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Saskatoon Children’s Choir continues to share the gift of music

BY NED POWERS

Robert Kortgaard, artistic director of the Indian River Festival in Prince Edward Island, is the latest to heap praise on the Saskatoon Children’s Choir.

The Saskatoon choristers performed twice in July at the P.E.I. festival, once with the festival’s own chorus and once with world-renown soprano Tracy Cantin.

“Hear ts were touched and everyone was overwhelmed by the voices, the leadership and professionalism of the choir. It was a memorable, moving experience,” said Kortgaard after hearing them.

“It was an amazing trip,” said Phoebe Voigts, the choir’s artistic director. “The acoustics at St. Mary’s were second to none. To be on the same bill as the Indian River Chorus was just magic, with standing ovations after every song. In the other concert, we did It’s All Greek to Me, arranged for us by Peter Tiefenbach and Peter also played piano for Tracy Cantin.”

The choir started its tour at the

Toronto Children Choir’s Treble Festival, highlighted by mass choir works conducted by Americans Zimfira Poloz and Henry Leck.

Near the end of the two-week tour, they appeared in Halifax and Truro, sharing the stage with Aella, an Ottawa women’s choir which is conducted by Jennifer Berntson, a Saskatoon choir graduate. Berntson chose Frobisher Bay, which she’d learned in Saskatoon, as the mass choir feature.

Voigts, founder of the choir in 1996, tries to find a happy balance in its summertime schedules, blending tours within Canada with the offers to travel abroad, which they have done seven times.

“Singing in a professional festival in Canada is an inspiring artistic experience. Each performance adds to our artistic challenges. We grow steadily. Toronto, Halifax and Truro all gave us the joy of being part of a remarkable blending of voices,” said Voigts.

Touring abroad opens all kinds of doors. “Inherent in the tour experience are opportunities

to heightened musicianship, leadership, co-operation, curiosity, bonding and personal responsibilities. We believe that when we travel with open minds and hearts, seeking to share the gift of music, we will encounter new friends, relationships and understandings.”

Earlier members of the choir shared the 2002 trip to Spain, others in 2005 went to Hong Kong and Guangzhou, China. Then came the 2009 excursion to the Summa Cum Laude International Festival in Vienna.

One of the most eye-opening experiences came in 2011 when they not only shared their performances in South Africa but also worked on a humanitarian project which focused on helping children affected by HIV/ AIDS. The last trips were across the Atlantic Ocean to Ireland, Wales and England in 2013, then to Germany for the European Grand Prix of Nations in 2015, followed by the Musica Eterna Roma and Ravenna Festival in Rome in 2017.

Voigts had degrees of music from

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The Saskatoon Children’s Choir inspires audiences across Canada and around the world. Director Phoebe Voigts (right) founded the choir in 1996. Michelle Aalders (left) is the choir’s principal accompanist. SUPPLIED PHOTO

Regina Luther College and the University of Saskatchewan as the stepping stones to education and music. She first taught at Silverwood elementary school in the Saskatoon Public School system. She said “I didn’t have a grand vision in the beginning but I had some ideas that I thought could work. I used the Toronto Children’s Choir as a model.”

The Preparatory Choir is aimed at ages seven to nine; the Apprentice

THIS SECTION WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION.

Choir from ages eight to 13; and the Concert Choir from 11 to 16. Some arrive at seven and many will stay up to 16. When the choristers reach the concert choir, that’s when the big trips begin. Some will take as many as three of those trips.

Central to the choir’s success story are Michelle Aalders as principal accompanist, Jennifer McAllister on the artistic team and Rita McLeod and Gaileen Willick as the administrators.

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How to keep your child interested in music lessons The benefits will last a lifetime POSTMEDIA CONTENT WORKS

Patricia Niekamp has more than 30 years of teaching piano to young people, so when parents ask how they can keep their children interested in music lessons, she is drawing from a deep well of experience.

Niekamp is also president of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association (SRMTA), an organization committed to excellence in the musical education of its students and continuous professional development for its members.

“Often when I am at a social event someone inevitably will ask what I do for a living. When I tell them that I am a piano teacher, I mostly get the same response: They say that they wish their parents had never let them quit.”

