soa december 2014 newsletter saskatchewan orchestral … · 2017-05-18 · soa december 2014...

SOA December 2014 Newsletter

SOA acknowledges the

generous support of:

How time flies. It seems like we were just preparing for the beginning of our fall

music activities when all of a sudden it is the end of December. This time of year is

always busy with end of the year concerts and celebrating the year’s

accomplishments. This is why I want to start by thanking all the dedicated

individuals and volunteers who help make music education in the province so

successful throughout the year. Thank you!

As I have mentioned in past newsletters, the SOA was successful in receiving a

considerable increase in funding from Saskatchewan Lotteries through SaskCulture

and the Saskatchewan Arts Board. We were able to do this in part through all of the

ideas that SOA member groups communicated to our board members. It is time to

make these ideas a reality. This fall, we encouraged all member groups to submit

applications for funding for the upcoming season. This year the SOA received an

unprecedented number of applications for funding to help in the development of

new programs. It was the SOA’s largest grant application intake in recent history.

These new programs highlight the diversity of our member groups and all that they

do to enhance the province’s music community. It’s great to see that the community

just keeps on growing!

The SOA has recently reached out to all high school music programs throughout

the province. If you have a child who is in high school and plays a string

instrument, I encourage you to talk to the music director at your school. There are

opportunities for string players to participate in high school music even if there is

not currently a string program in your area.

I hope you enjoy some of the photos from our recent successful Saskatchewan

Music Conference. Thank you to all our clinicians for their educational

presentations and workshops. The highlight of the music conference was presenting

the SOA awards. This year the Orchestra Development Award was presented to

Dean Bernier. The recipient of the Distinguished Service to the Orchestral

Community Award was Hugh Wood. Dean and Hugh have both played very

important roles in the development of the orchestral community of Saskatchewan.

Congratulations Dean and Hugh!

Once again, a big thank you to all the dedicated people and volunteers who help

make music education successful across our province.

Have a very Happy New Year from all of us at the SOA!

Saskatchewan Orchestral Association, Inc.

NEWSLETTER

Inside this issue:

President’s Message 1

Saskatoon Philharmonic 2

SOA Conducting Workshop 3

SSYO Update 3

Friendly Folk Update 4-5

SK Music Conference 6

Regina Mandolin Orchestra 7-8

SYO Update 8

Natalia’s Experience 9

SOA Awards 10

Adrian’s Experience 11

Prince Albert Strings 12

SK Music Fest Awards 13

Saskatoon Suzuki Update 14-15

Tisdale and District Strings 16-17

RSO Events 18

CMEA Conference 19

SOA Info & Events 20

President’s Message December 2014

By Curtis Scheschuk

SOA December 2014 Newsletter 2

The Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra

“It Was a Very Good Year”

By Judy McCrosky

For some reason, whenever I hear Dvorak’s New World Symphony, I picture the eminent composer stand-

ing atop a hill, waving his arms to command stars to fly in formation about his head, and comets to skim

across the grass at his feet. While playing the symphony, this past year, my mind was a little too busy for such

images. If I had wanted to daydream, though, being part of the orchestra bringing this wonderful music to life

would have me imagining myself atop that hill. Such is the power that comes from being part of this group of

musicians.

I play viola, and I joined the Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) in 2002. If anyone had suggested

then that in a few years we would be playing major orchestral works, or accompanying soloists of the caliber

of Arlene Shiplett, the amazing French horn player, I would have thought they were teasing me. We were, and

are, a community orchestra. Players come from all walks of life, and all levels of experience with their instru-

ments. When I first joined, we played a variety of pieces, challenging enough for the group as it was then, but

very little that most symphony orchestras would consider including in their repertoire. We were there to have

fun and make music, and that is what we did.

That’s what we still do, but over the years, something amazing happened. Over time, we improved, both

as individual musicians, but also as a group. For the last several years we have played music that is both chal-

lenging and part of the orchestral canon.

Well-recognized composers, such as Beethoven, Schubert, and Bizet have been part of our concerts. We

also play modern music and it ranges from established composers such as Aaron Copeland to people who

aren’t as well known, but are creating wonderful pieces.

