Impact Report
Message from the President & CEO
VSO
and VSO School of Music
Our 2022–23 year at the VSO School of Music (VSO SoM) was memorable and inspiring We aligned with the VSO’s theme of Let’s Play, and play we did We played through private lessons, group classes, a multitude of ensembles, jaw-dropping International Master Teacher sessions, spellbinding performances and spectacular special events Throughout the pandemic, the VSO SoM had remained deeply committed to continue delivering quality music education to all During 2022–23, we remained equally committed to providing the very best to our beloved students and families throughout our recovery. In fact, 2022–23 saw inspiring expansion and outstanding student satisfaction and successes.
We added bench strength to our operations team in order to build the foundation for pandemic recovery as well as pave the road to a robust future for the VSO SoM To that end, we recruited Melissa Duchak as Vice President Learning and Strategic Integration T Yvanna Mycyk, we assembled a strong team to education excellence We also created a new ro Strategic Implementation - to ensure effective a priorities. Natasha McEwen was successful in s helped us meet many of our strategic priorities. between the VSO and VSO School of Music wa allow us to leverage the opportunities, expertise our staff, musicians and faculty contribute so wo
Our Board of Directors, championed by Chair E an abundance of time and skill to ensure the VS positive trajectory. Our talented and skilled Boa Chow, was central in supporting the VSO SoM t and a successful financial 2022–23 year.
Together with our amazing staff, outstanding fa VSO musicians and generous donors, VSO SoM was an unequivocal success We weathered a s and continue to bring the power of music to our We love what we do
I extend my deepest gratitude to all.
Angela Elster President & CEO
Message from VSO School of Music Artistic Advisor and VSO Music Director
The VSO School of Music is a gem of the city, teeming with creativity and potential. Continual growth of programs and ensembles are examples of that.
This is the only music school in North America connected to a major Symphony Orchestra Students enjoy the benefits of the VSO School of Music Advantage through many interactions with the VSO: performances at the Orpheum, Day of Music, Symphony at Sunset, Symphony at Deer Lake Park, prelude concerts, VSO Mentorship events, and masterclasses with some of the outstanding guest artists who perform with the VSO I was thrilled that this year, Hilary Hahn, Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, Jon Kimura Parker, Lucas and Arthur Jussen and others shared their knowledge and experiences with our young musicians.
It is always a joy and pleasure to conduct and work with students of the VSO SoM. I am delighted of the success of the students winning regional, national and international prizes and the graduates who go on to study at prestigious institutions
Maestro Otto Tausk
VSO School of Music Artistic Advisor and VSO Music Director
Message from the Chair of the Board
I am very proud to be associated with the VSO School of Music and to serve the school as Chair of the Board of Directors The strength and diversity of the Board amply reflects the strength and diversity of the VSO SoM’s activities in the 2022–23 season Our Board includes the perspectives of students, parents, academics, entrepreneurs, lawyers, professional musicians, digital trainers and finance professionals: a mighty group of colleagues fully committed to supporting the VSO SoM in its expansion and impact
Two of the programs that I have been personally impacted by in 2022–23 reflect the diversity that I write about. An evening in Pyatt Hall devoted to jazz, showcasing jazz musicians and faculty, and celebrating the Ostara Project was truly eye-opening to the expertise of our jazz department and the broad audience that the programs appeal to. In contrast, I dropped into the informal performance that closed the strings program retreat at Camp Elphinstone on the Sunshine Coast What energy and skill demonstrated by string players across the range of school age students! We were treated to a preview of performances for our Founders’ Celebration and this preview left me ‘primed’ and wanting more!
In May 2023, we honoured and celebrated the visionary donors who enabled the founding of the VSO School of Music. Many of these founders continue to be generous financial supporters of the school’s activities and are extremely creative in their ideas for expanding our impact.
My sincere thanks to all
Elisabeth Finch
Chair of the Board of Directors
Depth of Participation
870 students learned in group classes
899 took private lessons
434 enjoyed summer camps
241 joined ensembles
In 2022–23, learners joined our VSO SoM student community from throughout the province, country and internationally:
British Columbia Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Pitt Meadows, White Rock, Delta, Tsawwassen, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Chilliwack, Lake Errock, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, Britannia Beach, Squamish, Whistler, Brackendale, Kamloops, Kelowna, Langley, Kimberley, Agassiz, Bowen Island, Salt Spring Island, Galiano Island, Gabriola Island, Victoria, Nanaimo, Madeira Park, Halfmoon Bay, Roberts Creek, Sechelt, Terrace
Canada
Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia
United States
California, Washington, Hawaii, North Carolina, Idaho, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Florida, Texas
International UK, Italy, Finland, Hong Kong, New Zealand
Makes access to music education easy and joyful. It provides a great opportunity to learn and the school definitely has fun, exciting and amazing classes for little kids. My child really enjoys the school.