Niekamp has some advice for helping students and parents avoid that disappointment.

When a family embarks upon music lessons for a child, Niekamp says finding the right match of teacher and student is a great start.

“The Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association has a website with a list of well-qualified teachers with a wide range of education in several disciplines,” she said.

“Since these experienced teachers have gone through the rigours of several exams, including pedagogy, this is an excellent place to start.

“An interview with the teacher and the potential student with at least one parent is very helpful and recommended. A rapport between all parties can be established in the comfort of the music studio. Expectations and future goals can be discussed and through the 10- or 15-minute interview one can get a feeling of how the year will progress.”

Any child taking music lessons, no matter the instrument, will experience obstacles along the way. It is up to both the teacher and the parents to support the child through those obstacles, Niekamp says.

“In my opinion the presence of a parent in the first few years during the lesson is imperative. The more the parent is involved, the more the student will flourish. I have recently begun asking parents to write the instructions from the lesson down in the notebook. This frees me up to concentrate on what is going on in the lesson. Also, there is no danger of uncertainty in terms of what needs to be completed for the next lesson. Communication on all levels is key.”

For some, the desire to quit music lessons will come up. But Niekamp says there are ways to keep the love of learning music alive with a few, simple changes and the engagement of the parents.

“When students decide they would like to stop taking music les-

Parental involvement is key to maintaining your child’s interest in music lessons, says Patricia Niekamp, president of the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association. PHOTO: GET TY IMAGES

sons it is often due to not enjoying practicing. One suggestion would be to have the instrument close to the centre of the home rather than down in the basement somewhere.

I try to encourage my students to try to practice a little in the morning before they go to school – perhaps only for 15 minutes – but then at least some of the requirements are completed for the day. The next thing is to try to get the student to play as soon as possible after school.

Activities outside of school often do not start before five o’clock, so this is a window that can be taken advantage of. Naturally all of this depends on the parents’ availability.

Many of my students practice while the evening meal is being prepared.

That way, there can be dialogue happening in between pieces with encouragement on the parents’ part.”

Niekamp says one very large concern for students is when they become too busy to have time to practice. She encourages parents be realistic about the time spent on extracurricular activities.

“I have had preteen students walk into my studio and burst into tears because they have not had a chance to practice for two or three weeks in a row. It proves to be very frustrating and sometimes does not end well. Naturally there are rough spots throughout the year, but again, with communication with the parent, student and teacher,

most of the time these issues can be resolved.”

She also says musical goals are very important. This does not mean that an exam is mandatory every year. But the experience of performing at recitals and master classes is invaluable.

“Working toward something always spurs on the desire of achievement. Also learning how to have confidence and poise while mastering the ability to play in front of others takes time for many people of all ages. The more these types of performance situations occur, the more comfortable the student becomes.

These accomplishments and abilities in the early years of a student will last a lifetime.”

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From local dance studio to Disney spotlight

BY ELIZABETH IRELAND

Kristy Neumeier Sotnikow is the founder and artistic director of Kristy’s Dance Fusion (KDF), which is now entering its 19th dance season in Saskatoon. The studio has evolved over the years and KDF is now home to more than 300 students taught by 10 instructors.

Neumeier Sotnikow’s students are proud to have won awards and scholarships at dance competitions, both locally and internationally.

Two KDF students auditioned and were accepted into summer programs with the prestigious Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Another student (who is now an instructor at the studio) was accepted into the Goh Ballet Academy’s summer program in Vancouver.

“At Kristy’s Dance Fusion we offer consistent and good training for our students. We find that our students can really progress in all dance genres with the strong technical training we offer in ballet,” said Neumeier Sotnikow.

KDF’s dance students range from pre-schoolers to adults. For three

and four year-olds, the studio offers a 30-minute Toejammer Tap class which focuses on the youngsters developing their own rhythm and musicality (fair warning, the class gets booked up quickly).

Neumeier Sotnikow herself grew up in Saskatoon and, during the early 1990s, she was a dancer, choreographer and captain of the Saskatchewan Storm dance team with the World Basketball League. In 2011, she assisted in the training regime of retired NHL player Curtis Leschyshyn to prepare him for his role on the popular Canadian reality television show Battle of the Blades. In 2012, Neumeier Sotnikow was honoured to be nominated for a YWCA Saskatoon Women of Distinction Award in the competitive Entrepreneurship category.

