunities for impoverished children. In Canada programs have been introduced in Ottawa and New Brunswick. Toronto will offer a new program in September 2011. Wayne Toews’ report on the Symposium is posted at is posted at http://conductorschool.com/SistemaReport.html

SOA members are invited to participate in an online survey the link for which is posted on that same page.

SOA September 2011 Newsletter 3

South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra Submitted by N. Salway

The South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra (SSYO) finished its 2010-

2011 season with a concert at Knox-Metropolitan Church in Regina

on June 13, 2011. An enthusiastic crowd of 400 was in attendance to hear works by Bruch and Beethoven.

A highlight of the evening was the Violin concerto in G-minor, opus

26 by Max Bruch. The soloist was Jessica Ramsay, the winner of the annual SSYO concerto competition. Also featured on the program

were the Egmont Overture and Symphony No. 2, both by Ludwig van

Beethoven.

In August, orchestra members assisted the Regina Symphony Orches-

tra by staffing the Musical Petting Zoo at the RSO Symphony Under

the Sky. SSYO musicians helped enthusiastic young children try out violins supplied by Long and McQuade. The event was well received

and the orchestra may have planted some seeds for new members in

the future.

The 2011-2012 season will mark the 35th year of the SSYO,

an indication of the talent of these young musicians. This

season is also the 24rd year under the superb leadership of Artistic Director and Conductor, Alan Denike. Under Alan’s

leadership, the SSYO has attained a measure of maturity and

musical excellence that is the envy of many communities. As an indication of this high standard, the Orchestra has been

invited again to perform with the Regina Symphony Orches-

tra on March 10, 2012.

Auditions for the new season were held on September 9 and

10. A total of 62 young musicians will be playing in this edi-

tion of the orchestra.

In November, string players with the SSYO will take part in

the Saskatchewan Orchestra Association Honour Orchestra. Also in November, the SSYO has also been invited to return to the Youth Orchestra Symposium in Banff. At this work-

shop, the musicians will meet the musicians of the Calgary and Edmonton Youth Orchestras which should prove to be

fun as well as challenging.

The Year End Concert on June 12, 2012 will be a very exciting conclusion to the year as it will feature the winner of the

SSYO’s 2011 concerto competition, violinist Laura Hillis. Laura and the orchestra will present Violin Concerto No. 3,

Op. 61 by Camille Saint-Saens. This final performance will be preceded by three wonderful performances and signifi-cant fund-raising events that provide the Orchestra with a chance to perform in a concert.

These events are the annual Christmas Brunch concert on December 18, 2011 at the Conexus Arts Centre, a performance with the Youth Ballet Company of Saskatchewan on February 19, 2012 at the Conexus Arts Centre and the Spring Fête

concert on March 24, 2012 at Campbell Collegiate. These concerts always provide a lively atmosphere and a great op-

portunity for the Orchestra to showcase what they have learned.

For more information on the SSYO, see our website, www.ssyo.ca. Tickets for concerts may be obtained by contacting

any SSYO board member.

Jessica Ramsay was the soloist at the SSYO 2011 year end concert, playing Violin concerto in G-minor, opus 26 by

Max Bruch.

Faye Wu helps a young girl with basic violin instruction at the Musical Petting Zoo event at Regina Symphony’s Symphony Under the Sky.

SOA September 2011 Newsletter 4

2011 SOA “Prairie Harvest” CD project - a report by Wayne Toews

“Prairie Harvest”, the SOA’s CD project, features twelve ensembles consisting of 330 performers from Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Swift Current and Tisdale. A complete list of performers and the en-sembles is shown on the CD insert. Three hundred copies of the CD were manufactured through Canada Disc and Tape with the expert help of Don Warkentin. Wayne Toews assembled the recordings and pro-duced the finished product. The tracks on the CD are Elizabeth Raum Prairie Jubilee (1998 Saskatoon Youth Orchestra, Wayne Toews, Director), Richard Meyer Bayside Rendezvous from "A Birchbay Celebration" (Strings 'N Things -Swift Current, Celia Hammerton, Director), Gary Robertson The Solstice Carol (Regina Mandolin Orchestra, Yvonne Redant, Director), Jean-Joseph Mouret Rondeau (Moose Jaw Youth String Orchestra, Brian John-son, Conductor), Gustav Holst Jig from "St. Paul's Suite" (Saskatoon Strings, Bernadette Wilson, Director), Alexander Safford Revelations's Edge (Prince Albert String Orchestra, Dean Bernier, Director), Traditional Old MacDonald & Swallowtail Jig (Tisdale and District Strings - Beginners Group, Rebecca Hankins-Vopni, Director), Bernie Herms & Melodee Devevo O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Tisdale and District Strings - Teenage Group, Rebecca Hankins-Vopni, Director), Ludwig Van Beethoven, Allegro con Brio from String

Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Opus 18 (Sforzando Quartet -Regina, Sandra Cos-bey, Coach), Richard Wagner, arr. Leidig March from "Tannhäuser" (Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra, George Charpentier, Di-rector), Franz Joseph Haydn Finale: Spiritoso from "Symphony No. 104" (South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra Alan Denike, Director) and Pe-ter Tchaikowsky March Slav - excerpt (2010 Saskatoon Youth Orchestra,

Richard Carnegie, Director) “Prairie Jubilee” by Elizabeth Raum was commissioned by the SOA to cele-brate its 10th anniversary.

Copies of the CD are available from participating groups and the SOA office for $10.00.

Saskatoon Youth Orchestra

Submitted by R. Carnegie

This SYO season holds a lot of promise for exciting new learning and performance opportunities. This marks

the second year of a partnership between the University of Saskatchewan Department of Music and the

SYO. New this year, string majors at the U of S are being offered the opportunity to use their participation in

SYO as a university ensemble credit. Other aspects of the partnership include a performance with the U of S

Greystone Singers and an audition workshop in conjunction with the Department of Music.

Again this year, a player in the orchestra will be chosen by audition to study conducting and lead the orches-

tra in a selected work later in the season. In March the SYO will travel to Brandon, MB to participate in a col-

laborative project with the University of Brandon Symphony Orchestra. The trip is an exciting opportunity for

masterclasses and workshops.

SOA September 2011 Newsletter 5

Saskatchewan Honour Orchestra 2011 Submitted by R. Sternadel

Saskatchewan’s finest young string players will meet in Regina November 3-5 as a part of the Saskatchewan

Music Educators Association and the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association Honour Group Weekend. The or-

chestra consists of players aged 12 to 23 on violin, viola, cello and bass from across Saskatchewan and will be

directed by Edmond Agopian. The concert featuring pieces by Händel, Elgar and Fenwick will take place on

Saturday, November 5 at 4:30 p.m. at Campbell Collegiate. Tickets will be available at the door.

Moose Jaw Youth String Orchestra Submitted by N. Shaw

The MJYSO is pleased to welcome everyone back for the 2011/2012 season of Orchestra. Last season brought with it many opportunities. We were invited to play for a teacher’s reunion and gave a performance at the Moose Jaw Home Town Fair for the first time. We held our annual 2 day fiddle workshop with Dean Bernier and were able to add a 1 day workshop with clinician Michelle Amy from the Kenosee Kitchen Party.

All of our members were able to attend the performance by Bar-rage that was held at the May Wilson Theatre and were fortu-nate enough to have the opportunity to attend a short workshop with the group.

The Moose Jaw Community Orchestra joined us for our Christmas Concert and our Spring Concert commemorated Sara Hendrickson, a Senior Orchestra member as she graduated from the MJYSO. We wish her the best as she continues to follow her dreams. Registration is well under way this season with 13 new members already. We are very pleased to now share our location in Moose jaw with the Mad Hatters School of per-forming Arts. We are excited to announce a collaborated Haunted House Fundraiser this Halloween and a Christmas concert that is sure to entertain. For more information on these events and more please visit our website at www.mjyso.com

Fiddle Workshop Jam Session

Courtney Shaw violin

Barrage group photo

SOA September 2011 Newsletter 6

2011 SOA Saito International Conducting workshop with Wayne Toews July 24-31, 2011 Saskatoon, SK

- a report by Wayne Toews

Ten conductors from Regina, Saskatoon, Tisdale, Nashville, Memphis, Toronto, Edmonton, Calgary and Winnipeg at-tended the 2011 SOA conducting workshop from July 24 to 31 at Grosvenor Park United Church, Saskatoon. The in-structional team consisted of Bonnie Nicholson, Dianne Gryba, George Charpentier and Wayne Toews. Mr. Toews and the team have given seven workshops together. Mr. Toews edited the English edition of the Saito Conducting Method textbook and is recognized internationally as a principal teacher of the method.