Most importantly, though, we are part of something larger than ourselves. Music exists only while it is

being played, each note there for a moment, and then gone. The notes follow each other, and perhaps the

sound lingers briefly at the end of the piece, reverberating in the concert hall, before it too is gone. We are all

honoured by having a role in this creation.

We are also honoured by our audiences. We perform two concerts a year, and this past year, both have

been very well attended, filling our venue with enthusiasm.

Playing music is a wonderful opportunity. Listening to music is, too. We have grown together, musi-

cians, orchestra, and our wonderful conductor, George Charpentier. Thank you to the SOA, and everyone in

the SPO, for giving me, and so many others, this opportunity.

2015 SOA Bursary Program

The SOA will be offering the Bursary Program again in 2015 to assist SOA members who wish to participate

in summer musical development activities. Musicians aged 12 to 22 are encouraged to apply. Application de-

tails will be announced early in 2015. For more information visit http://www.saskorchestras.com/workshops/

soa-bursary-program/


2015 International Saito Conducting Workshop

The Saskatchewan Orchestral Association will sponsor the 2015 International Saito Conducting Workshop

with Wayne Toews from July 18 to 25, 2015 in Saskatoon, SK, Canada. Enrollment is limited so that partici-

pants will have generous podium time to conduct duo pianists and a professional string orchestra. An experi-

enced team of instructors will help participants develop and expand their ability to express their artistic visions

with gestures. The workshops have been praised consistently as "the finest available anywhere". Details and

application forms are posted at http://conductorschool.com/SOA.html

The Saito Conducting Method is based on the analysis of gestures used by outstanding conductors especially

those in Europe during the middle of the twentieth century. Those who want to learn more about the Saito

Conducting Method are invited to visit http://conductorschool.com/

A free AV-enhanced PDF "Introduction to the Saito Conducting Method" is available on request through the

website. Please specify your choice of compression for Macintosh or Windows computer.

Dr. Philip Baldwin wrote, "This workshop was a life-changing experience. The combination of a clear, concise

methodology and sequential pedagogy coupled with a vocabulary of gestures make the Saito method superior.

Mr. Toews is a gifted musician and teacher and the entire experience was incredible."

http://conductorschool.com/SOA.html

South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra

The 25th SSYO season ended with an amazing final concert Sunday June 15th 2014 at Knox Met in Regina.

Rebecca Weger was the featured violin soloist and performed admirably ending with a standing ovation. Her

rendition of Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D Major, op. 64 was an amazing end to the first half of the con-

cert. We fully expect to see her in the future as a guest soloist with major orchestras around the world.

The second half of the concert started and ended with Dvorak’s New World Symphony. The entire orchestra

knew their parts well and performed to a standing ovation for a job masterfully done.

The evening was an extra special one as it was the 25th season under the baton of the music director. Maestro

Alan Denike has been the creative force behind SSYO and forging the young talented musicians of SSYO

over the past quarter decade. He takes talented young students and turns them into amazing orchestral musi-

cians. This fall began the 26th season with Maestro Denike.

Congratulations to all SSYO members for another amazing season. See you next year.

Chris Engen

SSYO President


http://conductorschool.com/



Saskatchewan Music Conference

The SOA collaborated for the fifth time this year to host the Saskatchewan Music Conference along with the

Saskatchewan Band Association, Saskatchewan Choral Federation, Saskatchewan Music Educators Associa-

tion and the Saskatchewan Music Festival Association. The SOA presented four sessions at the music confer-

ence. Two of the sessions were string workshops which were open to the public and offered free of charge.

The other two sessions provided useful information and techniques for involving strings players in the tradi-

tional school band setting.

String Workshops

Developing Bowing Skills for Orchestral String Players

– Wayne Toews

Wayne Toews shared methods and technical exercises with a

demonstration group of string players as well as interested

teachers and parents. The exercises were adapted from the

work of Oscar Sevcik and Samuel Applebaum to help the

players improve their skills and provide a path for continu-

ing development.