The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree in this talented family. Neumeier Sotnikow’s oldest son Cole Neumeier was trained by his mother at KDF and is now experiencing a successful hip hop-focused dance career of his own in Vancouver.

“At around age nine I started tak-

ing dance seriously and I began to concentrate on hip hop. Saskatoon isn’t known for its hip hop and my mother was always great at pushing me. She encouraged me to train beyond the city, like at Eye Candy Studio in Edmonton,” said Neumeier.

After a year of dance education with Harbour Dance Centre’s Intensive Training Program, Neumeier was picked up for representation by da Costa Talent after they saw him compete.

Neumeier Sotnikow describes her son’s time at Harbour Dance Centre as “a good stepping stone and a way to bridge the gap between a local dance studio and a full-time career.

Cole was able to get a feel for the industry in Vancouver and learn the professional audition process.”

As a professional, Neumeier has appeared in the Disney movie Freaky Friday, Small Fish, the new Twilight Zone CBS series, and in the Chilling Adventures of Sabrina the Teenage Witch (on Netflix).

As part of the TwoFourSeven Company, he competes in hip hop dance competitions in Los Angeles

Cole Neumeier received his dance instruction at Kristy’s Dance Fusion (KDF). Now based in Vancouver, the talented dancer has landed roles in TV series and films like Disney’s Descendants 3.

When back in Saskatoon, he acts as a guest choreographer at KDF. SUPPLIED PHOTO

and San Diego. When Neumeier is back in Saskatoon visiting friends and family, he acts as a guest choreographer at KDF and teaches solos. He finds it “really fun to stay involved.”

Notably, Neumeier is appearing in the Disney TV movie Descendants 3 as a dancer, stunt dancer and a dance double. The highly anticipated Descendants 3 was released on August 2 and explores the lives of

the children of Disney’s most infamous and colourful villains (think Cruella de Vil and Captain Hook).

Neumeier is also beginning to focus more on his acting career.

Back in Saskatoon, KDF offers over 90 classes each week in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical and musical theatre. More information on dance classes and instructors can be found at kristysdancefusion.com.

Saskatoon Concert Band Making Music Since 1949

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A Community Orchestra providing opportunity and enriching culture

saskatoonconcertband.ca saskatoonconcertband@gmail.com (306) 242-3916 facebook.com/saskatoonconcertband

saskatoonphilharmonicorchestra.com saskatoonphilharmonicorchestra@gmail.com (306)242-3916 facebook.com/groups/ saskatoonphilharmonicorchestra

Concert Band Auxiliary Band Founded by Kristy Neumeier Sotnikow, Kristy’s Dance Fusion provides instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical and musical theatre. Many of KDF’s students have won prestigious awards and scholarships. SUPPLIED PHOTO

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Creative Kids helps dreams come true

BY PAT REDIGER

Creative activities are fundamental to the positive growth and development of children and youth.

All kids should have the opportunity to participate in creative activities regardless of economic barriers they may face.

That’s the concept behind Creative Kids, a charitable program that raises funds to reduce financial barriers that prevent Saskatchewan children and youth from engaging in arts and cultural programs. The program is the first of its kind in Canada.

Christine McCulloch, Creative Funds Development Coordinator, said the program originated in 2007 when community volunteers approached SaskCulture about developing an initiative that would assist children and youth whose families faced financial barriers to access and participate in arts and cultural activities.

“At the time, KidSport was successfully providing access for children to participate in sport programs, but there wasn’t a similar organization offering opportunities for cultural activity. SaskCulture embarked on a feasibility study and worked with community partners to develop a plan and address the growing need,” said McCulloch.

In February 2010, SaskCulture launched Creative Kids as a charitable giving program under the Give Kids A Chance Charity. In the fall of that year, the first grant went to help a young girl try a dance class in Regina.