Gina G
Music for All Ages
The VSO School of Music welcomes students of all ages and skill levels to participate in lessons, group classes, ensembles and performances.
2,100studentsstudiedatthe VSOSchoolofMusic
738 age 0–6 years
440 age 7–12 years
389 age 13–19 years
313 age 20–54 years
220 age 55+ years
Our youngest student was 3 months old, and our eldest student was 89
Performance Prep Program
Generously supported by the Youtz Family
The VSO SoM Performance Prep Program is a 10–month residency for gap year students who show a high level of musical talent and require and desire preparation to progress to higher education in classical, jazz or world music performance. This one-of-a-kind program provides invaluable experience for students and includes private lessons, ensemble classes, masterclasses by VSO guest artists, coaching by VSO musicians, career-resilience development, marketing and public relations training, financial literacy training, audition and application preparation, and a wide range of performance opportunities
4PerformancePrepProgram studentsfilledtheirgapyearswith invaluableexperiences
E.J. Bown, Piano & Drums
Odyn Mulder, Voice
Emma Murray, Double Bass
Yilang Zhou, Piano & Composition
Emma Murray
Odyn Mulder
Odyn Mulder performing with the VSO
masterclass. This program widely benefits the VSO and VSO SoM community and beyond, as the masterclasses can be attended live in Pyatt Hall or virtually via livestream.
In 2022–23, the VSO SoM delivered a diverse offering of International Master Teacher Events, across genres and formats:
11 International
Master
Teacher
events took place in-person and via livestream
Jon Kimura Parker, Piano
Vivian Fung, Composition
Wu Man, Pipa
Hilary Hahn, Violin
Caili O’Doherty Quintet, Presentation & Big Band Workshop
Measha Brueggergosman-Lee, Voice
Lucas & Arthur Jussen with Maestro Otto Tausk masterclass
Jane Coop, Piano
Viano Quartet, Chamber Music
Lucas & Arthur Jussen, Piano; with Maestro Otto Tausk
Wayne Marshall, Piano & Improvisation
Håkan Hardenberger, Trumpet
Wayne Marshall, Piano & Improvisation masterclass
Wu Man traditional Chinese Music masterclass
Hilary Hahn violin masterclass
Jane Coop piano masterclass
Håkan Hardenberger
Viano Quartet
Jon Kimura Parker
Ensembles
The VSO School of Music’s variety of ensembles offer students the inspiring opportunity to make music with their peers, led by coaches and conductors of the highest artistic level. The VSO SoM ensemble experience builds new skills in musicianship, leadership and teamwork within a supportive social setting, and leads to unique performance opportunities In 2022–23, the ensembles continued to grow in size:
240students in ensemblesattheVSOSoM
Classical
112 students in String Orchestras
47 students in Chamber Groups
Jazz
66 students in Jazz Combos
Big Band
Ensembles
2 Adult Guitar Ensembles
3 Youth Cello Ensembles
Aureum Winds (Adult Ensemble)
Recorder Ensemble
Children’s Choir
Faculty
At the very heart of the VSO School of Music, you will find a team of dedicated faculty members. The diverse faculty team spans instruments and musical styles and their high standards of pedagogical instruction, artistic excellence and passion for music education elevate the life experiences of our students
146FacultyMembers
6 Early Years & Music Therapy
15 Global Music
7 Guitar & Harp
21 Jazz
8 Music Theory, History and Composition
25 Piano
40 Strings
8 Voice
21 Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion
Faculty members are the driving force behind many special opportunities for students They take steps such as enrolling ensembles in competitions, planning festivals, collaborating with each other to create a concert of student compositions, and inviting each other to work with their students as a special guest. In many cases, teachers create bespoke arrangements or compositions to help ti t t d t ith t i th t b l
The quality of the instructors is world class. I feel fortunate to be able to study at the
VSO School
of Music. It is good for my soul.
