Star Phoenix Fall Music and Dance #2 2016 by Postmedia Saskatchewan

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Fall

MUSIC & DANCE

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Registered Music Teachers promote progressive ideas in music education

Students of Registered Music Teachers benefit from workshops and recitals, as well as opportunities to win awards, scholarships and perform. Photo: Getty Images

The Saskatoon Registered Music Teachers’ Association (RMT) 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 rec-

ognized 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,

for September

Tunes for Twos Age 2 Music Wonderland Ages 3 & 4 Junior Music Course Ages 4 & 5 Young Musicians Course Age 6 - 9

Piano Centre 1011 Broadway Ave

(Corner of Broadway & 8th)

665-0213

THIS ARTICLE WAS CONTRIBUTED BY CHRIS KELLY AND BONNIE NICHOLSON, WITH THE SASKATOON REGISTERED MUSIC TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION.

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workshops and recitals with visiting artists, and opportunities for awards and scholarship support. During the 2016/2017 season, many fabulous events are planned for Registered Music Teachers, students and the community. The Saskatoon Branch is very proud to present the Young Artist Concert on October 6. On March 19, the Association will showcase its students and exam medalists in the annual RMT Spring Recital. While not hosting this year, the Saskatoon Branch always has a strong representation at the Provincial Registered Music Teachers’ Association Convention – held in Regina in October. There are also many other performance opportunities for students throughout the year. In November, there are numerous events planned as part of Canada Music Week. In May of 2017, RMT members will play a huge role in supporting many students entered in the Saskatoon Music Festival and other competitions. For monthly meetings, Workshop Clinicians throughout the upcoming year include Alyssa Thompson, Raena Barnes, and Lynette Sawatsky. Topics such as using technology in the studio and creative ways to encourage students to compose their own music will be explored. It is a very exciting schedule designed to provide educational and performance opportunities for both teachers and students! To find a teacher in your area, or to learn more about Registered Music Teachers please check the Association’s website at www.srmtasaskatoon.com.

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Village Guitar: where musicians come to play BY MIKE SHIPLACK

Where would you go to find a small venue, intimate setting, and the best music equipment ever made in the last 60 years? Nashville? Seattle? Maybe Toronto? Or just head down 20th Street West in Saskatoon, and stop by Village Guitar & Amp Co. It is all part of the music store by day and music venue by night created, owned, and operated by Dan Canfield. And by operated, Canfield is the guy behind the register and the soundman behind the big board. “I love live music, but the problem is that I can’t go to a show when the first band is going on at midnight. I’m also an audio guy and I just want to see the band and listen to live music in a great sounding venue,” explains Canfield.

Village Guitar & Amp was the backdrop for a music video featuring Canadian folk rock band, Whitehorse, fronted by husband-and-wife team Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland. Supplied photo

This means that shows at Village Guitar usually start early and are over by 10:30p.m. This also is the perfect time to check out all the other music and late night en-

tertainment that’s happening just down the street. Not only does Canfield mix the shows on his own Midas Pro II mixing console, but he also has

to like the band, and make sure they’re a good fit for the venue. Bands such as Whitehorse, Big Sugar, The Trews, and other bigticket acts have taken their place on the Village Guitar stage. Local Saskatchewan bands like Belle Plaine have also had the chance to play. And by play, they actually get to play around with all the instruments, petals and amplifiers that are literally hanging off the wall — Instruments such as a vintage 1954 Fender Esquire that retails for about $40,000. Ca-Ching! He might even let you play Stairway to Heaven. Canfield’s back line consists of QFC speakers for mains. He offers bands their choice of microphones, and even allows drummers to use his vintage 1964 Ludwig, often referred to as the Ringo kit.