Since that time, Creative Kids has granted over $3.8 million

and helped more than 8,500 kids in over 220 communities across Saskatchewan explore their creative dreams through inclusion in arts and culture activities. In 2016, Creative Kids was recognized as its own charity. SaskCulture covers 100 per cent of the administrative and operating costs for Creative Kids – through funding from Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund for Sport, Culture and Recreation – so that all donations and sponsorships go directly to help kids participate in arts and cultural activities.

“Whether it is a music lesson, dance training, visual art instruction, language classes or a theatre camp, it’s been proven that participation in creative activities from an early age can have deep and profound effects that last a lifetime,” said McCulloch.

All Saskatchewan children and youth between the ages of four to 19 years can apply for up to $750 in funding per child/youth, per year. Parents must complete an application form (available in print or online), identifying the intended activity and associated costs and submit them to Creative Kids by an appropriate deadline (before the activity starts).

There are five application deadlines per year, the next being August 17 for activities that begin in the fall.

Applications c a n b e s u b m i tt e d t o Creative Kids committees

in Regina, Saskatoon, Battlefords, Kindersley, Big River and Lakeland District, as well as a provincial Students at Albert Community School learn traditional beading techniques at a committee that accepts applications Dream Broker Program funded by Creative Kids. PHOTOS: KRISTIN MACPHERSON from elsewhere in the province.

The applications require parents to instructor or service provider.

Paint for Kids Campaign, which is identify financial need based on the “Creative Kids funds many currently running. More information submission of a Canada Revenue different types of artistic and creative can be found on the Facebook page Agency tax assessment or via a third- activities. We also strongly encourage @ C r e at i v e K i d s S a s k at c h e w a n , party endorser’s signature. participation in cultural and and on the website at www.

After a deadline, the applications heritage activities,” said McCulloch. creativekidssask.ca. are reviewed to ensure the applicants “Examples of such activities could “The need continues to grow. are eligible – applicants must be include instruction in First Nations There are always more children in the age range, activities must and Métis traditions and art, or wanting to participate in this be creative, artistic or cultural, cultural activities such as language program – to continue their music and applicants’ families must lessons and multicultural dance.” lessons, try dance classes for the demonstrate financial need – and Companies and individuals can first time, or discover a passion for then are presented to a volunteer support the program through painting, drawing or theatre. The adjudication committee. sponsorships and donations. need is much more than we are Applications demonstrating Support can be provided to Creative able to fund and we have to turn the mos t financial need are Kids as a one-time donation, or by many kids away. The fall season is generally funded first. Committees hosting an event where the proceeds an especially challenging time as also consider a child or youth’s are donated to Creative Kids. hundreds of kids are looking for commitment to a particular cultural Individuals can sign-up for a regular opportunities to participate in fall discipline – and try to support monthly donation. Companies programs. Donations are essential. ongoing interest. Families are might be interested in exploring Any support to help kids in your normally notified of results within sponsorships for recognition community is greatly appreciated,” 30 days of an application deadline. If opportunities, an example is the says McCulloch. an application is funded, Creative Kids pays fees directly to the (Multicultural Bellydance)

Oriental Dance Arts

Super friendly instruction for adults, and youth (-9 y.o. plus) in middle eastern dance arts: Arabic, Tribal Style Happy Hour, Sufi Whirling, Persian.

Emphasis on recreational fun, socialization, youth empowerment, stress relief, dance cultural awareness. Respectful honour of body, mind, emotions, and spirit.

Ask about earlybird registration discounts.

Complimentary Annual Open House Sept.11th, 7:00 pm

Luther Special Care Home (1212 Osler St & Wiggins)

306-374-7745

orientaldancearts.com

prokr@sasktel.net

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SRMTA promotes progressive ideas in music education The Saskatoon Registered Music Teachers’ Association is an organization of professional, dedicated, energetic, and qualified teachers within your community.

RMT members teach a variety of instruments and related theoretical subjects, from beginner to the most advanced levels. Each Registered Music Teacher holds at least one degree or diploma from a University, Conservatory, or recognized school of music.

RMT members are also committed to continuous professional development. The Association’s objectives include promoting progressive ideas in music education, encouraging professionalism in the art of teaching, and stimulating a high standard of music and culture.

The student of a Registered Music Teacher benefits from a variety of performing opportunities,

workshops and recitals with visiting artists, and opportunities for awards and scholarship support.