Exploring String Techniques through Fiddling

– Dean Bernier

Dean Bernier guided participants in ‘going beyond the sheet

music.’ Participants built on the fundamentals of basic play-

ing techniques and explored improvisation through fiddling.

General Sessions

String Techniques for Band Directors – Wayne Toews Wayne Toews shared information and teaching methods to assist band directors to improve the instruction of

orchestral string players in their bands. Included were developmental exercises that relate to those used for

wind players and suggestions for assessing the progress of the string players.

Double Bass for Band Directors (and more!)

– Richard Carnegie

In this session, Richard Carnegie, principal bass of the Saskatoon

Symphony, introduced a practical approach for middle school and

high school band directors who want to introduce their students to

the double bass. Richard provided tips and tricks to get double

bass players off to a great start on the instrument.


Saskatoon Youth Orchestra

The SYO Inc. season is off to a good start. The Saskatoon Youth Orchestra has 68 members enrolled while

the Saskatoon Strings are 23 members strong. This fall, the youth orchestra completed its annual retreat in

Rosthern during the last weekend of September. The orchestra performed by itself as well as two selections

with the choir from Rosthern Junior College. The fall semester was busy with conducting classes (open to all

SYO players) and the announcement of the winner of our first ever composition contest in addition to our reg-

ular weekly activities. Another exciting development was an initiative taken by the SYO Student Player Exec-

utive who organized an event entitled the Masquerade Ball on October 3rd. This entirely player organized

dance was a fundraiser for the orchestra's trip to Calgary in the spring of 2015. SYO repertoire plans for the

season include Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, Beethoven Egmont Overture and Brahms

Symphony No. 2. The orchestra will also perform the Tchaikovsky Romeo and Juliet side by side with the

Saskatoon Symphony in May.


Classical Mandolin Society of America Convention Submitted by Natalia Osypenko

SOA Professional Development Grant Recipient

The Classical Mandolin Society of America (CMSA) conventions keep delegates incredibly busy from early

morning till late at night. Networking with other professionals in the mandolin world was one of my goals go-

ing into this convention. Some of the key people I made time to talk to were Joel Hobbs (Music Director of

Austin Mandolin Orchestra, Antonina Nigrelli (Music Director of Long Island Mandolin & Guitar Orchestra)

and Joseph White (Artistic Director & Conductor of the Seattle Mandolin Orchestra) regarding the possible

sharing /accessing of orchestral arrangements suitable for our mandolin orchestra in Regina. Through Face-

book and email, I’ve been able to continue my dialogue with these people. By the end of the convention, it

was clear to me that there are many other professionals in the larger mandolin world that I would eventually

like to meet.

There were several workshops on correct mandolin technique and improving playing style, which were attend-

ed by other members of the Regina Mandolin Orchestra. I focused on attending workshops that I felt could

yield appropriate information that could be applied to the RMO. This included workshops given by Dr. Jim

Bates (Achieving artistry in Performance) or those given by Gus Garelick (Exploring the Ballo Liscio musical

style) and Tim Connell (Introduction to Brazilian Choro style). This year, Dr. Bates conducted a massed or-

chestra of almost 150 mandolinists. His background as a music educator is evident in the tricks and techniques

he uses to convey musical concepts or the way he skilfully draws better sound from each section of the orches-

tra. Jim’s understanding of the mandolin’s history, sonic properties and capabilities, combined with his ability

to extract a very nuanced performance from 150 amateur players make him an important resource for other

conductors. The introduction to Choro and Ballo Liscio musical styles opens the door for inclusion of these

styles into RMO’s repertoire (both would fit nicely into our ‘world-wide music’ repertoire) and provided me

with a better understanding of proper interpretation of these styles. Being on a first-name basis with these

workshop leaders means that I can now call on them when I have questions.

The convention was very energizing for me. We were constantly exposed to new and interesting ideas. Four

other members of RMO also attended the convention in Portland, and were very satisfied with the range of

ideas and experiences they were exposed to. I returned to Regina with leads on new musical arrangements, a

broader network of connections to other professionals leading mandolin orchestras and many practical ideas

that can be used in directing and developing the RMO.

