William R. Ware
Dealer and Restorer
(519) 472-2359
Dealer and Restorer
(519) 472-2359
Terry Maurice
Stringed Instrument Repair
(519) 763-8481
Stringed Instrument Repair
(519) 763-8481
Level 1 (Bks. 2–3): Introduction to improvisation at the piano.
Make up your own music! Games, stories and pictures will spark imaginations as we explore new sounds, and try our hand at composition, learning from pieces we already know. Discover the music that is inside us, and remember, “There’s no such thing as a mistake!”
Level 2 (Bk. 4 and above): Improvisation at the piano.
Students will mix and match scales, build chords, use bass lines, explore blues, jazz and extended techniques. Anyone can improvise! No previous improvisation experience is necessary—just bring your imagination.
Students eligible: Pianists, Bk. 4 and above
Cost: $52 CDN ($51 US)
Sera Smolen will bring her wealth of experience in many different genres of cello “grooving.” Throughout the week, you will explore improvisation and dances from around the world such as Turkey, China, Africa, Israel, Serbia, as well as American jazz and fiddle tunes.
In Sera’s classes, there is a rule that there is “no such thing as a mistake.” At the same time, students will learn about key centers, important finger patterns used in the repertoire, ensemble playing skills, fingerboard geography, etc. They will also explore total freedom at the instrument, learning weird noises and how to make them, improvising, chamber music, hip hop, and more. This course is designed to educate both students and parents to continue having a truly creative dimension to their weekly work all year.
Students eligible: Cellists, Bk. 2 and above
Cost: $52 CDN ($51 US)
Hey, piano students! Who wants to learn how to play the harp? This class is open to students Bk. 2 & above. Harps will be provided. There are a limited number of spots for these private harp lessons. Applications will be taken on a first-come first-serve basis. (NOTE: This option will be available to either piano or string students in alternating years. Next year, it will be available to string students only.)
Cost: $100 CDN ($98 US)
This class is offered to any adult (parent or TD course participant) wanting to take group lessons in cello during the week. Each participant will receive 5 group lessons during the week. Participants must bring their own instrument and have some knowledge of it.
Cost: $52 CDN ($51 US)
This class is offered to any adult (parent or TD course participant) wanting to take semi-private lessons in violin, viola, or piano during the week. Lessons will be scheduled with three students per hour. Each participant will receive five lessons during the week. Participants must have some knowledge of the instrument, and string players must bring their own instrument. Enrollment limited. First-come, first-serve.
Cost: $130 CDN ($128 US)
Music tells a story—a good story. Therefore, this presentation/ performance series is conducted in a lively and anecdotal manner. The great operas, ballets and symphonic works come alive as their stories are dramatically retold.
A multi-disciplinary approach will gradually unfold the story behind the music, in its historical and social context. Composers will be taken off their pedestals and revealed as real people, living in a real time. The audience will become part of the fabric of the era.
Each session will begin with a spirited investigation of the concrete (the social history, manners, clothing, art and politics of the era), and then move to the abstract (the specific musical works, key passages, what in the music makes it a masterwork). This will be demonstrated at the piano and discussed, but always anecdotally, and always accessible to an audience of mixed ages. Finally, a dramatic performance of the work will bring the story to life, told as you hear music recorded by world-class orchestras and singers.
Students Eligible: Any student age 6 and up (parents may attend with their registered children at no charge)
Cost: $52 CDN ($51 US)
If you can read music, here is your opportunity to try WLU’s fabulous percussion equipment—drums, xylophones and other mallet instruments, and lots of toys! In this class, string players will focus on developing their rhythmic reading and improvisational skills. Enrollment is limited. First-come, first-served.
Students eligible: Violinists, violists & cellists, Bk. 2 and above, who can read music
Cost: $52 CDN ($51 US)
What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle? It’s all in the playing style. In this always popular class, Sharon will teach techniques that let you turn any piece into a fiddle tune. Learn tunes from different fiddling traditions. You’ll also learn “actions” and use rhythmic instruments. Sharon’s studio group ‘Sharon Jones and the Canadian Celtic Kids’ has performed throughout Ontario and in the USA.
Students eligible: Violinists, Bk. 2 and above
Cost: $57 CDN ($56 US) includes materials
THE MIKADO
adapted from the famous operetta by Gilbert & Sullivan
with Anne Monkhouse and Moira Nikander-Forrester (ON)
Visit the Japanese town of Titipu where the chorus of nobles are joined by a disguised Nanki-Poo, who is looking for Yum-Yum, ward of Ko-Ko. The noble lord Pish-Tush asks what Nanki-Poo's business is with Yum-Yum, and learns that the minstrel had seen the girl a year ago when he was a member of the town band, and they had fallen in love. But Yum-Yum was betrothed to her guardian Ko-Ko, ‘a cheap tailor.’ Learning that Ko-Ko was condemned to death for flirting, the minstrel has hurried back to try to claim Yum-Yum. Far from being dead, Ko-Ko has in fact been let out on bail, and appointed Lord High Executioner. There is worse to come as Pooh-Bah, who holds every major office of state, informs Nanki-Poo that Yum-Yum and Ko-Ko are to be married that very day. The plot thickens!
Parents may volunteer to assist in this class (their participation is at the sole discretion of the director). Operetta is geared towards children with a strong interest in musical theatre who love to sing. Solo parts are limited. However, every participant will have a vital role as a member of the chorus and the team. Students will be sent a CD to help them learn the songs in advance.
Students eligible:
Cost: $62 CDN ($61 US)
NOTE: Eligible students may take one other Optional Class in addition to Operetta. Mini-Institute participants are not eligible.
Younger siblings of enrolled students who are not yet playing an instrument can join a Music and Movement class. Inspired by the teachings of Orff, the course explores concepts of rhythm, pulse and pitch. Through songs, movement and percussion instruments, young children will discover the first pleasures of music-making. A parent or chaperone must be present to participate in the class.
Students eligible: Children age 2 to 4 who don’t yet play an instrument but are siblings of another student enrolled in SOSI.
Cost: $52 CDN ($51 US)
Violinists get a chance to explore the tone colours of the viola in a group situation by working on viola ensemble repertoire. Violas will be available to rent for the week at a small cost. If you own a viola, please bring it. Appropriate for violinists with or without previous viola experience.
Students eligible:
Cost: $52 CDN ($51 US)
Senior string and piano students perform together, and hone their ensemble skills. (NOTE: Included for pianists enrolled in the Senior Piano program. There will be a rehearsal for all string/piano duos on Sunday, August 10 at 4 pm.)
Students eligible:
Cost: $70 CDN ($67 US)