Current Student Notices

Weekly Schedule

Syer Scholarship: Nomination deadline Sunday April 28th.

Details sent in separate email.

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Help still needed for April 22 snacks.

Thanks so much to Janou’s and Max F’s families for covering April 15, 29 and May 13. Can your family supply snacks for one more full or part day? Monday April 22nd. Please let Micki know. Thanks

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Collegium 2024/25: Apply now!

It will be a very exciting year. In addition to our normal educational program, we will have a visit to the home of world renown bassist and collector Gary Karr; a return performance at ArtSpring on Salt Spring and inclusion in the Chemainus Classical Concert series. There is no application fee for returning students, but all students must reapply and audition each year. Application deadline Sunday May 5th. Auditions will be in the week of May 27-31.

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Concert

If you know of anyone interested in applying for Junior Collegium, do encourage them to come to the Junior Collegium & VCM String Orchestras Concert

Friday April 19th 7:00pm Alix Goolden Hall Admission by Donation

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GVYO Season Finale Concert!

APRIL 21 2024 Sunday 2:30 pm – The Farquhar at UVic

MENDELSSOHN St.Paul: Overture

RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Overture on Russian Themes

DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 8 in G Major

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GVYO Single Tickets Adults $26 – Seniors $23 – Students/Children $10

UVic Ticket Centre: 250-721-8480

tickets.uvic.ca/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent3196.html

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Snacks:

Our thanks to Simon E and family (and Robert Holliston) for the snacks this week. Next week, on Monday April 15th all the snacks will be provided by Janou and family.

Weekly Schedule

Help needed

Help still needed for April 22 snacks. Thanks so much to Janou’s and Max F’s families for covering April 15, 29 and May 13. Can your family supply snacks for one more full or part day? Monday April 22. Please let Micki know

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Collegium 2024/25: Apply now!

It will be a very exciting year. In addition to our normal educational program, we will have a visit to the home of world renown bassist and collector Gary Karr; a return performance at ArtSpring on Salt Spring and inclusion in the Chemainus Classical Concert series.

There is no application fee for returning students, but all students must reapply and audition each year. Application deadline Sunday, May 5. Auditions will be in the week of May 27-31.

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Junior Collegium

If you know of anyone interested in applying for Junior Collegium, do encourage them to come to this upcoming concert:

Junior Collegium & VCM String Orchestras Concert
Friday, April 19, 2024 | 7:00pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Admission by donation

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GVYO Season Finale Concert

Sunday, April 21, 2024 | 2:30pm | The Farquhar at UVic

MENDELSSOHN St.Paul: Overture
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Overture on Russian Themes
DVOŘÁK Symphony No. 8 in G Major

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Snacks

On Monday, April 15 snacks will be provided by Janou. and family.

Weekly Schedule

Easter Monday – Collegium as Usual

Monday April 1 is Easter Monday, April Fool’s Day, and part of most schools’ spring break. But it is not a Statutory Holiday. The Conservatory building will be open and we will be having Collegium as usual. If you can not be here, make sure you have communicated with your coach, your group members, Micki and Simon.

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Collegium 2024/25: Apply now!

It will be a very exciting year. In addition to our normal educational program, we will have a visit to the home of world renown bassist and collector Gary Karr; a return performance at ArtSpring on Salt Spring and inclusion in the Chemainus Classical Concert series.

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MUSIC:InsideOUT MOZART

Emily Carr String Quartet with host Robert Holliston and special guest Max Francis
Saturday April 6, 2024 | 10:30am coffee/tea | 11:00am prologue/concert
Chief and Petty Officers’ Mess CFB Esquimalt

Tickets at Eventbrite or $30 at the door / students free!

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Snacks

On Monday, April 1 all the snacks will be provided by Camilo and family.

Spring Break: March 18-31, 2024

Yearly calendar is at the top of this page, and on the Collegium bulletin board at the top of the eastern spiral staircase.

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End of Term Concert

Friday, April 19 | 7:00pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
There will be a small reception after in the lobby area. We ask each family to bring a plate of finger food to share.

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Final Coachings

The last chamber coaching session is Wednesday April 17. There is a last group session from 5:45-7:00 on Wednesday April 24. We will serve pizza. Do let us know if there are any allergies to consider in our pizza order.

Orchestra carries on weekly until May 29.

There will be Winds Intensive from May 1 to June 5.

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Collegium 2024/25

Apply now! It will be a very exciting year! Note: It doesn’t matter which level of Collegium you want to be in, the application and auditions are the same. The audition panel will decide whether you are a better fit for Junor or Senior Collegium.

