Orchestras feel the ensemble

South Vancouver orchestras forging community, creating music together

 By RAY CHOPPING

Many people take the time to learn to play a musical instrument growing up and during their schooling — but where does a classically trained musician go in South Vancouver to continue practising their art?

Vancouver’s community orchestras provide non-professional musicians a place to practise and perform their art in large ensembles.

Vancouver Pops Orchestra, located on 8881 Selkirk St., was founded by Tom Kuo in 2008. The orchestra’s mission is to provide a

Night jogs can bring people together

Beginners join latenight five kilometres sessions due to full workday schedules

By STEVEN CHANG

Beth Ringdahl was a long-time office worker. That eventually led to symptoms of sciatica. She understood all too well the importance of staying in shape for the longevity heading towards the next decade.

So she joined Eastside Fitness, which has a night jogging program that offers a free, weekly event in the South Vancouver neighbourhood as an alternative fitness option corresponding to people’s busy schedule.

“I find it important to keep the working perspective. If it means fun, progressive and challenging environment for musicians to thrive.

Operating as a charity, Kuo feels it is important that Vancouver Pops is affordable and open to as many people as possible.

“We really want to be here for the community,” Kuo said.

For many musicians, whose music is not the primary source of their income, the community orchestra is the only available option they have to play.

“The orchestra really helped me to feel part of the community,” said Kimira Reddy, a violin player who moved to Vancouver from South Africa three years ago.

Wendy Koh, another violinist, said to her the comradery was a very important part of being in the orchestra.

“Arts are crucial to our development as individuals, ” Koh said. She also believes that the live performances might inspire other residents that they are welcome to join in.

SFU professor of music, David MacIntyre, believes the role community orchestras play in Vancouver is essential to keeping big ensemble music alive.

Many of the musicians who play in these community orchestras bring an enormous amount of experience with them. They allow players to “continue making music while making a living doing something else,” MacIntyre said. program is a great way to get together as a group, especially for women or people unfamiliar with the neighbourhood.

A Little Night Music Orchestra’s conductor and music director, Alana Chan, believes that while it’s fair to say a community orchestra is not professional, it would also be unfair to call them amateur too.

“They fall somewhere in between,” Chan said.

Both orchestras regularly put on Christmas and Spring shows each year throughout the city.

Violinist Matthew Low feels that our city can always use more art.

“Not everyone can afford to watch the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra,” Low said.

“It’s definitely about creating the community. I love when a whole bunch of people are consistently meeting up and getting to know each other,” Moore said.

A FEW TIPS FOR SOLO NIGHT JOGGERS

» Stay in the spotlight

»Do not rely on your smartphone for security leaving a little early to fit in a class.

Just knowing that fitness is as important as your work and knowing that there’s friends when you get to Eastside Fitness,” Ringdahl said.

Located on 5788 Fraser St., Eastside Fitness was established by co-founders Wendy Sinclair and Darnelle Moore. Their goal is to create a friendly fitness community.

As a former police officer, Sinclair acknowledges the challenges women encounter towards exercising, which includes working full-time, raising children and safety at night.

“Women put themselves third or fourth on the list. Gradually, their health declines in terms of mobility and weight gain. In the long run, it can cause other problems,” Sinclair said.

Lara Penno, manager of runner services at the non-profit organiza- tion RUNVAN, says that there are a few reasons why people decide to night jog across Vancouver.

“I often run first thing in the morning, before work, before my kids are awake. Running in the dark in the morning is the only time of the day I can get out to run,” Penno said.

She says that from a women’s perspective, there is always that fear factor when you jog in the dark.

“You’re a little bit unsure if someone could be waiting around the corner, someone could be jumping out at you,” Penno said.

Moore says the night jogging

» Make sure you know if your friends are outdoor exercising as well

»Travel on routes you know are safe

SOURCE: WOMENSRUNNING.COM