THE V C M AD V AN TAGE
Orchestras, Ensembles and Choirs Participating in ensembles at the VCM is a great way to gain musical experience in a fun and supportive environment. Our groups offer students wonderful opportunities to meet new friends, play great music and learn from amazing instructors! Orchestras, ensembles and choirs offer students a chance to participate in concerts and collaborate with other musicians. The VCM ensembles include choirs and a wide variety of instrumental ensembles for performers of all levels.
The VCM Advantage The VCM offers its students a unique learning environment filled with opportunities to grow and develop in many ways. In this section learn more about what the VCM is doing to provide students with an enriching, engaging and inspiring educational experience. There truly is no musical community like the VCM on Vancouver Island!
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Participants rehearse weekly and take part in at least two concerts annually. To ensure continuity of repertoire and rehearsal, students are encouraged to register for the entire year (two terms). New members are welcome to join ensembles mid-year with the Director’s permission. Students enrolled in private lessons at the VCM receive 25% off ensemble tuition.
String Orchestras The VCM String Orchestras welcome players of violin, viola, cello and bass. To ensure continuity of repertoire and rehearsal, students are encouraged to register for the entire year (two terms). New members are welcome to join mid-year with the permission of the director. Please consult Michael van der Sloot: 250.386.5311, ext. 223, for registration and placement information.
Introductory String Orchestra This is an introduction to ensemble playing and orchestral repertoire. Students in this orchestra should have at least one year playing experience and be comfortable reading music. Director: Duration: Tuition:
Michael van der Sloot 34 weeks (17 weeks/term) $258 ($119 + $10 resource fee/term) VCM Students $198.50 ($89.25 + $10 resource fee/term)
EN 422 01/02 Wed 6:00-7:00pm
Sept 14 – Jan 18 Jan 25 – May 23
Thursday Cello Orchestra
Stimulating repertoire is used to develop ensemble and orchestral skills, with focus on developing good intonation, rhythm and musicianship. Members should be playing at a Grade 4 level or higher, have some previous ensemble experience and be comfortable sight-reading.
This course is for cellists who have been playing for fewer than three years. Each class includes instruction in basic cello technique, i.e. scales and studies, as well as ensemble pieces.
Director: Duration: Tuition:
Michael van der Sloot 34 weeks (17 weeks/term) $317.50 ($148.75 + $10 resource fee/term) VCM Students $243.12 ($111.56 + $10 resource fee/term)
EN 422 03/04 Wed 4:15-5:45pm
Sept 14 – Jan 18 Jan 25 – May 23
Senior String Orchestra An intensive program focusing on the study and performance of great works in the string orchestra repertoire, this ensemble is for advanced students, playing at a Grade 7 level or higher. A challenging, rewarding and fun experience. Director: Duration: Tuition:
Michael van der Sloot 28 weeks (14 weeks/term) $314 ($147 + $10 resource fee/term) VCM Students $240.50 ($110.25 + $10 resource fee/term)
EN 422 05/06 Mon 7:00-9:00pm
Sept 12 – Dec 12 Jan 9 – April 30
These orchestras bring together cellists of all ages. Repertoire consists of high-quality transcriptions of great music. Develop better intonation and learn to play more musically with the rich, warm tone of a cello ensemble.
Tuesday Cello Orchestra Laura Backstrom 32 weeks (16 weeks/term) $280 ($140/term) VCM Students $210 ($105/term)
EN 402 31/32 Tue 7:30-8:45pm
Laura Backstrom 32 weeks (16 weeks/term) $280 ($140/term) VCM Students $210 ($105/term)
EN 402 41/42 Thu 7:30-8:45pm
Sept 15 – Jan 12 Jan 26 – May 17
Classical Guitar Orchestra The Guitar Orchestra brings together classical guitarists of all ages to develop strong ensemble and sight-reading skills. Repertoire ranges from music of the 16th through to the 20th century. Students in the Guitar Orchestra should be playing at a Grade 4 level or higher. Performance opportunities are provided throughout the year. Director: Duration: Tuition:
Michael Dias 34 weeks (17 weeks/term) $253 ($119 + $7.50 resource fee/term) VCM Students $193.50 ($89.25 + $7.50 resource fee/term)
EN 404 01/02 Sat 10:30-11:30am Sept 17 – Jan 21 Jan 28 – May 26
Flute Choir
Cello Orchestras
Director: Duration: Tuition:
Director: Duration: Tuition:
OR C HES TR AS , EN S EMB LES & C HO IR S
Intermediate String Orchestra