2015 Thomastik-Infeld Canadian String Orchestra

The Thomastik-Infeld Canadian String Orchestra is a national honour ensemble associated with Musicfest,

the national festival for orchestras, choirs and band. Saskatchewan string musicians aged 14 to 24 are invited

to audition. Thomastik-Infeld Vienna has pledged significant resources to allow Musicfest to offer this special

experience without charge to the participants. The 2015 orchestra will meet at the University of Toronto from

May 10 - 14. George Charpentier will manage the orchestra. Participants are responsible for their own trans-

portation, accommodation and meals. Musicfest will subsidize the accommodation of participants at the Uni-

versity of Toronto. The orchestra will be directed by Michael Gilbert who performed in the New York Philhar-

monic for 20 years. He has extensive experience working with young musicians in North and South America,

Europe and Japan. He conducted the Saskatchewan Honour Orchestra in 2008.

The audition material and other information about the 2015 T-ICSO is available online at http://

www.musicfest.ca/about/national-honour-ensembles/thomastik-infeld-canadian-string-orchestra. We hope to

have at least one Saskatchewan representative in the ensemble. Successful applicants will have the opportunity

to apply for an SOA study bursary. Questions can be directed to [email protected]

http://www.musicfest.ca/about/national-honour-ensembles/thomastik-infeld-canadian-string-orchestra

http://www.musicfest.ca/about/national-honour-ensembles/thomastik-infeld-canadian-string-orchestra

mailto:[email protected]


Saskatchewan Orchestral Association Awards

SOA awards recognize the dedicated work of individuals in the orchestral community. Public recognition of

the recipients’ valuable service to the community is celebrated and award plaques are presented at an awards

banquet held during the Saskatchewan Music Conference each November.

2014 SOA Award Recipients

Distinguished Service to the Orchestral Community Award – Hugh Wood The Distinguished Service to the Orchestral Community Award recognizes the dedicated work of an individu-

al in the community who has been instrumental in supporting orchestra players in Saskatchewan.

Orchestra Development Award – Dean Bernier The Orchestra Development Award recognizes the dedicated work of an individual in the community whose

commitment and service has enhanced the development of orchestras in the province.

Dean and Hugh have both played very important roles in the development of the orchestral community of Sas-

katchewan. Congratulations Dean and Hugh and thank you for all you do!

CHANCE TO WIN!

After you have read the newsletter, send a message to

[email protected] with "SOA Newsletter" in the subject line and

your name and mailing address in the body of the message

for a chance to win a prize – a "Prairie Harvest" CD,

featuring Saskatchewan orchestral ensembles.

Entry deadline is Jan. 15, 2015.

Hugh Wood and Dean Bernier

Curtis Scheschuk, Hugh Wood, Dean Bernier and Wayne Toews

at the Saskatchewan Music Conference Awards Banquet

November 2014


2014 SOA Saito International Conducting Workshop Submitted by Adrian Casas

SOA Professional Development Grant Recipient

The 2014 SOA Saito International Conducting Workshop was held from July 19 to July 27 at the Grosvenor

Park United Church in Saskatoon, Sk. Lead by Wayne Toews, the team of instructors included George Char-

pentier, Bonnie Nicholson and Dianne Gryba. The workshop hosted twelve participants from different parts of

the world including Canada, USA, Mexico and Zimbabwe.

The Saito Conducting method was originally developed by Hideo Saito of Japan, who studied and analyzed

the gestures of the European conductors of his generation. Saito's method was further developed by Mr.

Toews' teacher, Professor Morihiro Okabe. With conducting studies prescribed in this method, Mr. Toews'

team of instructors introduces both basic and advanced conducting techniques. These methods focus on the

acceleration and deceleration of the beat point. The gestures are then applied to different orchestral works cho-

sen for the workshop. For the first three days, the students attending the workshop apply the recently learned

techniques with a two piano ensemble formed by Dianne Gryba and Bonnie Nicholson. By the fourth day, the

students begin to prepare the selected pieces in front of a string orchestra composed of professional players

from the Saskatoon area. Both the piano and the string orchestras are asked to be very responsive to the partic-

ipant’s gestures, which provides true feedback to their learning experience.