The 2018-2019 season features many fabulous events for Registered Music Teachers, students, and the community. These include meetings, workshops, and concerts to educate and inspire our members. There are also many other performances throughout the year featuring our students. Our branch is a strong supporter of the annual Saskatoon Music Festival – with many of our students and teachers taking part as performers and organizers.

In November, there are special events planned as part of Canada Music Week. Early in 2019, we will showcase our students and exam medalists in our RMT Spring Recital.

This October, our branch is very pleased to host the Saskatchewan R e g i s t e r e d M u s i c Te a c h e r s

Association Convention. This is an opportunity for our teachers to gather and learn from each other and experts from across the country.

Featured presenters this year are Maria Case, Dale Wheeler, Janice Elliott-Denike and Mary Joy Nelson.

A very special event will be a concert presented by the winner of the Honens Piano Competition. This competition takes place every three years in Calgary and is one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the world. We are excited to present the first public performance of the new winner.

We have a network of highly qualified instructors providing expertise in a wide variety of musical performance and instruction. To find a teacher in your area, or to learn more about Registered Music Teachers, please check our website at srmtasaskatoon.com.

THIS STORY PROVIDED BY THE SASKATOON REGISTERED MUSIC TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Saskatoon Registered Music Teachers’ Association Our teachers are experienced, professional, and dedicated! Each of us holds at least one degree or diploma from a University, Conservatory, or recognized School of Music.

Moscow Ballet’s Gift of Christmas tour Moscow Ballet brings holiday magic to life and create unforgettable memories with its Gift of Christmas Tour, featuring the Great Russian Nutcracker. The company performs at TCU Place on Sun., Nov. 17, at 3:00 p.m.

This is the 27 th annual North American Tour of the Great Russian Nutcracker, a holiday performance sure to delight all ages, with thrilling characters including 10-foot tall

Students of Registered Music Teachers (RMT) can benefit from a variety of performing opportunities, workshops and recitals. There are also opportunities for awards and scholarships. PHOTO: GET TY IMAGES

dancing puppets, exotic flying birds and dancing couples from the world’s five great heritages.

The Great Russian Nutcracker features award-winning principal ballerinas and danseurs from the top ballet academies in Russia and a large corps de ballet.

Moscow Ballet also advocates for community engagement in the arts and sends advance dancers to tour cities. These dancers audition local

ballet students for children’s roles in the performances and also host the New Horizons – A Children’s Program for Life program which engages school children and youth groups in interactive arts awareness.

Tickets are available at the TCU Place box office at 888-639-7770 or at www.nutcracker.com. Special pricing is available for groups, by calling 800-320-1733 or emailing: groups@nutcracker.com.

Please check out our website for a teacher in your area.

srmtasaskatoon.com

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Busy performance schedule for Saskatoon Concert Band

Do you want to play challenging and interesting music? Are you picking up your instrument again?

Are you looking for an inclusive group? One of the Saskatoon Concert Bands may be just what you are looking for. We’ve been here since 1949. We’ve changed and adapted over the years, and we are a strong and growing community of musicians.

Our band was founded in 1949

by John Schoen, who was our conductor until 1996. We started as the 23 Wing Band of the RCAF. We became the Kinsmen Concert Band, and then the H.M.C.S Unicorn Band, and finally, the Saskatoon Concert Band. We give concerts regularly and have performed at many special community events.

We showcase local, national, and international performers. We have commissioned works for winds and percussion. A non-profit, charitable organization, we are located at the

John H. Schoen Rehearsal Hall, 238 Avenue V North, a building which we own, and which is available for rental by other music groups.

The Concert Band concerts will be on Oct. 26, Feb. 29 and April 25. This season, we will perform at the Broadway Theatre in October and April. We are working on a location for our February Concert.

We are still working on details for our soloists, so check our website and Facebook for details. We will perform at Sundog Arts & Entertainment Faire on Nov. 30. We will give a free outdoor concert in June 2020. Auxiliary Band concerts will be held on Dec. 8 and June 7, at Grace-Westminster United Church.