The workshop featured duo pianists and a nine-piece string orchestra consisting of members of the Saskatoon and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestras. The work-shop provided wel-come employment for the players during the

summer when work is less plentiful. Daily sessions began at 8:30 a.m. and continued through to 5:00 p.m. with a break from noon until 1:30 p.m.. The partici-pants met on two evenings to watch videos of Saito conductors and to assess conductors. All instructional and practice ses-sions were video recorded on DVDs and mini-discs. The workshop concluded on July 31st with a free public recital at the church. The performers had high praise for the conduc-tors and their progress. One said that he a much better under-standing of the role of a conductor after participating in the workshop. The conductors completed an evaluation in which they unanimously gave high praise for the instruction and or-ganizational aspects of the workshop. They especially valued the opportunity to conduct the string orchestra and noted the co-operation, positive attitude and helpfulness of the players.

Roger Jolly of Yamaha Piano Centre generously donated the use of a grand piano for the workshop. Photos of the event are posted at http://conduc-torschool.com

All Photos are by George Charpentier.

SOA September 2011 Newsletter 7

The Saskatchewan Orchestral Association, Inc

thanks Roger Jolly of the Yamaha Piano Centre

who generously supported

the 2011 SOA International Saito Conducting workshop

through the loan of a grand piano.

3 year Project planning list—due November 1st

The SOA is requesting from all SOA member groups a list of possible workshops that

they might consider in 2013, 2014, & 2015 and for which they would request funding

from the SOA. Please submit the list to the SOA office at saskorchestras@yourlink.ca

by November 1st.

The list should include the names of the possible projects, the amount of funding that

may be requested and the years in which the projects would happen.

The SOA is submitting an application to the SK Arts Board for funding for 2013-15 and

would like to include in the application the requests from as many SOA member

groups as possible. It has been suggested that SaskLotteries, the origin of the funds

the SOA receives, has substantial money to distribute and therefore this is a good time

to ask for funds.

SOA Grant Applications—due November 1st

Operating grants, project grants and New Initiative grants are available to SOA member

groups. Applications for the operating and project grants are due November 1st. New Initia-

tive grant applications for $500 or more are also due November 1st. Application forms for all

grants can be found on the SOA website at http://www.saskorchestras.com/grants/index.php

New Initiative Grants under $500 (for groups) and Professional Development Grants (for indi-

viduals) and can be submitted any time during the year. These applications are reviewed by

the board at quarterly meetings. Requests must be submitted in time to be reviewed

before the start of the project. (Please note that the SOA Board meets 4 times a year,

generally in January, March, August and November.)

Any questions regarding the grants can be submitted to the SOA office at saskorches-

tras@yourlink.ca

SOA September 2011 Newsletter 8

Rosamunde Summer Music Academy Submitted by R. Hankins-Vopni

The Rosamunde Summer Music Academy is Canada’s newest program for string players of all ages and skill levels. This excellent music program was held August 21 – 26, 2011 in Winnipeg at the Canadian Mennonite university.

At Rosamunde Summer Music Academy students have the opportunity to study with some of Canada’s finest string teachers. The program included private lessons, ensembles, orchestra, technique classes and more. The program emphasized each student’s individual growth as a musician in addition to inspiring them with new ideas while of course improving student’s technical and ensemble skills.

Elation Pauls, who is formerly from Saskatchewan, is the Managing Director. She stated “I want students to see how music can be an integral part of their daily lives, regardless of whether they choose to pursue it as a career,” she says.

“Often times, young kids and adults don’t get the opportunity to study with performers/teachers at the top of their career—when I’ve seen it happen it has invariably sparked a greater joy in their music making as well as a depth and freshness of experi-ence that they can then take back to their studies with their primary teachers.”

The Canadian Mennonite University provided music facilities for all classes, lessons and concerts. In ad-dition there are dormitories and meal services avail-able for out of town students. And there were many students coming from outside of Winnipeg including many students from Saskatchewan. Gwen Hoebig, one of the many

instructors, said “Having performed and taught at summer music festivals around the world, I am a great believer in their power to inspire students to new heights of music making and give them a great head start on their studies,” says Gwen Hoebig, one of RSMA’s faculty members and Concertmaster of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. “I am thrilled to see the establishment of the Rosamunde Summer Music Academy here in Winnipeg and I’m excited to be a part of this new project!”

The week began with an instructor’s concert. During the week, mornings and after-noons were busy with classes, lessons and rehearsals. On Thursday there were two

concerts featuring student solos and ensembles. The final concert fea-tured the three orchestras and more ensembles. All students had an op-portunity to perform a solo, in an ensemble and in an orchestra.

I would like to thank the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association for making my participation in this excellent program possible. I would highly recommend this program to students of all ages and levels.