This workshop is extremely valuable for the development of the musical community in Saskatchewan. With

equal and significant podium time, it helps the emerging conductors to perfect their technique and contribute

to the improvement of the student, amateur and professional ensembles they lead. For local conductors, it pro-

vides world class quality instruction close to home, which otherwise would be difficult to access outside the

province. For international conductors, it helps them to access and promote the high quality of the music com-

munity in Saskatchewan.

For the three years that I have participated in the International Saito Conducting Workshop, I have always had

a great experience. As a former student of a world-renowned conservatory (National Conservatory of Music

of Mexico) I have found that this workshop maintains immeasurably high quality instruction.

During the workshop I had significant podium time, in which the expert advice of the teaching team helped me

to improve my conducting gestures and make them clearer. The ability of expressing musical ideas in a pre-

cise way will be essential when working with groups such as the Regina Community Orchestra.

Thanks to the continuing support of the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association. I encourage all professional

conductors to take advantage of this excellent program, which is the only one of its kind in the province.

For more information visit www.conductorschool.com

National Youth Orchestra Canada

The 2015 National Youth Orchestra Canada (NYOC) residency will begin on June 21, 2015, and will finish in

mid-August. For more information about auditioning, visit http://www.nyoc.org/home


Prince Albert Strings Orchestra submitted by Dean Bernier

The Prince Albert Strings Orchestra (PASO) was in good hands with a great committee guiding them along

this year. PASO once again participated in the music festival, and also received a scholarship. Thank you to

Wayne Toews for his adjudication, workshop, and over all support of our string programs in Prince Albert.

PASO presented their annual year end concert to a well-attended crowd on Sunday evening, April 13th. Dean

Kushneryk (drums) and Garry Larson (guitar) were accompanying the orchestra, with special guests Laurie

Maetche (viola/violin) and Blaine Lutwick (piano) from Alberta, as well as the Gaudet Family. The audience

enjoyed the fiddle tunes, and many people thought the orchestra along with Garry's guitar solo in Deep Pur-

ple's "Smoke On The Water" was a highlight. Thank you to the Gaudet family for their years of support as

players, Johnny's video work for the concerts, and Laurel's contribution to the executive in the early years.

PASO was able to purchase risers for the Rivier Auditorium and share the use with the Rivier music program.

It took several years of saving funds from concerts in order to finance this venture. This was not only appreci-

ated by the family members and friends who can see the players much better, but has improved the overall

sound in the auditorium; another win-win for the two music groups in Prince Albert.

The Rivier Academy Strings did well at the Prince Albert Kiwanis Music Festival; receiving a scholarship this

year was the Orchestra 30L class. The final concert of the year was held on Wednesday, June 11th, along with

the Rivier Academy Band and Choir program (under the direction of Lauren Lohneis, AKA Lauren Camp-

bell). All Rivier music students are enjoying the use of the new Prince Albert Strings Orchestra risers.

For the first time in many years, Dean Bernier performed in concert at the E.A. Rawlinson Center on Wednes-

day, June 4th. The band consisted of Dean Kushneryk (drums), Mick Gratias (bass), Garry Larson (guitar), and

Wyatt Bernier (twin fiddles). The performance was part of the announcement of the upcoming season of per-

formers at the Rawlinson Center. Thank you to the P.A. Herald, and paNOW for the great photos and media

coverage.

I very much enjoyed my summer, teaching for the Saskatchewan Music Alliance Summer Camps along with

the Dream Brokers Program in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. I also enjoyed teaching for the Alberta

Society of Fiddlers at the Deer Valley Meadows camp near Red Deer.

PASO had some new members join us this fall, including a young violinist from Japan! PASO hosted a fiddle

workshop on Sept. 27th at Arthur Peachey School, with instructors Kerri English, Kim de Laforest, and Dean

Bernier. PASO performed on Dec. 18 to help raise funds for Team Esperanza in order to build a school in Ec-

uador. The following evening, the Bernier family performed at Festive Magic as a string quartet. This was

their maiden voyage (performance).