“I even have a bass amp used by Ray Brown from Ella Fitzgerald’s band. It’s the standard recording bass from 1966, and you get to hear it being played throughout the tonight. Many of my amps are also old Fenders from the 60s. You won’t find a back line anywhere that will help inspire musicians. For them it’s like candy land, and that inspires them to play more,” says Canfield. That vintage and high-end equipment is also for sale. Oh! And if something accidently breaks, or the lead guitar is in need of a quick set-up there is an instrument repair shop in the back. But don’t feel that this is limited for rock stars, and professional musicians. Everyone is welcome to come by during the day to play, or simply listen. CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

“Back to School” Sale on NOW! Grands from $ 12,500

Uprights from $ 4,299

Digitals from $ 1,369

Keyboards from $ 22999

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Village Guitar CONTINUED

“What we do to set ourselves apart is quality. If you come to Village Guitar, we’re known for our sound and vibe. It’s a beautiful 1930s building with tons of brick. It’s a real listening environment. It’s the type of place where you can sit down and write a record. That’s what makes us different,” says Canfield. How long does it take to transform the guitar shop into a live music venue? About 15 minutes. This versatility also makes Village Guitar a unique venue for events. And, yes, people have gotten mar-

We have you covered from your first class to your last performance and every step along the way

ried on the same stage that likely rocked someone’s socks off the night before. Room bookings are available on the website. So what’s coming up this summer? “We don’t do many shows in the summer because there are so many festivals,” says Canfield. Late summer, however, will feature Craig Cardiff, followed by Hillsburn. Several shows are already booked for September. Again, it’s always best to check the website for details, or just stop by Village Guitar and hear the difference.

Where the Music Begins Register For Music Lessons Today. Voice Piano Guitar Drums Bass Woodwinds Strings Brass & more

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DANCE STREET 2 Locations!

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16 23rd Street East

Ph: 955-2808

Ph: 955-5277

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Healthy Dancer Canada conference comes to Saskatoon BY J E N N I F E R JACO BY-SM I T H

This September a unique conference is coming to Saskatoon. Healthy Dancer Canada is hosting their ninth annual conference in Saskatoon – the first time in the Canadian prairies. The conference will be held Sunday, Sept. 25 and is open to everyone – dancers, dance educators, dance scientists, health care professionals and dance families. The conference will be a day of lectures, workshops, presentations and performances. It’s a chance for professionals, educators, artists and wellness promoters to come together to discuss the latest knowledge and practices for promoting health through dance. “Every year, our conference boldly challenges current dance culture and traditions,” says Jen-

• • •

nifer Bezaire, conference organizer. “The presentations and workshops demonstrate thinking outside the box and inspire participants to creatively apply the knowledge and skills that they gain to their own lives and day to day practices.” This year’s theme, Dancing Through Life, will examine the impact of dance practices on the health of individuals and the community. Dance encompasses all aspects of a person – physically, cognitively, emotionally and psychosocially – and therefore has an impact on their overall health. The Healthy Dancer Canada conferences offers a chance to explore the theme through a variety of presentations and performances. Attendees can brainstorm fresh ideas and creative expression. The conference also allows attend-

ees to network within the greater dance community, while earning continuing education and professional development credits. The Conference starts off with a welcome reception on Saturday afternoon. Local artists Ashley Johnson and Sherron Burns will facilitate the Saturday afternoon event. Their presentation on Sunday, Dance in a Small World, will highlight the importance of dance and movement in early years classrooms. Other presentations this year will include Ballet as Somatic Practice, the Body-Self of the Ballerina, Dance Learning: Learning Dance, Somatic Principles in Dance, Embodied Memory and Kinesiology as Facilitators in Dance Teaching, and The Breakalign Method. There will also be performances of new work by some of the pre-

senters. Saturday night will feature the WIP New Dance Series hosted by FreeFlow Dance Theatre Company. Sunday’s conference has panel discussions with presenters and other special guests. One of this year’s highlights will include a performance called Loops and Crinkles choreographed by Regina senior Canadian dance artist, Connie Moker Wernikowski. The contemporary dance work features a multigenerational quartet danced by Connie, Connie’s daughter Katrina Currie, and Connie’s granddaughters Evelyn Currie and Elle Wernikowski. “Loops and Crinkles celebrates the intrinsic human spirit that moves us to dance at all ages. They’re definitely throwing a few loops and crinkles into preconceived cultural notions about ap-

propriate age and timeline for dance as well as challenging our cultural norms concerning who can dance together,” says Bezaire. The annual conference is important for the dance community. It connects dancers with the latest research and with different forms of creative expression. “As a creative art form, dance is continually evolving. There are so many varieties of dance practices for any body at any age to choose from,” says Bezaire. Healthy Dancer Canada’s ninth annual conference, Dancing Through Life, takes place at Dance Saskatchewan Inc., September 25, 2016 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday’s conference includes breakfast, snacks and lunch catered by Citizen Café. For more information or to register visit www. healthydancercanada.org.