Application deadline: Sunday, May 5, 2024. There is no application fee for returning students, but all students must reapply and audition each year. Auditions will be in the week of May 27-31.

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GVPAF

Junior Collegium groups will play in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival on Tuesday, April 30. Cascadia & Trio Fantastico at 9:00am; A-OK Trio at 10:30. Lambrick Park Church, 1780 Feltham Rd, Victoria, BC V8N 2A5.

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Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour

Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12 | 10:00am-4:00pm
We encourage all groups to sign up to play; and all families to buy tickets and enjoy this wonderful garden tour.

Spring Break

March 18-31, 2024. Note that the Conservatory will be closed on Friday, March 29 for Spring Break. See you Monday, April 1!

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Collegium 2024/25

It will be a very exciting year! In addition to our normal educational program, we will have a visit to the home of world renown bassist and collector Gary Karr; a return performance at ArtSpring on Salt Spring and inclusion in the Chemainus Classical Concert series.

Application deadline Sunday May 5th. There is no application fee for returning students, but all students must reapply and audition each year. Auditions will be in the week of May 27-31.

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Snacks

Thanks to Filbert and family for the lovely snacks this week. After Spring Break on Monday April 1st all the snacks will be provided by Camilo and family.

Weekly Schedule

Collegium 2024/25

It will be a very exciting year! In addition to our normal educational program, we will have a visit to the home of world renown bassist and collector Gary Karr; a return performance at ArtSpring on Salt Spring and inclusion in the Chemainus Classical Concert series.

Application deadline Sunday May 5th. There is no application fee for returning students, but all students must reapply and audition each year. Auditions will be in the week of May 27-31.

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Snacks

Thanks to Emilia and her family for the lovely snacks this week. On Monday, March 11 all the snacks will be provided by Filbert and family.

Weekly Schedule

Congratulations

Congratulations to everyone who played in the Spark to Flame Concert. It was fantastic, and well appreciated by all the audience.

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Snacks

Thanks to Tyler and Emilia and their families for the lovely snacks this week. On Monday, March 4 the snacks will be provided by Emilia and family.

Weekly Schedule

Louis Sherman Concerto Competition for Young String Players

Tuesday, February 27 | 7:00-9:30pm
| First Metropolitan United Church, 3703 Saint Aidans Street, Victoria (near UVic)
Audience entry for the final-round selection of this year’s competition winner is by donation using this ticket order form

Collegium members Joanne Jiang, cello and Max Francis, violin; and Rafferty Chen, violin, finalists.

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The Cowichan Consort Orchestra & Choir

Saturday, March 9 | 7:30pm | Christian Reformed Church, 930 Trunk Road, Duncan
Tickets $20, available at Volume One Bookstore and at the door

Conductor Pippa Williams. Featuring 2024 Concerto Winner Elana Lin, violin. Music from Rossini, Saint-Saens, and Cesar Franck.

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Sooke Philharmonic’s Don Chrysler Competition

Finalists are:
Elana Lin, violin, Max Francis, violin, Filbert Zhang, piano and Caitlin Liu, cello.

The Finals Concert will be held April 22nd , 7:00pm at the Philip T Young Auditorium at UVic. The winner will play with the orchestra next November.

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Spark to Flame Concert

Saturday, February 24 | 7:30pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Sold Out

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Snacks

On February 26, snacks will be provided by Tyler and Emilia and their families.

The Conservatory will be CLOSED on Monday, February 19 for Family Day. There will be no Collegium programming.

Violin and Piano Masterclasses

Nancy Dahn & Timothy Steeves – Duo Concertante
Saturday, February 17 | 3:30-5:00pm
Audience Welcome – No Charge

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Khachatryan and Aloni Play Chopin and Schumann

Friday, February 16 | 8:00pm | Phillip T Young Recital Hall, UVic
Admission by donation

Grigor Khachatryan, piano and Dina Neglia-Khachatryan, violinist, are from Concordia University. The program includes Schumann’s Violin Sonata in A minor and some of the Op. 25 Etudes of Chopin. To finish the program Grigor and Pamela Highbaugh-Aloni will be playing Chopin Cello Sonata. Click here for information on the concert and their bios.

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The Big IDEA: Allyship & Unconscious Bias

Sunday, February 18 | 2:30pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall, 900 Johnson Street
Admission by donation | Reserve your seats now!