Thank you to the SOA for acknowledging my efforts by presenting me with the "Orchestra Development

Award". I had a wonderful time at the conference banquet, visiting with Tara, and some of the members of the

SOA board. It was an honour.

PASO will be performing the Birch Hills concert on Jan. 18, 7:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the door. It will

be a great evening! As well, the Prince Albert Kiwanis Music Festival is scheduled for the last week in Febru-

ary.

We wish everyone a wonderful season, full of lots of great music.


The Saskatchewan Orchestral Association offered scholarships to string players at Saskatchewan Music Festi-

vals in nine locations again this year.

Beginner and Elementary level award winners each received a $25 award cheque. Junior, Intermediate and

Senior level award winners each received a $150 award voucher. Vouchers can be used towards string work-

shops or annual participation fees with any SOA member group.

Many thanks to the local festival committee members in each location who help to administer and process the

awards!

Questions or suggestions regarding the awards can be directed to the SOA office.


Saskatoon Suzuki Strings Program’s Orchestras Perform in Dundurn

For the second year in a row, the string orchestras of the Saskatoon Suzuki Strings Program performed for

families living in urban and rural areas within commuting distance of the city of Saskatoon. On May 22, 2014,

the Program’s three orchestras – the Boccherini and Paganini Orchestras and the Saskatoon Prairie Strings Or-

chestra – offered an outreach concert in Dundurn.

This concert was similar to the concerts the Program’s orchestras performed last year in the cities of Martens-

ville and Warman. These concerts were in addition to the annual year-end orchestra concert provided in Sas-

katoon to families, friends, and supporters of the Saskatoon Suzuki Strings Program.

The 2014 outreach concert was held in Dundurn Elementary School. This school provides pre-kindergarten,

kindergarten, and grades 1 – 6 educational programs for families living in the town of Dundurn and in nearby

communities and rural areas. The school has an active visual arts program. A band program is offered at this

school through a resident band teacher.

The purpose of this concert, as well as the ones held last year, was to introduce and promote the Saskatoon Su-

zuki Strings Program to families and students who live in urban and rural areas outside of the boundaries, but

within commuting distance, of Saskatoon. These areas are experiencing rapid population growth. Many fami-

lies with young children reside in these communities and rural areas.

The one-hour concert in Dundurn involved almost 50 musicians. Scott McKnight and Jim Legge conducted

the Boccherini Orchestra and Agata Czajkowski conducted the Paganini Orchestra. Both orchestras consist of

elementary-school-aged musicians. Karen Bindle conducted the Saskatoon Prairie Strings Orchestra, which

was formed in 2013 and consists of high-school-aged and older musicians, including adults. Each orchestra

separately performed several selections. The Paganini and Prairie Strings Orchestras performed one selection

together.

Eighty people, of which

20 were children under

the age of 10 years, were

in the audience during

the concert. Gym mats

were placed on the floor

in front of the orchestras

and children were invited

to sit on the mats as the

orchestras performed.

Following the concert, children in the audience were offered an opportunity to play several smaller-sized

string instruments from our rental inventory. This is a “petting zoo” activity that we offer during most of our

promotional performances where children are in attendance. Our teachers assist the children in holding and

playing a few notes on the instruments.

SSSP Bochernini Orchestra 2014


The date for the concert was scheduled to follow a pre-kindergarten information session being held at the

School. The concert was also promoted through posters and newspaper advertisements. A feature article on

the orchestras appeared in the May 15, 2014 edition of The Clark’s Crossing Gazette, a weekly newspaper that

serves the entire region surrounding Saskatoon.

Our hope is that these concerts are creating an interest among families in orchestral music generally, and in the

Saskatoon Suzuki Strings Program, specifically. We believe that these outreach concerts to the urban and ru-

ral areas within commuting distance of Saskatoon need to be offered on an on-going basis. As we gain great-

er familiarity with the

communities and as the

residents hear more

about our Program, we

anticipate that there

will be more interest in

what we have to offer

to families and there-

fore, more future or-

chestral students and

musicians will come

from this area.