Celebrating over 40 years of dance!

CERTIFIED TEACHING STAFF • (R.A.D., C.D.T.A. A.D.A.P.T. , A.A.C.) • SOLID REPUTATION • AWARD WINNING STUDIO •

COMPETITIVE & NON-COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS 6 SPACIOUS STUDIOS ONLINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE JULY 1ST FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR-DONNA FEHR

JAZZ—TAP—BALLET—HIP HOP—CONTEMPORARY—MODERN—LYRICAL—MUSICAL THEATRE—ACRO & AERIAL ARTS—BREAKDANCING—TINY TOTS—PRE-SCHOOL DANCE PROGRAM—ADULT CLASSES

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @purenergydanceco www.pureenergy.ca pureenergy@sasktel.net 306-290-5152 #1 3310 Fairlight Drive Saskatoon, SK. SAS00354115_1_1

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Creative Kids helps youngsters discover true potential BY J E N N I F E R JACO BY-SM I T H

Getting your kids into sports can be a costly endeavour, but so can getting your kids into artistic activities. Creative Kids is a charity devoted to financially supporting Saskatchewan families so they can pursue art, music, dance, culture or theatre. Established in 2010, Creative Kids has helped more than 4,500 children in 176 communities across the province. They’ve granted over $2 million in funding for kids to pursue artistic and creative dreams. “Some kids don’t necessarily want to play sport, but they want to participate in art and can’t afford it because lessons are expensive,” says Christie McCulloch It’s not just the lessons themselves. Art classes can require art supplies. Dance classes require costumes and shoes.

“Not every kid that goes through Creative Kids or that gets funding or takes a music class will grow up to be a famous musician or a fantastic actor,” says McCulloch. “But what it all does universally for every kid that goes through our program is it helps form them into wonderful adults that contribute to the community.” McCulloch adds participation in the arts can boost self-esteem and give kids a sense of belonging. It offers a chance to make new friends and expand their social network to include those with similar passions. Performances for music and dance also give participants the chance to showcase their talents and skills. “And it makes their parents proud,” McCulloch notes. “It feels so amazing as a kid.” There is an application process for each family requesting funds. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. The applicant is

also required to get the application signed by an endorser – someone not related to the family and not the service provided, such as a teacher, social worker or pastor – to vouch for the family as a good candidate for support. Activities supported by Creative Kids fall into five main categories – music, dance, art, culture, and theatre. McCulloch says, the organization doesn’t have a list of approved programs because art can be very subjective. For anyone who wants to support kids in Saskatchewan and their participation in arts and cultural activities, Creative Kids is a registered charity. Donations can be made through a secure link on their website. The organization has had the support of Hollywood actor Kim Coates. Earlier this year, Coates hosted the third annual Creative Mayhem in his hometown of Saskatoon to raise money to support Creative Kids.

“Kim has been great. He’s been really supportive of Creative Kids right from the beginning. He’s gone above and beyond to help us raise money so we can continue to support kids in Saskatoon right where he’s from,” McCulloch says. While having a big name back their cause is helpful, McCulloch says the organization is currently searching for principal sponsor. Creative Kids, it should be noted, is also a program of Sask Culture, which covers 100 per cent of the administration costs associated with operating the program. This means all private donations and corporate sponsorships goes straight to funding kids who apply to the program. For more information or to apply for funding visit www.creativekidssask.com. Liking them on Facebook is the best way to keep up with latest news and upcoming events.

TU-TU CLASS for your little ballerina (ages 3 and 4)

REGISTRATION: August 23rd, 24th and 25th (5:00-8:00 p.m.) Classes Commence, September 6th, 2016

Ages 4 & up Must be 4 by Sept. 1st, 2016 Registration for new dancers on Tues., August 23, 2016 6:30 - 8:00 pm In our Studio at 215-103rd Street E.