The Flute Choir is open to flutists of all ages to play music written for large and small “orchestras” of flutes. The choir provides an opportunity to learn to play bass flute, alto flute and piccolo. Director: Duration: Tuition:
Judith Pazder 34 weeks (17 weeks/term) $317.50 ($148.75 + $10 resource fee/term) VCM Students $243.12 ($111.56 + $10 resource fee/term)
EN 416 01/02 Sat 9:30-11:00am
Sept 17 – Jan 21 Jan 28 – May 26
Sept 13 – Jan 10 Jan 24 – May 15
Friday Cello Orchestra Director: Duration: Tuition:
Laura Backstrom 32 weeks (16 weeks/term) $280 ($140/term) VCM Students $210 ($105/term)
EN 402 21/22 Fri 10:30-11:45am Sept 16 – Jan 20 Jan 27 – May 25
V ICTORIA CONSERV ATOR Y O F M U S I C
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Honour Winds & Percussion Based on the standard concert band instrumentation, this ensemble welcomes brass, woodwind and percussion students of all ages. The goal of the ensemble is to provide motivated students with an opportunity to explore both modern and traditional repertoire of a high calibre. Director: Duration: Tuition:
Gordon Clements 28 weeks (14 weeks/term) $280 ($130 + $10 resource fee/term) VCM Students $215 ($97.50 + $10 resource fee/term)
EN 147 03/04 Tue 7:00-9:30pm Sept 6 – Dec 6 Jan 10 – April 10
Honour Jazz Orchestra
Chamber Music One of the most rewarding ways to make music is in a chamber music setting. It’s a great way to improve your overall musicianship and play some of the great works written for small ensembles. If you are interested in playing chamber music with musicians of similar ability, contact the VCM about preformed ensembles, forming new groups, faculty coaching and rehearsal space.
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Traditional Big Band repertoire is chosen from the catalogues of Basie, Ellington, Kenton, Herman, McConnell, and many others, including Victoria’s own excellent jazz composers. Improvisation and a wide variety of styles are explored from traditional swing to modern Latin and funk. Students are also given experience improvising in the Big Band genre. The Orchestra features saxophone, trombone, trumpet, guitar, piano, bass and drums. Other instruments, such as violin and woodwinds, as well as voice, are also considered. Director: Duration: Tuition:
Gordon Clements 28 weeks (14 weeks/term) $280 ($130 + $10 resource fee/term) VCM Students $215 ($97.50 + $10 resource fee/term)
EN 145 01/02 Mon 7:00-9:30pm
Sept 12 – Dec 5 Jan 9 – Apr 16
Vocal Jazz Ensemble The VCM Vocal Jazz Ensemble features 8 to 15 singers, ages 17 and up, accompanied by a full rhythm section. Singers receive instruction in Jazz performance practice, improvisation, intonation and vocal independence. Vocalists should have strong music reading skills and part singing ability. Director: Duration: Tuition:
Gergana Velinova 28 weeks (14 weeks/term) $280 ($130 + $10 resource fee/term) VCM Students $215 ($97.50 + $10 resource fee/term)
EN 147 01/02 Wed 5:00-7:30pm
Sept 7 – Dec 7 Jan 11 – Apr 11
Conservatory Chorale The Conservatory Chorale is a mixed-voice (SATB) chamber choir. Major choral works from the classical canon are paired with lesser-known and contemporary selections to comprise a rich and varied repertoire each term. Strong musicianship, and good sight-reading and part-singing ability are recommended for all those wishing to be part of this ensemble. Director: Duration: Tuition:
Brian Wismath 28 weeks (14 weeks/term) $280 ($130 + $10 resource fee/term) VCM Students $215 ($97.50 + $10 resource fee/term)
EN 143 01/02 Mon 5:00-6:30pm & Wed 4:30-6:00pm Sept 7 – Dec 7 Jan 9 – Apr 11
Wee Folks Glee Club 5-8 year olds
This choir offers children a unique opportunity to learn and grow musically through ensemble singing in a fun, nurturing and relaxed environment. Choristers experience the joy of singing, teamwork, discipline, enhanced musical understanding and artistic expression.
Saturday & Sunday
Instructor: Duration: Tuition:
VCM Noon Concerts, hosted by a rotating roster of faculty members, are held weekends from October through May.
Victoria Beauchesne (interim) 32 weeks (16 weeks/term) $240 ($120/term)
EN 420 01/02 Mon 3:45-4:3opm
Sept 12 – Jan 23 Jan 31 – June 4
Other ensemble opportunities include:
Jazz Combo and Improvisation Please refer to the Jazz section, pg.17
Noon Concerts These concerts are an excellent opportunity for students to gain performance experience in a relaxed and supportive setting. Any VCM student is welcome to play with the approval of their teacher. Simply sign up for the week you wish to perform and let us hear you! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ADMISSION BY DONATION WOOD HALL
V ICTORIA CONSERV ATOR Y O F M U S I C
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