STRINGTOWN ORCHESTRA

This unique string ensemble, under the direction of Don Dawson, provides teen and young adult string players at the intermediate to advanced level an opportunity to perform an eclectic range of string ensemble repertoire, including classical, jazz, blues and rock styles. 24 rehearsals will focus on musical and ensemble skills, and will address technical issues unique to ensemble string playing. This group will develop skills necessary to performing without a conductor. The ensemble will perform on QCM recitals as well as at community events throughout the academic year.

1) SCHEDULE

Rehearsals will take place on Thursdays in Harrison-LeCaine Hall, room 120, at Queen’s University, from 7.30-9pm.

24 week schedule:

• Fall Term Rehearsals: Thursday 27th September to Thursday 13th December, 2012.
• Fall Term Performance: Sunday 16th December, 2012 – QCM student recital

• Winter Term Rehearsals: Thursday 10th January to Thursday 11th April, 2013.
• No rehearsals will be held 21st February and 14th March, 2013.
• Winter Term Performances: Sunday 14th April, 2013 – QCM Ensemble Concert

All participants will be expected to prepare their parts individually so that rehearsal time can be spent on ensemble work. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of rehearsal to unpack, set up, and tune.

All participants must give advance notice in case of absence. Attendance is crucial for rehearsal planning purposes. 

Other concert dates will be provided with as much notice as possible. Student participation in concerts is crucial to the ensemble's success.

2) WHO CAN ATTEND

This ensemble is open to violinists, violists, cellists and bassists of high school age or higher, playing at the RCM grade 6/Suzuki book 4 level or higher. Younger students will be accepted at the instructor’s discretion.  One keyboard player will be accepted.

A balance of instruments will be taken into consideration. The ensemble will run with a minimum of 11 participants: 6 violins (3+3), 2 violas, 2 cellos, 1 bass (please refer to Conservatory Policy for further details regarding procedure if minimum class size is not achieved). The maximum number of participants will be capped at 27 (16 violins (8+8), 4 violas, 4 cellos, 2 basses, 1 keyboard) to ensure that the chamber nature of the ensemble is maintained.  

3) PRE-REQUISITES

All participants must audition on one of the following dates:

• Sunday 9th September (Open House Event): 2 - 3.30pm, HLH room 316
• Thursday 13th September: 7.30 - 9pm, HLH room 120
• Thursday 20th September: 7.30 - 9pm, HLH room 120

Audition requirements are:

• One 3-octave scale and arpeggio. Key, tempo, and bowing pattern – own choice.
• One own choice solo selection. Piano accompanist not required.
• Sight reading

Please contact Queen’s Conservatory of Music to schedule an audition time at 613-533-2934 or music.conservatory@queensu.ca. It is preferred that students audition on the earlier dates so that repertoire can be adequately planned and prepared in advance of the first rehearsal. Audition requests received after September 20th will be granted if space permits.

4) COURSE MATERIALS

All participants must bring to each rehearsal:

• Instrument and bow, and necessary accessories
• Device to prevent end-pin slipping (cellists)
• Music in folder
• Pencil
• Eraser

Music and folders will be provided by QCM, and must be returned in good condition upon completion of the term. All lost or damaged original parts must be replaced at the participant’s expense.

5) FEES

Course fee: $285 per person (includes all music and music folder).

Registration fee: $40 per family per year. This fee covers registration for all programs within the Conservatory over the year.

6) APPLICATION DEADLINE

Registration forms must be received before or at audition.