Paul A
lessons, and opportunities to participate in ensembles to students in need, at any age or ability
38studentsreceivedbursaries
In 2022–23, bursaries have been provided by:
The Christopher Foundation
Jeffrey and Jody Harris
HSBC Bursary Fund
Mary Ann Sigal
Tuey Charitable Foundation
Anonymous Donors
part of the Future of Excellence Competition and the VSO SoM Festivals for Strings and Piano, in addition to many more opportunities Scholarships are awarded purely on the basis of musical achievement
49scholarshipsawarded
In 2022–23, scholarships have been provided by:
Peter and Mary Brunold Award
Malcolm Hayes and Lester Soo
Höing Family Fund for students in Surrey School District
Höing Family Fund for Exceptional Talent
Irene McEwen
Eleanor Reemeyer
Youtz Family Performance Prep Program
Scholarship Fund
A World of Opportunities
Students were thrilled to perform ‘The Four Seasons: Recomposed‘ on May 4 at the Orpheum. Students, guests, and soloist astounded the audience in this concert featuring the Sinfonietta ensemble led by VSO Concertmaster
Nicholas Wright, in Max Richter’s re-imagining of Vivalid’s The Four Seasons VSO Musicians/SoM faculty members performing alongside the Sinfonietta students were Grace Huang, harpsichord; Hung-Wei Huang, viola; Katrina Chitty, viola; David Brown, bass; and Alyssa Katahara, harp
Performance Opportunities included:
School Solo, Studio, and Departmental Recitals
Combo, Chamber, and Large Ensemble Concerts
Masterclasses
Strings and Piano Festivals
Prelude Concerts at the Orpheum Theatre and Surrey Bell Centre
Outreach Concerts
Soloist opportunities with VSO and SoM Ensembles
Day of Music
Day of Music 2023, presented by BMO, was the VSO and VSO School of Music’s flagship event in our commitment to accessible and affordable musical programming for British Columbians, a commitment shared by BMO Day of Music took place on June 10, and featured 12 hours of free music, performed by over 100 musical groups across 13 stages, plus a variety of digital events broadcast at DayofMusic.ca. Concerts were held at various indoor and outdoor venues and BMO branches in Downtown Vancouver, South Granville, Yaletown, Coal Harbour, Burnaby, Richmond, Langley, and Victoria
Day of Music brought the power of music to over 25,000 people – all for free.
Students of the VSO SoM were featured on the Orpheum stage and throughout the day and the VSO ended the day with a pinnacle performance at the Orpheum At various points throughout the day, the VSO shared the Orpheum stage with student ensembles from the VSO School of Music Pyatt Hall and classrooms at the School had packed houses all day for various VSO and School of Music soloists and ensembles, masterclasses, and Mini Music Maker workshops.
I love the range of music genres, instruments, ensembles and programs I can participate in. The facilities are excellent. The VSO School of Music has been a life changing experience for me.
—Valerie B
and musicians from across British Columbia together to celebrate the joy, fun and healing nature of music making Of the 100+ Day of Music performances, 25 of them featured VSO musicians, VSO School of Music Faculty and/or students
The VSO and VSO School of Music extend sincere thanks to the Day of Music 2023 Presenting Sponsor BMO, and its other supporters and partners: the Province of British Columbia, Newmont North America, TELUS, the City of Vancouver, the Jane McLennan Fund for Free and Accessible Programming, Deloitte, Warrington PCI Management, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver Civic Theatres, Yaletown BIA and YVR.
Intermezzo at Day of Music
Early Childhood Learning
Our Mini Music Makers classes are taught by highly experienced and qualified Early Childhood music instructors and musicians, and are full of singing, moving, playing and learning.
In 2022–23, we were able to once again expand our Mini Music Makers program beyond the downtown core to two satellite locations: West Vancouver Community Centre and Clayton Community Centre in Surrey
We offered several Meet the Instrument group beginner classes. These small classes give participants a solid foundation on the violin, piano, ukulele or flute while building musicianship skills
Out of 738 VSO SoM students age 0–6 years old:
385 in Mini Music Makers
302 in summer, spring break & pro-d-day camps
43 in private lessons
34 in group beginner classes
The instructor for mini music maker class is so great. Great with kids, keeps them engaged, and teaches them to wait their turn. We will definitely keep attending these classes.