This concert event will feature Conservatory faculty as well as 2SLGTBQIA+ allies, performing music celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ composers, arrangers, or performers. Including a chat with two invited guests around the concepts of allyship and unconscious bias.

Musical Performances
Alexander Richards and Jennifer Mitchell – Painted Brick, Sam Melnick
Jack Edwards and Jennifer Mitchell – Romance, William Grant Still
Marsha Elliott-Edwards, Melissa Goodchild, and Jack Edwards – Eclectic Trio, Catherine McMichael
Wes Carroll and Gabriela Domínguez – Do ya love? Boo Boo Wax, Michael Franti and Carl Young
Marsha Elliott-Edwards and Richard Volet – Sonata in e minor TWV 40:10, George Frederick Telemann

Conservatory Chat
This Conservatory Chat will focus on the topics of allyship and unconscious (or implicit) bias. Bringing their knowledge and expertise on the subjects, the panel, including special guests Mark Overton-Paszek and JD Derbyshire, will discuss allyship and unconscious/implicit bias with a lens on how to normalize or “deshame” these conversations and the work of understanding our biases so we can be true allies to people from marginalized communities. Audience members will come away with ideas as to how they can check their allyship or biases as well as how to bring these important conversations into their workplaces, homes, and circles of friendship/communities.

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Spark to Flame Concert

Saturday, February 24 | 7:30pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Free! Reserve your seats now!

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Snacks

Thanks to Chloe and family who provided delicious snacks last week. On February 26, snacks will be provided by Tyler and Emilia and their families.

Weekly Schedule

Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra Concert

Sunday, February 11 | 2:30pm | UVic Farquhar Auditorium

GVYO Plays with the Victoria Symphony! Come see some of your fellow Collegium members in GVYO.

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MUSIC InsideOUT: Borodin

Saturday February 17 | 10:30am coffee/tea, 11:00am lecture/concert | Chief and Petty Officers’ Mess CFB Esquimalt
Tickets at Eventbrite or $30 at the door | Students free

Emily Carr String Quartet perform Borodin’s String Quartet No.2 in D major, with host Robert Holliston.

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Spark to Flame Concert

Saturday, February 24 | 7:30pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Free! Reserve your seats now!

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Snacks

Thanks to Joanne and family who provided delicious snacks last week. On February 12, snacks will be provided by Chloe and family.

Weekly Schedule

Spark to Flame Concert

Saturday, February 24 | 7:30pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall
Free! Reserve your seats now!

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Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra Concert

Sunday, February 11 | 2:30pm | UVic Farquhar Auditorium

GVYO Plays with the Victoria Symphony!

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Snacks

Thanks to Miya and Filbert and their families who provided delicious snacks last week. On Feburary 5, snacks will be provided by Joanne and family.

Weekly Schedule

Collegium Journals

Parents: have you seen the nice little Yellow Journal that your Collegium student is supposed to be using for Collegium? Students: Do you remember the Code of Conduct that you signed? You promised to: “Maintain my Collegium Journal with notes from rehearsals, coachings and masterclasses, knowing that the journal will be reviewed periodically by Collegium faculty or staff.” Kudos to those who are using the journal. If you have lost the journal, you can pay $10 to the front desk and Micki will issue you a new one.

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Spring Break

Collegium Spring Break is the last 2 weeks of March: March 18-29. April 1 (Easter Monday) is not a holiday, and we will be having Collegium that day (no fooling!). If you will be away anytime this spring other than Family Day February 19 and Spring Break March 18 and 25, it is time to work out alternate coaching and rehearsal times now.

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Snacks

Thanks to Andrei K. and family who provided delicious snacks last week. On January 29, snacks will be provided by Miya and Filbert and their families.

Weekly Schedule

String Orchestras Open House

Sunday, January 21 | 11:00am-1:00pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Come and experience playing in a large string ensemble! String players of all ages, including Conservatory faculty, students from the Collegium, the Victoria Conservatory Chamber Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, and Introductory Orchestra, as well as the various Cello Ensembles and the Sinfonia, will gather to sight read together (repertoire will be provided at the event, no need to prepare anything in advance). There is no charge for this fun event, but registration is required.

After experiencing the joy of playing in a large ensemble, you can check out which ensemble might be right for you, and register for the Spring term which begins on January 29.

