by Melanie Au

After my Book 8 recital, I have learnt a lot of new techniques, such as: ricochet, the use of my elbow to create more sound, having better vibrato and lots more. I have learnt a lot from Ms. Diane during this time and it has been a great time learning the songs and techniques from Book 8.

This recital has also taught me a lot of things like confidence, keeping my violin on my shoulder and lots more.

This has also been a memorable moment to put in life as I have been through a lot of graduations/recitals since I was a little girl and this was one of the hardest and longest ones as I have to play the graduation songs from the other books as well.

But it was a great experience and I enjoyed it very much. I hope to carry this experience with me for the rest of my life and continue to enjoy it and appreciate the people who helped me finish this amazing Book 8 recital

Our first formal orchestra and chamber music concert was held at Canadian International School on Sunday, May 21.   Allegro and Vivace orchestras both played, along with all four of our chamber ensembles.

Over the course of the year, students have worked on their skills as members of these ensembles:  learning to remember to bring their stands, pencils and music; setting up on time for each rehearsal; paying attention to the conductor/coach and their peers during the rehearsal; practising their parts at home so that they arrive at rehearsal ready to collaborate with their peers; contributing their ideas to the rehearsal process…there has been a lot going on!

Allegro Orchestra                                                          Vivace Orchestra

https://youtu.be/zot5PXykNu4                                                https://youtu.be/AIt4sZrhRUU

After the orchestras played,  Ms. Monica talked with everyone about what it means to be in an orchestra or chamber group.  One of the things she shared was about her recent experience:  Ms. Monica was supposed to play for the Harry Potter concert last week.  After she had practised the music at home, and was ready for the rehearsals, the orchestra changed the rehearsal schedule.   This meant that Ms. Monica had to miss one of the rehearsals.   Every member of the “viola team” is so important to the success of the team that Ms. Monica lost the opportunity to play on the concert because of missing one rehearsal!   Every member of the team is very important to the musical experience – students will likely be able to tell their parents how it impacts them if even one person is missing from their group, orchestra or chamber music experience.

One of the fun things for the chamber groups is creating their own group identity. The students created their own group names, and also worked together with their coach to decide their dress code for the concert.  Wonder what things happened in their coaching sessions to inspire these particular names?!?!

            Cow Quintet                                                                 I Scream for Ice Cream (& friends)

https://youtu.be/AFYex-pHtDA                                             https://youtu.be/Dp4uGiuYq9s

Life                                                                                              Salami Panini

https://youtu.be/Dp4uGiuYq9s                                                           https://youtu.be/awL85a7HqTc

Congratulations to all of the performers, their families, coaches and conductors!

On Friday, 17 March, our piano students had the wonderful opportunity to visit Steinway and Sons Hall at Tom-Lee.

They had the chance to see the wonderful pianos, even the ones with diamonds!

They also got to have a play-in on the instruments.

What a wonderful opportunity for our students.   Thanks, Tom-Lee, for letting our students visit!

Studio Recitals continued with Ms. Diane’s recital on Saturday.

Students of all levels performed solos, and then joined together at the end for some Twinkles.

Congratulations to all of the performers and their families!