Summer at the Conservatory…
Each summer the Conservatory is a hub of activity, with classes, workshops and programs filling our studios and rehearsal spaces, as well as our theatres. This year’s line-up of summer classes is growing and we’re very excited to present it to you.
June 15-22: Pender Island Flute Retreat
Now in it’s fourth year, this retreat is growing in reputation among professional and post-secondary flute students. The opportunity to work with William Bennett (WiB as he is affectionately called by his colleagues and students), Lorna McGhee (who conducted a masterclass here in Calgary this week), as well as our own faculty, Gwen Klassen and Colleen Athparia, on beautiful Pender Island. Application deadline is March 1.
The 17th year, for our international music exchange for emerging artists aged 12 – 18. Students from all over the world come to Calgary to study with some of the world’s top teachers. Application deadline is Feb. 15.
With Morningside Music Bridge, comes the music festival, a series of concerts and recitals, featuring the world-renowned faculty and alumni in a series of ticketed events held in the wonderfully intimate Leacock Theatre, and the Concerto Competition with the CPO, and the Highlights Concert. But there’s more than these five events — there’s another 15 or more free student recitals held throughout the city.
MMB students are the future of classical music; make plans to attend.
Aug. 6-10: Sing!
Seniors, learn to sing in this exciting new class offered by Louise Campbell, clarinetist, who has developed similar programs in Montreal. The premise is that many of us are told we can’t and should never, try to sing, but in truth, there’s a songbird in all of us, it just needs the right tune. Louise will guide seniors (50+) through their first tentative notes, and at the end of the week, what once was terror will become confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Unlike most programs, there is not a performance component to this class, so all that’s needed is the first step — registration.
Aug. 6-9: Speak and Stomp
Wonder how talking, stomping your feet, and imagination can create a masterpiece? This camp targets elements of Speech and Drama through mime, storytelling, rhythmic awareness (STOMP elements) and more! This class is geared to students aged 9-12, and registration opens March 1.
Aug. 6-10: Calgary Piano Institute
Now in its third year, the CPI is becoming a bit of an institution around here. Last year we experienced record enrollment, and this year there is a list waiting for registration to open. Imagine, being immersed in music lessons for a full week, allowing you to work through a challenging syllabus, or move to the next RCM Grade, or catch up if you’ve lost time during the year. Registration opens on March 1, and goes to June 1, but we’re pretty sure it will be full long before then.
Aug. 12-16: Summer Jazz Workshop
An opportunity for band students to experience their future teachers, if band is in their future. The faculty of this workshop are name-droppingly good: Rubim, Jim, Carsten, Jon, Ralf, Sheldon and Tyler… excellent teachers and performers with a following. This class will prepare you for Jazz Band next year. Registration opens March 1.
In its third year, Guitarfest welcomes back William Beauvais, Daniel Bolshoy, Marc Teicholz and Mark Holden, along with local faculty Ralph Meier, Brad Mahon and coordinator, Murray Visscher. This unique program provides private lessons, master classes and performance opportunities — both for the faculty and the students. This class is increasing in popularity, and priority for selection of private instructors will be given to the earliest registrants. Register by June 7.
Aug. 18-24: Cowtown Opera Summer Academy
Also in its third year, COSA selects its students by audition for this very exclusive and intensive working week of song. Faculty include Catherine Robbin, Michelle Minke (Cowtown Opera), Edith Pritchard, Stephan Bonfield, Heather Henderson, David Wilson and Nicole Owen. Previous students have grown in experience and skill, preparing them for graduate and post-graduate programs. Registration opens March 1, with a deadline of April 5 for applications.
Aug. 19-23: Drumset Educational Camp
This camp is coordinated by Tyler Hornby, a percussionist who teaches around the world, and calls Calgary home. This is one of the best one-week percussion programs in the world, with a variety of techniques and instruments, as well as musical genres covered. Registration opens March 1.
The latest offering of Ralf Buschmeyer, one of Calgary’s favourite electric guitarists. He teaches and performs in a variety of styles, and has selected the blues for his summer program. This is a very small class, offered in the evenings, making it a very easy commitment for those of us who have to work all summer. What’s not to like? It’s the blues…
Aug. 26 – 29 – Back by popular demand — Headstart Beginner and Intermediate Band
These classes have been run for many years, and took a hiatus last summer for review and restructuring. We’re back, with new ideas and a strong curriculum. Headstart Beginner is for students who will be starting a band program in the fall of 2013, or students who are starting a new instrument then. Intermediate is for students with one or two years experience — or for those students whose band programs may have lapsed, and they’re wanting to keep their skills fresh while waiting for High School. Registration opens March 1.
MusicMakers!
Due to an overwhelming popularity of our summer camps, we are working at finding viable dates for this class, but have no fear — we are very headstrong and this will run. The program is for 5-9 year olds, and previous attendees have been students who are currently in our Early Childhood programs, to children looking to start their music education.