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Viano Quartet

Wednesday, January 24 | 7:30pm | Phillip T Young Recital Hall, University of Victoria
Admission is free (donations welcome

They have held residencies at the Colburn Conservatory, Curtis Institute, Southern Methodist University and are now the Quartet in residence at the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Centre’s Bowers Program. From this base they tour around the globe expanding their repertoire, performing with guest artists and continuing to forge their reputation as one of the finest young string quartets in the world. They will be UVic’s BK Weigel Quartet in Residence from January 22-24th, performing, coaching, teaching, giving open masterclasses, and working with student composers. We welcome you to come witness these remarkable artists for yourself!

Concert Program:
Astor Piazzolla (arr. Eckart Runge) – Introduccione al Angel
Florence Price – Five Folksongs in Counterpoint
Krzysztof Penderecki – String Quartet No. 3 “Leaves of an Unwritten Diary”
Ludwig van Beethoven – String Quartet No. 8 in E minor, Op. 59, No. 2

Visit UVic’s calendar of events for the Viano Quartet (and OTHER amazing concert offerings at UVic).

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Emily Carr String Quartet Album Release

Friday, January 26 | 7:30pm | Christ Church Cathedral, 911 Quadra @ Rockland
Students $11.98, available online

Celebrate ECSQ’s first concert of 2024 and the launch of their new album – featuring works commissioned by the Quartet and inspired by their namesake!

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Exciting news

Max Francis has been invited to ECSQ’s sixth annual “Young Artist Mentorship Program”, playing viola(!). Congratulations Max!

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Snacks

Thanks to Elana L. and family who provided delicious snacks last week. On January 22, snacks will be provided by Andrei K. and family.

Weekly Schedule

Victoria Baroque Presents “Aisslinn Nosky Plays Bach and Vivaldi”

Friday, January 12 | 7:30pm | St John the Divine, 1611 Quadra Street
Student and youth tickets just $5, available online and at the door

A riot of fiery energy and splendour, as the celebrated New York-based violinist Aisslinn Nosky leads Victoria Baroque in ravishing concertos for baroque instruments.

Programme:
JS Bach: Violin Concerto in A minor
Vivaldi: Concerto for Two Cellos in G minor
Vivaldi: Concerto for Four Violins in B minor
Handel: Concerto Grosso in F major
Emily Doolittle: “Falling Still”
Telemann: Triple Concerto for flute, violin & cello “Perpetually fabulous” (The Boston Globe)

Contact: [email protected], 250.590.9770

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Emily Carr String Quartet Album Release

Friday, January 26 | 7:30pm | Christ Church Cathedral, 911 Quadra @ Rockland
Students $11.98, available online

Celebrate ECSQ’s first concert of 2024 and the launch of their new album – featuring works commissioned by the Quartet and inspired by their namesake!

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String Orchestras Open House

Sunday, January 21 | 11:00am-1:00pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Come and experience playing in a large string ensemble! String players of all ages, including Conservatory faculty, students from the Collegium, the Victoria Conservatory Chamber Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, and Introductory Orchestra, as well as the various Cello Ensembles and the Sinfonia, will gather to sight read together (repertoire will be provided at the event, no need to prepare anything in advance). There is no charge for this fun event, but registration is required.

After experiencing the joy of playing in a large ensemble, you can check out which ensemble might be right for you, and register for the Spring term which begins on January 29.

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Festival!

We expect all Collegium chamber groups to perform in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival this spring. The entry deadline is February 7, 2024. Collegium will pay the group entry fees(!). Each group should plan their repertoire and get the timings so that they can register. There will be more on this next week when we work out the new logistics. If you have questions, please ask Micki.

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Snacks

Thanks to Michelle G. and family who provided delicious snacks last week. On January 15, snacks will be provided by Elana L. and family.

Weekly Schedule

Happy New Year

We hope you had a wonderfully joyful and restful break. Our first day back is Monday, January 8. There will be a Soundings Session with Robert Holliston in the group session time from 5-6:30.

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Studio Recital

Simon MacDonald will be having a Studio Recital on Saturday, January 13 In Wood Hall. The start time will be included in next week’s bulletin. All are welcome to come hear Simon’s students perform.

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String Orchestras Open House

Sunday, January 21 | 11:00am-1:00pm | Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Come and experience playing in a large string ensemble! String players of all ages, including Conservatory faculty, students from the Collegium, the Victoria Conservatory Chamber Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, and Introductory Orchestra, as well as the various Cello Ensembles and the Sinfonia, will gather to sight read together (repertoire will be provided at the event, no need to prepare anything in advance). There is no charge for this fun event, but registration is required.

After experiencing the joy of playing in a large ensemble, you can check out which ensemble might be right for you, and register for the Spring term which begins on January 29.