The Concert Band, conducted

by George Charpentier, rehearses on Wednesdays, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. This group performs a wide variety of repertoire: traditional and contemporary wind music, orchestral transcriptions, and

lighter music as well. The Auxiliary Band, conducted by Nick Todd, rehearses on Tuesdays, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. This group is for players looking for a less intensive schedule or are returning to playing after a time away. This group also performs a wide variety of musical genres.

Rehearsals begin Tuesday, Sept.

3 for the Auxiliary Band, and Wednesday, Sept. 4 for the Concert Band. Rehearsals are at the John H. Schoen Rehearsal Hall.

There are openings in both groups. New members are welcome throughout the year. There is a membership fee. Members also volunteer for other band related activities, including serving on the board of directors.

For more information, call (306) 242-3916, email saskatoonconcertband@ gmail.com, and visit our Facebook page or website at saskatoonconcertband.ca.

The Saskatoon Concert Band and Saskatoon Auxiliary Band entertain audiences at community events throughout the year. SUPPLIED PHOTO

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY GEORGE CHARPENTIER, SASKATOON CONCERT BAND.

Encourage kids to love music Music education can have a profound impact on children. According to PBS, research has found that learning music facilitates learning other subjects, enhancing skills children will inevitably use elsewhere.

The benefits of music education might be even more tangible than that. A 2004 study published in the journal Psychological Science found that six-year-olds who were given weekly voice and piano lessons benefitted from small increase in IQs. Groups that received drama lessons or no lessons at all experienced no such increases.

Additional studies have linked music education to other benefits.

The Children’s Music Workshop notes that research has shown that

musical training physically develops the part of the brain associated with processing language.

Parents who want their children to reap these rewards and more can take these steps to encourage a love of music in their children.

• Cut a rug with your kids.

Children are bundles of energy who want to expend as much of that energy as possible. Dancing along to music is a great way for kids to use it up.

• Sing and encourage kids to sing along. Singing along to favourite songs is a fun activity and helps children to learn words and language.

• Let kids be the DJ. If your children seem to favour one music

style over another, play that style more often. Continue to expand their horizons, incrementally introducing different music genres.

• Let k ids part icipate in music. Purchase age-appropriate instruments for your children the moment they start playing with toys.

Look for children’s musical events in your community, whether it’s a sing-along at the local library or an introduction to musical instruments at a nearby community center.

(Metro)

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Program nurtures a love of music that lasts a lifetime Wilton Academy of Music is in its fifth year with this new name, however technically the program is in its 34 th year. Formerly housed at the U of S and named the “Community Music Education Program,” this unique and highly developed early childhood music program is going strong.

Wilton Academy of Music is not a franchise but rather a small, locally owned business dedicated to quality instruction.

“Because we are not a franchise, we hire only top music instructors – our teachers are highly skilled musicians, even at the early childhood level. There is a misconception that you don’t need a ‘good’ teacher until children

are older, but that is completely b a c k w a r d s . We b e l i e v e t h e beginning is the most important, and children need the best start possible. Music is a language and children’s brains are ready. Actually from birth to age three is the most important time for music. While many other activities can wait, music really should not,” said owner/director Nicole Wilton.

“What is really cool is we now have second generation kids coming – kids whose parents were in the program when they were youngsters – and we also have many music teachers’ children in our programs, which shows the quality of what we offer. This year, we are adding more venues, and more spaces

to accommodate our increased enrollment.”

Currently Wilton Academy of Music has weekday and weekend options for all classes. “We offer baby and mom music for ages 0-36 months – one of our most popular classes. After age three, we have age specific classes for ages three to six years.”

After age six, children have various options to study private instruments: such as piano, guitar and violin – with both Suzuki and traditional approaches for each discipline.

Dedicated to outreach and engagement within the Saskatoon Community, Wilton Academy of Music brings their music program

THIS STORY WAS PROVIDED BY NICOLE WILTON, WILTON ACADEMY OF MUSIC.

A Canadian classic in the making: Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet It’s Anne with an ‘E’ like you’ve never seen her before!

Canada’s Ballet Jörgen is proud to bring Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet™ to TCU Place on March 18, 2020. The Saskatoon performance is one of 40-plus stops on the two-year North American tour which will launch Sept. 28, 2019 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

This is the first time the beloved Canadian tale has been authorized for creation as a full-length ballet, made possible by the heirs of author Lucy Maude Montgomery.

