I'm just back from an exciting, fun-filled and productive two weeks with young musicians at the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre (CYMC) classical music summer camp in beautiful Courtenay, BC, at Mark Isfeld High School.
Mark Isfeld School has hosted the various CYMC camps—classical (including piano), music theatre and jazz—for several years. Thank you to the principal and music director for the use of the school!
Much music was made. The chamber music concerts featured every student in combinations totalling 30 ensembles, including the Baroque Strings, numerous string quartets, trumpet and oboe trios, piano trios, saxophone quartet and wind quintet. It was a privilege working with students of such superb skill, students who were highly motivated and who shared their vibrant personalities in their music.
It is a genuine pleasure witnessing the growth of young musicians, especially returning students who have steadily grown in confidence and skill over the past few yeats. It is a true delight to be part of someone's musical formation and to applaud their accomplishments. Students who were once beginners, and perhaps even a bit shy and tentative on their chosen instruments (all levels are welcome!), have emerged to become passionate music makers in just a few brief years... days!
Musical beginnings... CYMC also offers the Junior Strings program for elementary age children. This year, the ensemble the Junior Strings performed a composition featuring the cellist with an accompaniment provided by faculty members: Danny (congas); Chris (clave); Wendell (maracas); and Dave (bass).
Happily, many CYMC campers continue on in music, attending some of Canada's and th United State's finest institutions of higher learning. This year we welcome three current campers to the University of Victoria School of Music: Colin (French Horn); Matthew (Bassoon); and Jessica (Violin).
Days were jam packed with rehearsals, fun-filled gatherings around the ping pong table, sharing music videos and recordings, and are typically saturated with music-centred conversation. Students also had the opportunity to take in the local beaches. Days were long and throughly enjoyable; the weather was stunningly beautiful.
Visit cymc.ca for more details.
A typical day:
Week One
8am: breakfast.
8:30: individual warm-up.
9am to 11am: Wind Ensemble or String Orchestra
11am to Noon: Saxophone master class and group lessons; sectionals.
Noon to 1pm: Lunch & free time.
1pm: (Lessons and chamber music): Saxophone Quartet
2pm: Private & Group Lessons.
4pm: free time - individual and ensemble practice, recreation, guest classes.
5:30: dinner
6pm: free time and rehearsals.
Week Two
8am: breakfast.
8:30: individual warm-up.
9am to 11am: Saxophone Quartet
11am: break
Noon to 1pm: Lunch & free time.
1pm: (Lessons and chamber music): chamber music master class.
2pm: Private & Group Lessons.
4pm: free time - individual and ensemble practice, recreation, guest classes.
5:30: dinner
6pm: free time and additional rehearsals.
2013 Saxophone Music Highlights
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| Tony, Matt, Wendell & Harrison |
Week One
Student Chamber Music Recital
Friday, July 5, 7:30pm
Mark Isfeld High School
Saxophone Quartet: Tony Yang, Matt Zimmerman, Wendell & Harrison Reay
Sonate by J.C. Bach
Wind Ensemble Concert
Directed by John White
Saturday, July 6, 7:30pm
Mark Isfeld High School
Week Two
Street Performances
10am to 11:45am
Friday, July 12
CYMC Saxophone Quartet: Tony Y., Matt Z., Connor Stewart, Harrison R.
Sid Williams Theatre Plaza
Courtenay Public Library
The Quartet celebrated afterwards with a visit to DQ made possible by a donation.
Student Chamber Music Recital
Friday, July 12
Mark Isfeld High School
Saxophone Quartet: Tony, Matt, Connor, HarrisonChorus of the Villagers from Prince Igor by A. Borodin
May Song by F. Mendelssohn
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| Matt, Harrison, Connor & Tony |
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| with Marko (vla), Gabrielle (vln2), Natawna (cello) & Tomo (vln1) |
CYMC Saxo-Friends
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| Kaitlin (oboe), Matt (saxophone) Silken (clarinet), Jeff (violin) Mike (cello), Caroline (cello) |
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| Keith MacLeod, Principal Clarinettist Victoria Symphony Orchestra |
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| front to back • Michelle, Matt (bassoon) Allison (clarinet) Kira (oboe), Lauren (cello) Rhiannon (violin) |
Grand Finale Concert
Accompanied by the CYMC Orchestra, two outstanding finalists gave impressive performances on the final concert: Tomo (co-concertmaster) presented the Bruch Concerto for Violin, 3rd movement; Ben presented the Haydn Trumpet Concerto. Both finalists received prolonged standing ovations for their exceptional performances.
The CYMC Orchestra, under the direction of Roger Cole (Principal Oboist, Vancouver Symphony and Director of the Vancouver Youth Orchestra), also presented Haydn's Symphony No. 104.
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