Eloise Sitter - Director

Examiner C.D.T.A.Tap and Jazz • Registered Teacher - R.A.D. Ballet

For Information or Registration:

CALL 306-242-5311 191 La Ronge Road, Saskatoon

For information contact Sherry at 306-373-4022 www.boyandance.com boyandance@gmail.com

www.sitterschoolofdance.com Facebook page Sitter School of Dance • Instagram @sitterschoolof dance Twitter @SitterDance • Email: sitter schoolof dance @shaw.ca SAS00354586_1_1

- Competitive, Recreational and Exam dance classes

16th Dance Season

Artistic Director: Kristy Neumeier Sotnikow It’s about More than Dance.... it’s about developing Qualities every child needs to Succeed

- Ages 3 - Adult - Qualified Instructors

Jazz

Ballet

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Lyrical Contemporary

Tap

Acro Dance

Hip Hop

Musical Theatre

Wonderful Preschool Program: Creative Dance & Toejammer Tap #6 - 816 First Avenue North Saskatoon, SK

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Email: kdancefusion@gmail.com

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View our full schedule of classes & Register Online:

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STRIKE UP THE BAND: Saskatchewan Band Association BY PAU L SIN KE W IC Z

It’s mid-July and Greg McLean is excited about the start of the 2016 Junior Band Camp in Saskatoon. The executive director of the Saskatchewan Band Association (SBA) knows dozens of young players from all around Saskatoon and area will soon file into their first rehearsal with butterflies in their stomachs. And after the last note of their final performance at the end of the week, they will take more knowledge, skill and confidence with them back to their own band programs. That’s what the SBA is all about. “The SBA has tried to position itself so it’s the support mechanism and the resource system for wind and jazz bands in the province,” says McLean. The organization began in 1983, and by the end of its first decade was running summer band workshops for developing players at Kenosee, Yorkton, Regina and Saskatoon. Every year since, hundreds of students have enjoyed powerful, week-long experiences that supercharge their love of band music. “That’s very exciting and those have had a huge impact on kids.” McLean, who was a board member with the SBA in the 1980s and 1990s, is proud of a recently developed program. For the past three years, the SBA has formed a junior and intermediate honour band to develop young players. It’s a weekend honour band in both Regina and Saskatoon that includes players in Grades 7 to 10, that runs in the second or third week of March. “That’s kind of a neat program,” he says. But McLean points out that the SBA, and band music, is not just for the younger players. It serves 15 adult community bands around the province alone, as well as jazz bands and even pipe and drum bands. The common denominator, according to McLean? Music is a gift for everyone and anyone.

The Saskatchewan Band Association recently held a summer junior band camp for young musicians at the University of Saskatchewan. Photo: Paul Sinkewicz

“I think active music making is valuable for all. It’s good for the brain for both young and old. There are many musical benefits, but there are also intrinsic ones: motivation, success, a sense of accomplishment and the whole social aspect of team building, problem solving as a group and working toward a common goal.” “We talk of nine different intelligences that the human mind is capable of, and music is one of the few, if not the only, activities

that exercises all of those nine intelligences. It is just wonderful for young and old alike.” Another development of which McLean is proud, is the SBA’s support for SaskCulture’s Diversity and Inclusivity Initiative. Now in its third year, the program promotes awareness, reaching out to people of diverse cultures ‒ especially new Canadians and First Nations and Métis people. “We’re trying to make our program available to all,” says McLean, “We

Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra A Community Orchestra providing opportunity and enriching culture saskatoonphilharmonicorchestra.com saskatoonphilharmonicorchestra@gmail.com (306)242-3916 facebook.com/groups/ saskatoonphilharmonicorchestra SAS00354378_1_1

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Saskatoon Concert Band

need to work to include everybody. That’s been exciting.” The SBA works extensively with school directors at one level, and at another level have done training with SaskCulture to make communications with the public, advocacy issues and things like registration forms, more relevant and to educate board members about the issues involved. “We have a very diversified demographic here, and they bring a lot of different values and beliefs to the provinces, and so we need to know how to welcome them into these programs.