Funding for the concert in Dundurn was provided by the Saskatchewan Orchestral Association, Saskatchewan

Lotteries, the Saskatchewan Arts Board, and SaskCulture.

We would like to thank Dundurn Elementary School, and its principal, Jason Hill, for hosting our concert. We

also want to thank the families of the musicians in our orchestras who drove the children to both concerts.

Without this commitment to supporting this initiative, the concert in Dundurn would not have been possible.

SSSP Paganini Orchestra 2014

SSSP Saskatoon Prairie Strings 2014

Upcoming Events:

Saskatoon Suzuki String Program's Mid-Winter Concert. Jan. 18th, 2015 at Aden Bowman Collegiate,

1904 Clarence Ave. S. Concert Begins at 3:00 pm

Saskatoon Suzuki String's Annual Heartstrings Gala. Jan. 31st, 2015. Please visit our website for details

about this event. www.saskatoonsuzukistrings.ca

http://www.saskatoonsuzukistrings.ca


Tisdale and District Strings

Tisdale and District Strings is a group of young string players (and a few adults) from North East Saskatche-

wan. The young people come from communities across North East Saskatchewan including Melfort, Tisdale,

Carrot River, Naicam, Arborfield, Zenon Park, Kelvington, Wadena, Nipawin, Archerwill, Ridgedale and oth-

er towns. Since the young people are from so many different communities and attend different schools it is

great to see them making 'music friends' at rehearsals, performances and workshops.

In November 2014, three boys from Archerwill and Tisdale travelled to Saskatoon to attended the SOA String

Workshops at the Saskatchewan Music Conference. The string workshops were led by Wayne Toews and

Dean Bernier.

Young string players having fun back stage

— photos from one of the Carol Festivals that

Tisdale and District Strings played at in Melfort

in 2014.

Tisdale and District Strings players attending the Saskatchewan Music

Conference SOA String Workshops in Saskatoon.


Why am I receiving this newsletter?

You are receiving this newsletter be-

cause you or someone in your family

has been a member of an orchestral

group under the umbrella of the Sas-

katchewan Orchestral Association in

the past year. If you wish to be removed

from our list, please contact the SOA

office at 306.546.3050 or in-

[email protected].

If you know of someone in your com-

munity who would like to receive the

newsletter, please let the SOA office

know.

Tisdale and District Strings groups have been busy playing at community events such as the Tisdale and Area

Remembrance Day Program, programs for seniors in the area, and Christmas programs. Several members of

Tisdale and District Strings were recognized at the Tisdale Appreciation Night for their achievements in the

arts and their service to the community and surrounding area.

Tisdale and District Strings first concert of 2015 will take place on Jan. 10 at 6:30 at the Maurice Taylor Thea-

tre in Tisdale with Special Guest Pamela Wallin, OC, SOM former television journalist, author and diplomat.

Performance in Tisdale Tisdale Appreciation Night


Regina Symphony Orchestra Program 2014/2015 Season

Mosaic Masterworks

January 10, 2015: A Hero’s Symphony

violin: Marc Bouchkov (Montreal International Music Competition Finalist)

Berlioz: Corsaire Overture, Sibelius: Violin Concerto, Brahms: Symphony No. 3

Some consider Brahms’s Symphony No. 3 to be his answer to Beethoven’s “Eroica.” Bold and powerful,

Brahms’s Third Symphony will take you through a mature, musical landscape, only a great master can illus-

trate. To complement the evening, explore Sibelius’s love for nature and his fondness for musical story-telling,

in one of his most beloved works, the Violin Concerto.

February 14, 2015: Romanza

soprano: Marie-Eve Munger

Ryan, Jeff: Violet Crumble, Gliere: Concerto for Coloratura Soprano, Ginastera: Estancia, de Falla:

“Interlude & Dance” from La Vida Breve, de Falla: The Three Cornered Hat

Explore the romance of these folk-inspired and Spanish pieces. In Gliere’s Concerto for Coloratura Soprano,

the voice intermingles with the orchestra, transcending words to create a hauntingly, beautiful melody. From

Buenos Aires to Spain, discover Ginastera and de Falla’s take on ballet. The program of de Falla’s The Three

Cornered Hat follows the ordinary lives of citizens from an Andalusian town and their both passionate and

charming dances.