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Snacks

Thanks to all the families who provided delicious snacks last fall. On January 8, snacks will be provided by Michelle G. and family.

Weekly Schedule

Concert

Thanks to all Collegium members who played so wonderfully and to all the families who contributed food and their presence to make it such a lovely concert and reception on Tuesday – it was one of the best ever.

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Party Time!

On Monday, December 18 we will have coached sessions on sight-read carols and then a ‘party’ including the performance of these carols, pizza, snacks and a White Elephant Gift Exchange. Start looking now for a White Elephant gift: a quality item you already own that you are ready to pass on, or a low value purchased gift – think thrift store, chocolate, etc. (something that they would enjoy receiving themselves). Each student is asked to bring one gift for the exchange.

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Winter Break

The last Senior Collegium session is Monday, December 18. We resume on Monday, January 8. The Conservatory building is closed December 22nd – January 1st. See the Collegium calendar for all important dates.

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Spark to Flame

Audition results announcement.

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Snacks

Thanks to Jack and Andrei and families who provided snacks last week. On December 18, snacks will be provided by Chloe and family.

Weekly Schedule

Concert

Senior Collegium Chamber Music & Voice: Tuesday, December 12 | 7:00pm | Wood Halll

Admission by donation. Small Receptions to follow the concert. We ask each family to bring one plate of festive finger food to share. Bring your friends and family.

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Party Time!

On Monday, December 18 we will have coached sessions on sight-read carols and then a ‘party’ including the performance of these carols, pizza, snacks and a White Elephant Gift Exchange. Start looking now for a White Elephant gift: a quality item you already own that you are ready to pass on, or a low value purchased gift – think thrift store, chocolate, etc. (something that they would enjoy receiving themselves). Each student is asked to bring one gift for the exchange.

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Winter Break

The last Senior Collegium session is Monday, December 18. We resume on Monday, January 8. The Conservatory building is closed December 22nd – January 1st. See the Collegium calendar for all important dates.

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Snacks

Thanks to Jack and family who provided snacks last week. On December 11, snacks will be provided by Jack and Andrei and families.

Weekly Schedule

December is Concert Month

Junior Collegium & Orchestras: Thursday, December 6 | 7:00pm | Alix Goolden Hall
Senior Collegium Chamber Music & Voice: Tuesday, December 12 | 7:00pm | Wood Hall

Admission by donation. Small Receptions to follow each concert.

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Party Time!

On Monday, December 18 we will have coached sessions on sight-read carols and then a ‘party’ including the performance of these carols, pizza, snacks and a White Elephant Gift Exchange. Start looking now for a White Elephant gift: a quality item you already own that you are ready to pass on, or a low value purchased gift – think thrift store, chocolate, etc. (something that they would enjoy receiving themselves). Each student is asked to bring one gift for the exchange.

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Winter Break

The last Senior Collegium session is Monday, December 18. We resume on Monday, January 8. The Conservatory building is closed December 22nd – January 1st. See the Collegium calendar for all important dates.

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Spark to Flame

Congratulations to all who auditioned. The winners announcement will be sent out on Thursday, November 30.

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Snacks

Thanks to Max and family who provided snacks last week. On December 4, snacks will be provided by Jack and family.

Weekly Schedule

Chamber Competition

Congrats to everyone for beautiful playing. Prizes will be awarded at our concert on Tuesday, December 12.

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Snacks

Thanks to Walter and Miya and families who provided snacks last week. I would like to give a hero’s badge to Walter’s mother Aya Rees who has supplied both the Junior and Senior Collegium snacks for the last three weeks. Brava!

On November 27, snacks will be provided by Max and family.

Weekly Schedule

Please note: Monday is not a day off

Many schools have a Pro-D day on Monday but we will have Collegium as usual; including the Chamber Competition Dress Rehearsal. Also note that a ‘dress rehearsal’ is called that as it is an opportunity to practice performing in the clothes you will wear in front of the audience. Take advantage!

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Chamber Competition

Tuesday, November 21 | 6:00pm Juniors, 7:00pm Seniors | Alix Goolden Performance Hall

Bring an audience! This is a great evening of Chamber Music.

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Chamber Competition Warm-up Rooms

See warm-up room schedule here. Once you have warmed up, bring your cases, instruments and all belongings into Alix Goolden Hall. The warm-up rooms are only available for a very short time.

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Spark to Flame

Congratulations to all who have entered – there are 19 students entered.