—Nicole L
Youth Empowerment Program
The VSO School of Music’s Youth Empowerment Program is a donor-funded music education initiative that provides at-risk youth with a safe space to explore different avenues of musicmaking at the VSO School of Music
The program is based around weekly drop-in sessions that include instrumental music instruction, guided improvisation, jamming, creating their own compositions and music production Sessions are tailored based on the interests and needs of participants The two hours of class time are followed by a meal to provide a safe environment for discussion and further engagement. A regular faculty member supplements the programming with guest artists from a variety of musical disciplines. Participants also have the opportunity to take private lessons.
Over 30 youth took part in the program and several students went on to study guitar, voice and songwriting in their weekly private lessons
Based on foundational research about the cognitive and emotional benefits of making music, and the added benefits of working musically as a group, the Youth Empowerment Program develops life skills while providing at-risk youth with access to the arts
The VSO School of Music works with community partners to support attendance and access for the Youth Empowerment Program.
pe o ces by e SO co bo o e Co s S s eop es o e sq e , Sq s , d
Tsleil-Waututh Nations, and other Indigenous special guest artists from across Turtle Island Admission to the event was complimentary, making art and music accessible to all, and inviting our community to participate in Truth and Reconciliation.
Before the concert, audience members shopped and supported local Indigenous vendors in the lobby and children had fun at the VSO & VSO School of Music’s playzone Later in the day a show-stopping fashion show took place on ion of Indigenous fashion designer Pam Baker mances by DJ O Show, Nova Charles, Rhonda d Trail Singers, and musicians of the VSO er Indigenous music were shared with an nous filmmaker Rayln Gladue and Indigenous
collaboration The VSO’s Indigenous Council is
Jakob Knudsen & Matt Provost
Dennis Thomas with the VSO
Geena Jackson & Bogdan Dulu
Outstanding Achievements
Festival & Competition Performances
Individuals and Ensembles from the VSO SoM consistently placed highly in local & international events:
Two piano students of LayTuan Tan, Evelyn Xu and Aidan An, both took first place at this year's Crescendo International Competition where they performed at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Da-Wei Chan (violin student of Carla Birston) has won a full scholarship to return to the prestigious summer institute Domaine Forget de Charlevoix International Music and Dance Academy He attended for the first time in 2022, and was the youngest student in the program at 14 years old
Three VSO SoM chamber ensembles achieved top honours in the 2023 BC Provincial Music Festival: UPdog Trio (Gabrielle Haslett, Sunny Sun, Tony Zhou) placed 2nd in the Intermediate Chamber Group Ukiyo Quartet (Da-Yong Chan, Nevé Koa Frid, Eunjin Veronica Lee, Timothy Jin Seo Li) placed 2nd in the Senior Chamber Group Astral Quartet (Da-Wei Chan, Hilary Chan, Xenia Huang, Carl Elliot Teng) placed 1st in the Provincial Excellence Chamber Group
Future of Excellence Competition
The 2022–23 VSO SoM Annual Future of Excellence Competition had a high level of performance on display in both the junior and senior divisions
Senior Division Winner: Da-Wei Chan (violin)
Finalists: David Han (cello); Xenia Huang (violin)
Junior Division Winner: Abigail Lui (violin)
Finalists: Sophie Liu (piano); Sara Tan (violin)
Abigail Lui and Da-Wei Chan
Centre debut on February 23, playing the iconic Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo with the Juilliard Chamber Orchestra He was a recent first place winner at the Josefina P Tuason International Guitar Competition in Denver.
Performance Prep Program participant Emma Murray (student of Jodi Proznick & Miles Black) has been accepted to McGill University with a substantial scholarship, to continue her studies in jazz bass, piano & composition
Luke Young, a trumpeter & member of Big Band, was awarded the Lou Williamson Outstanding Jazz Brass Player Scholarship by MusicFest Canada, joining their National Youth Jazz Combo, and winning a full scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music's Aspire Five-Week Music Performance Intensive
Weiji Lu (pipa student of Qiu Xia He) was awarded a Certificate of Accomplishment from the Central Conservatory of Music.
Performance Prep Program toured with her band Tiny Habits, formed at Berklee College of Music They have been featured on a NPR Tiny Desk concert, in the soundtrack to a Netflix Show, are supporting Lizzy McAlpine on a European tour, and had their debut EP released in April 2023.