Ballet Jörgen’s spirited ballet recounts the adventures of Anne Shirley, the red-haired, freckle-faced orphan who mistakenly arrives on the doorstep of the stern, no-nonsense Marilla Cuthbert and her soft-spoken brother Matthew. The Cuthberts, and their P.E.I. home, Green Gables, are transformed by Anne’s lively imagination and big heart.

With dazzling choreography, accurate period sets, and lively, graceful storytelling, this enchanting ballet is a brand-new classic in the making.

C a n a d a ’s B a l l e t J ö r g e n began work on the production approximately three years ago, according to a recent blog entry

by CEO and artistic director Bengt Jörgen. “We always focus on doing works by Canadian artists and telling Canadian stories. As we have increasingly focused on recreating classics into a Canadian context, the next logical step was for us to do a full-length classic that was a Canadian story, and really, Anne of Green Gables is the quintessential Canadian story.”

Renowned Canadian composer Alexander Levkovich created the symphonic ballet score by extending and adapting the musical score from Anne of Green Gables – The

to many daycares and preschools across the city, some for as many as 30 years “We know that not all families have the means to give music instruction to their children, so by coming into these facilities, we can bring it to them in a more cost effective manner,” said Wilton.

For more information, go to wiltonmusic.com or email cmep@ sasktel.net.

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Nicole Wilton, owner/director of the Wilton Academy of Music, has been a leader in early childhood music education for over three decades.

SUPPLIED PHOTO

Register Now

for September

Tunes for Twos Age 2

Music Wonderland Ages 3 & 4 Junior Music Course Ages 4 & 5

Young Musicians Course Age 6 - 9

Canada’s Ballet Jörgen presents Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet™ at 7:30 p.m, March 18, 2020, at TCU Place.

PHOTO: BALLET JÖRGEN

Musical® by Norman Campbell, through a partnership with Avonlea Productions Ltd. and Erinsharn Productions Ltd. Tickets for Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet go on sale Sept. 6 at the TCU box office at tcutickets.ca or by calling 1-888-639-7770.

Piano Classes Ensemble Piano Studio 1011 Broadway Ave.

306-361-3559 www.ensemblepianostudio.ca

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e c n a D n I 1st shion Fa We have you covered from your first class to your last performance and every step along the way

The Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra performs two concerts a year, in addition to regularly accompanying local musicians and soloists. SUPPLIED PHOTO

Saskatoon Philharmonic performs diverse repertoire T he Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) is an adult community group that provides an experience for those who play a string, woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument, and are interested in playing in an orchestra.

We welcome those who, regardless of playing level, wish to play well and improve their skills, and are committed to rehearsing regularly and performing with the group.

The orchestra has been very successful since it began in 1997, performing two concerts a year.

The repertoire covers orchestral standards, light classics, popular, and contemporary works. We include music by composers and arrangers from Canada, Saskatchewan, and Saskatoon. The orchestra regularly accompanies local musicians and soloists. George Charpentier conducts the orchestra.

We rehearse Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the John H. Schoen Rehearsal Hall, 238 Avenue V North. Rehearsals will begin Monday, Sept. 9 and run until our second concert. Two concerts are scheduled for the coming year, the first on Jan. 18, 2020, and second on

May 9, 2020. Our guest performers will be announced later in the year.

Both concerts will take place in the Robert Hinitt Castle Theatre.

If you are interested in joining us, there are currently openings in all string sections. Brass, woodwind, and percussion players are encouraged to contact the orchestra about openings. New members are welcome throughout the year.

Interested musicians can join us for a few rehearsals before making a commitment. Because there are no formal auditions, this makes it easier to determine if we are a good match.

We r e c e i v e f u n d i n g f r o m the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association, and there is also a membership fee. Our members also volunteer to be responsible some of the other organizational and administrative tasks, including sitting on the Board of Directors.

The Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra is a non-profit, charitable organization.

For more information, email saskatoonphilharmonicorchestra@ gmail.com or call George at (306) 242-3916.

THIS STORY PROVIDED BY GEORGE CHARPENTIER, SASKATOON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA.

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