NOW Orchestra Blog

CALL TO YOUNG ARTISTS & COMMUNITY MUSICIANS OF ALL AGES

The 2009 RENFREW COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE PROJECT is an opportunity not to be missed!

For aspiring instrumentalists, vocalists and composers

***Players of orchestral and ethnic instruments (that are not usually thought
of as standard “jazz-rock band” instruments) are encouraged to apply***

This exciting annual project, started in 2005, provides a unique experience not to be found
anywhere else. The program guides a diverse group of aspiring artists through the process of
forming, preparing and presenting a large, original music “ethno-jazz-rock fusion”
ensemble, under the mentorship and direct participation of some of Vancouver’s best musical
performers, composers and educators. In addition to rehearsing and performing, participants will
be encouraged to contribute (according to ability) to the development of 40 minutes of original
music. Intermediate – advanced high school level playing and reading experience is required
to participate in the band component, and while also encouraged for the other sections, there will be
some space available in the vocal and percussion sections for those with little or no experience,
but enthusiasm to get involved, the desire to learn, and ability to commit to full attendance.

***these sections have previously included some advanced elementary school children***

Preparatory and musical skills workshops will transition into a music camp followed by rehearsals
for performances, including a large, multi-media extravaganza showcase at
The 2009 Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival
(an exciting, family-oriented community event with an audience of 3000+!)

Faculty
Full-Time: Brad Muirhead (trombone): Artistic Director / band conductor / horn section coach
Jared burrows (guitar) rhythm section coach, Paul Bray (world percussion)
MULTI-CULTURAL components will be included, featuring explorations of cultural & artistic traditions
as well as learning and rehearsing performance material, led by special guests:
Jin Zhang (Chinese music), Matthew Sheena (First Nations music)

Musical skills to be explored will include:

establishing a group sound, basic improvisational and compositional devices (harmony, rhythm,
texture etc), basic arranging concepts, rehearsal technique and performance experience.
These things and more will be explored primarily in a full-band rehearsal setting (also some sectional
work), and will include coaching (by instrument category – woodwinds, brass, strings, vocals etc) from
a roster of highly skilled local professional artist-clinicians who, in addition to the full-time faculty,
will sit-in individually at the workshop and band camp sessions, and then participate in the rehearsals
and performances, playing “in-section” as members of the band.

Funding, Community and Arts Partners

Program Information

Preparatory Workshops (vocals & percussion)
Early August: exact dates, times and locations TBA depending on enrollment

Musical Development Workshops (all participants)
Monday August 17 -Friday. August 21
9:30am -2:30pm (one hour lunch 11:30 -12:30)
Location: Windermere Secondary band room (3155 E. 27th Ave, Vancouver)

Music Camp (all participants)
Monday August 24 -Friday August 28
9:30am -2:30pm (one hour lunch 11:30 – 12:30)
Location: Windermere Secondary band room (3155 E. 27th Ave)

Band BBQ and Performance for family & friends (excerpts from the big work)
Friday August 28 @ Slocan Park (29th & Slocan -just west of 29th Skytrain station)
BBQ – 1:00pm / performance 3:00pm

Moon Festival rehearsals

August 31 – September 27 (times and dates TBA) @ Windermere Auditorium
Dress Rehearsal: October 1, 4:00 – 7:00pm @ Renfrew Park

Moon Festival Performance

Saturday October 3, Renfrew Park & Slocan Park

4:00 – 8:30pm (sound check, parade & complete big work @ finale)
there is a $50 (non-refundable) registration fee, otherwise
participation is free! (no enrollment fees)
*some scholarships available

Note: Secondary students -This program is recognized by the V.S.B and your school
as valid for volunteer work experience and your graduation portfolio

For information & registration
call: 604-874-5299 or email: crassbrutes@telus.net

If you haven't had the chance yet, check out Bill Shoemaker's great website.

http://www.pointofdeparture.org/

This is a really important series of concerts. I highly recommend that you check them out.

For more information call 604.684.2787 or click on TicketsTonight.ca
musiconmain.ca

Tonight: January 30th

Should be a great show at the loft at 1067 tonight starting at 10 pm.

The music features the wonderful guitarist Reiner Wiens with saxophonist Coat Cooke and bassist Tommy Babin.

Wonderful improvisations for a January night.

Rainer Wiens/guitar