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Snacks

Thanks to Walter and Elana and families who provided snacks last week. On November 20, snacks will be provided by Walter and Miya and families.

Weekly Schedule

Please note: Monday is not a holiday

The Statutory holiday for Remembrance Day is on Saturday, November 11 and the Conservatory building will be closed – this Saturday. On Monday, we will have Collegium as usual including an exciting Chamber Music Masterclass with Maestro Timothy Vernon.

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Collegium Concert at ArtSpring

Thanks to all the students and parents who made this such a successful trip. If anyone else has photos to share, please send them to Micki.

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Congratulations

Congratulations to Elana Lin for winning the Cowichan Consort’s 28th Annual Youth Concerto Competition! She will perform the concerto with the orchestra on March 9, 2024.

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Concert

Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra (which includes a number of Collegium students) will be performing at UVic’s Farquhar Auditorium this Sunday, November 12 at 2:30pm.

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Snacks

Thanks to Walter and Michaela and families who provided snacks last week. Next week, on November 13, snacks will be provided by Walter and Elana and families.

Weekly Schedule

Collegium Concert at ArtSpring

This Sunday November 5th at 2:30 with special guest mentor Yuel Yawney, violin. For the program see the Senior Collegium schedule.

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Payments due

Collegium Journals: $10 each. Salt Spring trip: $15. Have you paid for yours? If not, please do. In person or over the phone with the front desk staff.

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12th Annual Chamber Competition

Tuesday, November 21 | Alix Goolden Performance Hall | 6:00pm | Admission by Donation.
Invite your friends to a great evening of Chamber Music. Jurors: Anne Grimm, Soprano and Dr. Alexander Richards, Saxophone.

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Snacks

Thanks to Max Wang and family who provided snacks last week. Snacks on November 6 will be provided by Walter and Michaela and families.

Weekly Schedule

Senior Collegium Parent Night

Thanks to all the parents who participated. Any parents who missed the session are welcome to book a private info session with Micki anytime – just send her an email.

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Collegium Journals

Payments for Collegium Journals: $10 each. Have you paid for yours? If not, please do. In person or over the phone with the front desk staff.

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Victoria City Hall Performances

There is room for one more trio to play on November 9 and up to 3 in April. If your group would like to take advantage of the volunteer opportunity, please contact Simon MacDonald.

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Exciting news

Tyler Evans-Knott, flutist in the Collegium Gardellino Trio has been invited to play the national anthem at the Indigenous Heritage Night of the Toronto Raptors November 15th in Toronto. Wow! Congratulations Tyler.

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Snacks

Thanks to Tyler and family who provided snacks over the last month. Snacks on October 30 will be provided by Max Wang and family.

Weekly Schedule

Senior Collegium Parent Night

Monday, October 23 | 5:00-6:30pm

All parents encouraged to attend. We will discuss the upcoming Tour to Salt Spring, the Chamber Competition, introduce parents to one another, answer questions and discuss the extended Goals of Collegium that are assessed in the annual evaluation survey. There will be tea and cookies! Please RSVP to Micki about whether or not you can participate.

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Workshop: “The Passionate Bow” with Julia Wedman, violin (Toronto)

Saturday, October 28 | 2:30-4:30pm | Church of St. John the Divine, 1611 Quadra St, Victoria
Fee: $30 | Register online here or email [email protected]

An exploration of baroque bow technique, with practical tips on how to embody emotions to create expressive, compelling music-making. Join Tafelmusik’s Julia Wedman for this interactive and fun workshop for all string players! Open to all ages 12 and up. Pitch 440. No baroque bow required.

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Concert: “From Folly To Sublime” Victoria Baroque With Julia Wedman, Violin/Director

Sunday, October 29 | 2:30pm | Church of St. John the Divine, 1611 Quadra St, Victoria
Tickets: $5 for students and youth | Purchase online here, email [email protected], or call 250.590.9770

Toronto-based violinist, Julia Wedman, joins Victoria Baroque for a programme featuring the cheeky and humorous side of baroque. Experience musical depictions of frogs, flatulence, and fencing, paired with music of otherworldly beauty. Music by Purcell, Schmelzer, Rameau, Vivaldi, Telemann, and more.

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Snacks

Thanks to Max Z, Joanne, Michaela, and families who provided snacks over the last month.

Snacks on October 23 will be provided by Tyler and family.

Weekly Schedule

Weekly Schedule

Weekly Schedule

Johnathan Crow Masterclass

Friday, September 15 | 4:30-6:00pm | Alix Goolden Hall

Robert Holliston, accompanist.