March 21, 2015: Enigma Variations Elgar: Cockaigne Overture, Vaughan-Williams: Fantasia On Greensleeves, Vaughan-Williams: Flos Campi,

Elgar: Enigma Variations

This concert will feature English composers Elgar and Vaughn-Williams. The Enigma Variations are a set of

musical portraits Elgar wrote of his close friends and acquaintances. RSO principal violist, Johnathan Ward,

will perform as soloist in Vaughn-Williams’s rich Flos Campi.

April 18-19, 2015: La Belle Epoque

Knox Metropolitan United Church, 2 Concerts, Sat and Sun

organ: Hart Godden

Franck – Le Chausseur Maudit, Berlioz – Les Franc Juges, Gougeon: Le Choral Des Anges, Saint-Saens –

Symphony No. 3, “Organ”

Saint-Saens said of his Symphony No. 3, “What I have accomplished here I will never achieve again.” Also

known as the “Organ” Symphony, this concert utilizes the grand and full sound of the Knox Metropolitan or-

gan and will feature both Saturday and Sunday performances.

May 9, 2015: Carmina Burana

soprano: Allison Aronds, tenor: Paul Williamson, baritone: Peter Alexander

The Regina Philharmonic Chorus, The Halcyon Chamber Choir

Lizee, Nicole – Arcadiac, Orff – Carmina Burana

One of the most frequently performed choral works of the 21st century; Carmina Burana is based on a medie-

val collection of poems humorously covering the joys and perils of fortune, nature, love, and lust.

Shumiatcher Pops

January 17, 2015: The Phantom of the Opera: Silent Movie

February 28, 2015: The Oscars

May 2, 2015: One Vision – The Music of Queen


Next newsletter:

Deadline: March 9, 2015

SOA Board of Directors

President Curtis Scheschuk

Past President Hugh Wood

Vice President Birgitta Heidt

Secretary Wayne Toews

Treasurer Ken McCaw

Director Rebecca

Hankins-Vopni

Director Doug Hilderman

Director Carol Ann Patterson

Director John Payzant

Director Jennifer Peak

Director Rudy Sternadel

2015 Events Calendar

THE SOA PROUDLY SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING MEMBER GROUPS

Conservatory of Performing Arts

Friendly Folk

Magpie Strings

Moose Jaw Community Orchestra

Poltava Ensemble Orchestra

Prairie Cello Institute

Prince Albert Strings Orchestra

Regina Community Orchestra

Regina Mandolin Orchestra

Regina Symphony Orchestra

Saskatoon Fiddle Orchestra

Saskatoon Philharmonic Orchestra

Saskatoon Suzuki Strings Program

Saskatoon Youth Orchestra

Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra

South Saskatchewan Youth Orchestra

Swift Current Strings

Tisdale and District Strings

Date Event Location Jan. 10 Tisdale and District Strings Concert Tisdale with Special Guest Pamela Wallin

Jan. 18 Prince Albert Strings Orchestra Birch Hills

Jan. 18 SSSP Mid-Winter Concert Saskatoon

Jan. 31 SSSP Annual Heartstrings Gala Saskatoon

Mar. 28 SSYO Spring Fete Regina

May 9 SSSP Annual Garage Sale Saskatoon

May 10-14 Thomastik-Infeld Canadian String Orchestra Toronto

May 23 SFO 11th Annual Spring Show Saskatoon

May 23 SYO performs side by side with SSO Saskatoon

June 14 SSYO Season Finale Regina

July 18-25 SOA International Conducting Workshop Saskatoon

Saskatchewan Orchestral Association

Tara Dawn Solheim

Executive Director

2042 Princess Street

Regina, SK., S4T 3Z4

Ph: (306)546.3050

[email protected]

www.saskorchestras.com

soa december 2014 newsletter saskatchewan orchestral … · 2017-05-18 · soa december 2014...

Documents