Ensemble rehearsal at Rosamunde

Young cellists rehearsing

Kathryn Stephaniuk having a private lesson with Daniel Shotz

SOA September 2011 Newsletter 9

2011 Saskatchewan Music Conference Nov 3-5, 2011

The 2011 Saskatchewan Music Conference, hosted by the SK Band Association, SK Choral Federation, SK Music Educators Association, SK Music Festival Association and the SK Orchestral Association, is being held November 3rd-5th at the Regina Travelodge. This annual conference brings together approximately 250 delegates from across the province for networking, informative sessions and a keynote speaker.

Conference participants are welcome to register for any of the sessions; however sessions developed specifically for

orchestral members include the following ones by Katharine Rapaport:

1. Building your String program 2. Coaching Student Ensem-

bles 3. Getting the most out of mu-

sic Festivals 4. Violin for dummies

The hotel has reserved rooms

for the conference at a reduced

rate but as they are limited be

sure to book early.

For more information, to reg-

ister or to book hotel rooms

please visit

www.saskmusic.ca

Full conference or single day passes are available, and spe-cial rates are offered to students, music organization members and early registrants (see table below). Early bird rates are in effect until Oct. 1, 2011 at midnight and regular rates end at mid-night on Oct. 31, 2011. Member/ Non-Member Full Conference Early Bird - Oct. 1, 2011 $170 /$220 Regular - Oct. 31, 2011 $195 /$245 On-Site $225 $275 Single Day Early Bird - Oct. 1, 2011 $100 /$150 Regular - Oct. 31, 2011 $120 /$170 On-Site $140 $190 Student Rate Early Bird - Oct. 1, 2011 $40 /$65 Regular - Oct. 31, 2011 $50 /$75 On-Site $75 $100

SOA September 2011 Newsletter 10

Next newsletter:

Deadline: Nov. 18, 2011

Publication: Nov. 25, 2011

Newsletter Info

Saskatchewan Orchestral Association

Kathryn Peters

Administrator

Box 87 Hanley, SK S0G 2E0

Ph: 306-544-2230

Fax: 306-544-2718

saskorchestras@yourlink.ca

www.saskorchestras.com

Contact Info

SOA Board of Directors

President Hugh Wood

Vice President Birgitta Heidt

Secretary Wayne Toews

Treasurer Ray Pacholek

Director Rebecca Hankins

-Vopni

Director Chris Harrington

Director John Payzant

Director Yvonne Redant

Director Nicole Shaw

Director Curtis Scheschuk

Director Rudy Sternadel

Director Magda Szajcz

Deadlines

November 18, 2011

February 1, 2012

April 16, 2012

September 21, 2012

Publications

November 25, 2011

February 8, 2012

April 23, 2012

September 28, 2012

2011-12 Events Calendar

Why am I receiving this newsletter? You are receiving this newsletter because you or someone in your family has been a member of an orchestral group under the umbrella of the Saskatchewan Orches-tral Association in the past year. If you wish to be removed from our list, please contact the SOA office at 306.544.2230 or saskorchestras@yourlink.ca.

If you know of someone in your community who you would recommend to re-ceive the newsletter, please let the SOA office know as well.

THE SOA PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING MEMBER GROUPS

Boundary Ensemble

Earlybird Ensembles

Magpie Strings

Moose Jaw Youth String Orchestra

Poltava Ensemble Orchestra

Prince Albert Strings Orchestra

Regina Community Orchestra

Regina Mandolin Orchestra

Regina Symphony Orchestra

Saskatoon Fiddle Orchestra

Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra

Saskatoon Suzuki Strings Program Inc.

Saskatoon Youth Orchestra

Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra

South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra

Swift Current Strings

Tisdale and District Strings

Date Event Location Oct 1 Last day for SK Music Conf. early bird regist. Regina

Oct MJYSO Haunted House Fundraiser Moose Jaw

Oct 31 Last day for SK Music Conf. on line registration Regina

Nov 1 SOA Grant Applications due saskorchestras@yourlink.ca

Nov 1 3 Year Project list due saskorchestras@yourlink.ca

Nov 3-5 Honour Orchestra (see p. 5) Regina

Nov 3-5 SK Music Conference (see p.9) Banff

Nov 20 SOA Board meeting Saskatoon

Dec MJYSO Christmas concert Moose Jaw

Dec 18 SSYO Christmas Brunch (see p.3) Regina

Jan SOA 3 Yr. Grant Application to SAB Regina

Feb 19 SSYO with SK Youth Ballet Co. (see p3) Regina

Mar SYO to Brandon (see p.4) Brandon

Mar 24 SSYO Spring Fete (see p.3) Regina

June 12 SSYO Year End (see p.3) Regina