• Andrei: Bruch, Violin concerto No. 1 in g minor, I Vorspiel
• Elana: Franck, Sonata in A major, II Allegro
• Walter: Lalo, Symphonie Espagnole opus 21, I Allegro non troppo

Cookies and juice social time after for those who can stay.

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Senior Collegium Parent Night

Monday, October 23 | 5:00-6:30pm

All parents encouraged to attend. We will discuss the upcoming Tour to Salt Spring, the Chamber Competition, introduce parents to one another, answer questions and discuss the extended Goals of Collegium that are assessed in the annual evaluation survey. There will be tea and cookies! Please RSVP to Micki about whether or not you can participate.

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Snacks

We are asking that families contribute to a schedule of snack provision. If you haven’t yet signed up, please contact Micki soon.

Snacks on September 18th will be provided by Max Z’s and Michelle’s families.

Weekly Schedule

Welcome!

To the first of the weekly Senior Collegium bulletins. These bulletins include the weekly schedule letting students know which rooms their coachings will be in and what and where the group session(s) will be. They also include any announcements deemed to be important to senior Collegium families. We send these bulletins to parents and faculty as well as to students, as we find the more everyone knows what is happening, the more chance of success the students have.

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Syllabus and Directory

The Senior Collegium Syllabus and Directory has been distributed by email. Please read it carefully and let Micki know of any errors or omissions. Also, compare the calendar with all of the other school and sport and other calendars which rule your lives and let us know of any possible conflicts over the next year, so they can be sorted out with the least disruption to your chamber group. If you would like a copy of the printed syllabus, let Micki know by Monday noon

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Fun Social

Friday, September 8 | 5:45-7:15pm | Wood Hall

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Johnathan Crow Masterclass

Friday, September 15 | 4:30-6:00pm | Alix Goolden Hall

Robert Holliston has agreed to accompany the Jonathan Crow masterclass. This is a great opportunity for our students to play for one of Canada’s leading violinists. We are very happy that Jonathan will be here twice this year!! He will be back for chamber music, at the end of the year with the New Orford Quartet.

Play order to be determined.

• Andrei: Bruch, Violin concerto No. 1 in g minor, I Vorspiel
• Elana: Franck, Sonata in A major, II Allegro
• Walter: Lalo, Symphonie Espagnole opus 21, I Allegro non troppo

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Student Orientation

The orientation session on Monday is for students. If parents have urgent questions, please email them to Micki.

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Senior Collegium Parent Night

Monday, October 23 | 5:00-6:30pm

All parents encouraged to attend. We will discuss the upcoming Tour to Salt Spring, the Chamber Competition, introduce parents to one another, answer questions and discuss the extended Goals of Collegium that are assessed in the annual evaluation survey. There will be tea and cookies. Please RSVP to Micki about whether or not you can participate.

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Snacks

It has been consistently shown that students need a nutrition boost at the end of a long school day in order to perform at their best during Collegium, and the social aspect is essential for our desired feeling of community and the friendships that are often established while students are in the program. We are asking that families contribute to a schedule of snack provision. If you haven’t yet signed up, please contact Micki soon.

Snacks on Monday, September 11 will be generously provided by Max W and Max F and families. The next week, on September 18 there is still an opportunity for a family to sign up for half the snacks with Max W’s family supplying the other half.

Jamie K Syer Collegium Scholarship Winners

The Jamie K Syer Collegium Scholarship is awarded annually to the Collegium student(s) who best exemplifies the spirit and purpose of the Collegium Program: excellence in music, teamwork and support of peers. This scholarship was created to honour Collegium founder Dr. Jamie Syer. For those who haven’t met him, you can read a bio of him here.

Previous winners include: Stephanie Galipeau, Ethan Allers, Hanna Williamson, Rae Gallimore, Kate Moran, Danielle Tsao, Hank Liu, Lexie Krakowski, Keziah Froese, Camilo Aybar, Charlie Dutton, Elana Lin and Charlotte Topshee.

All current Junior and Senior Instrumental Collegium students qualified. Nominations were accepted from Collegium students and coaches, and the award was decided upon by the Collegium Artistic Director and Animateur.

This year’s Junior Winner is Michelle George. She was described by her multiple nominators as “coming to coachings well prepared and ready to learn”, “consistently put forth her best efforts’, leads the group on the piano and at the same time knows how to listen and accommodate others” and “ she is good at making suggestions in a kind way. She is always friendly too”.