“I think what struck me most is that music is part of every culture. Every civilization and culture has music, and so new Canadians want to get involved. It’s just a matter of making it possible for them.” The SBA is administering the New Canadians Community Band Grant program where there is a onetime grant for new Canadians to buy or rent an instrument, to buy a uniform or just pay the registration fee to get involved. “There are so many exciting things going on in the band community in the province, it’s fun to be a part of it.”

Saskatoon’s Premiere Dance Studio

• R.A.D.Ballet • C.D.T.A.Jazz •Hip Hip Hop • C.D.T.A.Tap • Lyrical/Contemporary Contemporary Preschool, Recreational, Adult & Competitive Classes

TU-TU CLASS ASS

for your little ballerina (ages es 3 and 4)

REGISTRATION:

August 23rd, 24th and 25th (5:00-8:00 p.m.) Classes Commence September 6th, 2016

Eloise Sitter - Director or

Examiner C.D.T.A.Tap and Jazz Registered Teacher - R.A.D. A.D. Ballet

Making Music Since 1949

Concert Band

For Information or Registration:

CALL 306-242-5311

and

Auxiliary Band

191 La Ronge Road, Saskatoon

saskatoonconcertband.ca saskatoonconcertband@gmail.com (306) 242-3916 facebook.com/saskatoonconcertband SAS00354109_1_1

www.sitterschoolofdance.com • Facebook page Sitter School of Dance • Instagram @sitterschoolof dance • Twitter @SitterDance • Email: sitter schoolof dance @shaw.ca SAS00354103_1_1

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& Abiding Lines dances across the prairies

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BY KIRA OLFERT

Abiding Lines Dance Company (ALDC) just completed a successful third season with soldout shows in both Saskatoon and Prince Albert, showcasing the talent of some of the best and most dedicated dancers in the province. ALDC is the brainchild of Kara Dubyk, a Saskatoon dance teacher. She created the company for a number of reasons. “There are very few opportunities outside of competition for most dancers to perform for an audience. I wanted to give dancers with a real passion for performing the chance to do so without the pressure of being judged.” She adds, “for dancers over the age of 18, once they’ve aged out of competition, ALDC becomes a performance outlet for the pre-professional dancer.” And so, ALDC is compromised of dancers from the ages of 13-27. This wide age range benefits both older and younger performers. While the older members are given the chance to continue dancing in productions in front of an audience, the younger dancers, says Dubyk, “get to learn from the experience and skill of their older peers. It is such a positive learning environment, and you see so many amazing relationships forming.” To promote this growth in her younger dancers, Dubyk sets up mentorships between the older and younger performers. “The mentors are dedicated and hard working, and this passes down to the younger dancers.” Although ALDC is based out of Dance Saskatchewan Inc. in Saskatoon, dancers come from all over the province to audition for a chance to perform with the group. Auditions for the 2017 season will be held on September 10. After the roster is set, rehearsals are held every Sunday from September until June. For the two weeks prior to each performance, rehearsals are held every day. It is a lot of work,

Dubyk admits, explaining that “in each of our full-length feature performances, there are between 25 and 30 different routines. The dances are put together so that they tell a story. Our dancers need to be able to learn and master the choreography and the emotion very quickly.” Response to the group has, says Dubyk, “been fantastic! There isn’t anything else like what we’re doing in the province. We have a lot of people who come back year after year to see us. That feels amazing. As does the amount of people who maybe come along just

to see a loved one perform but then end up genuinely enjoying the show. We see that we are reaching an audience beyond the dance community and that is really gratifying.” Going forward, Dubyk hopes to continue expanding Abiding Lines. The 2017 performance tour currently includes shows in North Battleford, Prince Albert and two nights at Saskatoon’s Persephone Theatre. For more information, contact the company via email at abidinglines@hotmail.com, or online at www.abidinglines.com.

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.

Abiding Lines Dance Company showcases talented dancers from across the province. Director Kara Dubyk works with dancers ages 13 to 27; older dancers help to mentor younger members of the troupe. Photo: Abiding Lines Dance Company

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