Mischa Gerbrecht received scholarship offers from the Manhattan School of Music, Cleveland Institute of Music, University of Toronto, McGill University, and University of British Columbia for their undergraduate music performance programs
Jazz guitarist Jay Yoo (student of David Sikula) received admission & scholarship offers from Berklee College of Music, University of Southern California, University of North Texas, and the New School
Jason Chin was accepted to the Boston University Tanglewood Institute
The VSO School offers an excellent platform for students to pursue their passion for music. They have a group of amazing teachers dedicated to sharing their musical talent and skills with the students. VSO School offers students numerous opportunities to learn from professional players through masterclasses and concerts. My daughters thoroughly enjoyed attending this school as they had the opportunity to meet their beloved teachers and friends. Jing Z
2022–23 was a year of significant growth for the VSO School of Music. Regular school year programs saw over 25% growth in revenues over 2021–22. The VSO School of Music continued its investment in its world-class faculty, with 60% of operating expenses being allocated to its instructors
Administration staff and maintaining facilities are the next largest expense items, at 27% and 7% respectively. Diligent budget management combined with generous donations and strong registrations made for a successful year resulting in a modest surplus of 4% of annual expenditures This keeps the VSO School of Music in good financial standing as we move forward in an expansion strategy for 2023–24 and beyond
Revenue $ 3,098,234 Expenses $ 2,962,663 Net Surplus $ 135,571 Total Expenses
VIRTUOSO CIRCLE ($25,000+)
rters Thank You!
tributors:
Azrieli Foundation, The Christopher Foundation, Malcolm Hayes and Lester Soo, Werner and Helga Höing, Irene McEwen , Eleanor Reemeyer, Tuey Charitable Trust, Robert Youtz
ACCOLADE CIRCLE ($5,000–$9,999)
Angela Elster, Jeffrey and Jody Harris, Mary Anne Sigal, The Taylor Taliesin Foundation
BRAVO CIRCLE ($2,500–$4,999)
Jeff and Keiko Alexander, Elisabeth and David Finch, Clive Langley, Ben Mink and Ingrid Friesen, Whole Foods Market
HONOUR ROLL ($1,500–$2,499)
Bill and Leone Hobbis, PFM Executive Search
FRIENDS (up to $1,499)
Mary Ann Aldus, Amur Financial Group, Kathleen Bain, Joanne Baxter, Carla and Harold Birston, Terry Brunette, Maureen Campbell, Sandra Campbell, Maureen Zeal Campbell, Anne Clarice Caraan, Kristin Cassie, CFA Society Vancouver, Deborah Cooper, Vicki Cummings, Tracy Dahl, Joan Davidson, Gerard Deagle, Feisal Dedhar, Peter Dodek and Hella Lee, Chantal Fennell, Elspeth Flood and Harry Satanove, Leonardo Frid and Rina Freed, Helen Hall, Penelope Hedges, Siong Heng and Wendy Chan, Dean Hollett, Hugh Hutner, Jullie Izawa, Sarah Kennedy, Matthew Kidd, Juliet Kwong, Leslie LeQuelenec, Chen Li, Lingyun Lu, James and Joan Lu, Stephen Lynch, Jean Lytwyn, Helen Maberley, Kathleen MacDonald, Barbara Madani, Tzipora Mann, Salma Osborne, Elisabeta and Alex Podut, Peter Prentice, Jocelyn Pritchard, RBC, David Rehorick, Jean Ruiz, Harry Satanove, Jay Schreiber, Daisy Singh, Alina Soldatova, John Steen, Susan Sverdrup-Phillips, Tara Tajdari, Rita Taylor, Laura Teng, Kyle Tiney, Amy Wang, Jessica Wang, Jessica Wei, Lis and Bruce Welch, Alice Wong, Anita Wu, Xue Wu and Francis Duncan, Roger Xu, Helena Yu, and those who wish to remain anonymous.
Thank you so much for getting me started on music through YEP program. If I hadn't been in this program, I don't think I would get started on building my own relationship with music, learning and experimenting different instruments. I didn't even think about doing so as I was so busy making a life in this country by myself. You encouraged me, told me I am good at drums and I got engaged in this space where we shared our love for music. I also got enrolled in piano lessons just because of you. It's during this time that I started singing too, which I haven't done in ages. I hope you realize how big of an impact you have made on me.
Youth Empowerment Program Participant