And the Senior Collegium winner is again Elana Lin, first student to win twice. Among the descriptions was “not only a superb violinist but one of the kindest people I’ve met in the program; they make an effort for everyone to feel included, even people they hardly know”.

Congratulations to Michelle and to Elana!

Weekly Schedule

Festival Roberto & Mary Wood Scholarship Competition Concert

Saturday, May 13, 7:00pm | Alix Goolden Hall

Good luck to Collegium candidates Layla Park, violin and Camilo Aybar, clarinet. Other Collegium alumni candidates are Jono Devey, piano, Carey Wang, piano, Luke Kim, cello. The other two of the seven candidates are Sahara Adamitz and Anjulie Djearam, singers. This will be an amazing concert.

Tickets: Cash at the door $20 general; $10 students/seniors/children

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Benefit Concert: Syria & Türkiye Earthquake Relief

Saturday, May 13, 4.00pm | Christ Church Cathedral, Quadra at Rockland

Classical musicians come together in aid of earthquake-ravaged Syria and Türkiye

Admission by donation. All proceeds will support the Earthquake relief via the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. All donations over $20 are eligible for a charitable receipt.

Hundreds of thousands of people in Türkiye and Syria are still struggling to find adequate shelter and sanitation, two months after a devastating earthquake hit the region. Despite an appeal for $1 billion to support survivors, only 10% of the required funding has been raised, making it difficult to address the humanitarian crisis. Moved by the plight of her homeland, Turkish violinist Müge Büyükçelen, who now resides in Victoria, has rallied her colleagues from the Victoria Symphony, the Emily Carr String Quartet, and other classical music organizations to organize a benefit concert to raise funds for the survivors of the earthquake. “I couldn’t just stand by and watch the crisis unfold,” said Büyükçelen, a long-time member of the Victoria Symphony and the Emily Carr String Quartet. “I started discussing the idea of a benefit concert with my colleagues shortly after the earthquake happened, but we couldn’t come together until now.” The concert is taking place at a time when help is most needed, as international support tends to drop off once the story fades from the headlines. Büyükçelen and her colleagues will perform Turkish music alongside some more well-known classical repertoire at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, May 13. The Cathedral’s Priest in Charge, The Reverend Canon Jeannine Friesen is honoured that the cathedral will be hosting the event. “This concert is a reminder of our call as Christians to heal the world wherever it is most broken,” she said. “Even when a disaster is no longer on the front page, it doesn’t mean that our duty to care and repair is relinquished.” Donations collected at this concert will be passed on directly to the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, which provides cash and in-kind support directly to those who need it most in Türkiye and Syria (https://pwrdf.org/).

The Musicians Müge Büyükçelen violin Arin Sarkissian flute Robert Holliston piano Mieka Michaux viola Alasdair Money cello Cory Balzer violin Donald Hunt, organ

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Final Coachings

The last coaching and group sessions are Monday May 15th. All students are expected to attend these sessions. For the group session that day, there will be pizza. If you have special requests about pizza, please let Micki know right away.

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Snacks

This week the snacks were generously provided by Michael and his families. Thank you to them and to all who brought such yummy goodies to the after concert reception. This Monday on May 15th it will be Layla and Roni and family’s turn to provide treats to go with pizza.

Weekly Schedule

Congratulations

Congratulations to all who have played in the Festival. We are pleased for your successes and look forward to hearing more at Honours Concerts and Provincials and Nationals.

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Term End Concert

Our term end concert will be Tuesday, May 9th, 7:00pm in Alix Goolden Hall. Invite your friends!. We hope that the families not specifically requested to help with snacks on Mondays this year will each provide a plate of goodies for the year end Concert on Tuesday, May 9th.

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Last Coaching

The last coaching and group session are Monday May 15th. All students are expected to attend these sessions. For the group session that day, there will be pizza. Do let Micki know if you have dietary needs or will not eating pizza that day.

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Emily Carr String Quartet

Friday, May 19, 5:00pm | Christ Church Cathedral 930 Burdett Ave Victoria, BC

Tickets: At Eventbrite $30; Students $10+ s/c

Join us in this family event celebrating Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn’s romantic compositions for string quartet! Fanny’s String Quartet in E-Flat Major and Felix’s String Quartet in F Minor Op.80 will complete the ECSQ’s performance of all Mendelssohn String Quartets. You will also hear Vancouver composer Jennifer Butler’s “The End of the World (or Else the Beginning)” featuring flautist Mark MacGregor. These concerts will also be livestreamed on the Cathedral Website.