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Auditions for 2018-19 string orchestra happening in June

Auditions will be scheduled on June 26 through 28 between 4 and 7 p.m.
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NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH YOUTH MUSICAL CENTRE
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The GYMC Junior and Intermediate String Orchestras have just completed another successful season and we are already making plans for 2018-2019!

“I am very much looking forward to conducting the new season,” says Conductor Tak Kwan. “We have had a successful year, I would like to reach out more into the community and engage as many young people as possible. I’m looking forward to working with all the young artists this coming season.”

We will be holding scheduled auditions on June 26, 27 and 28 between the hours of 4 – 7 p.m. If you are a string player between the ages of 8 and 17, we’re interested in you! 

  • Junior orchestra requirements (violin, viola, cello and bass)
    • Age 8 years to 13 years - RCM Grade 4-6 o 1 major scale; 1 minor scale (2 octaves)
    • 2 contrasting solo pieces OR 1 solo piece with 1 study piece
    • Sight reading
  • Intermediate orchestra requirements (violin, viola, cello and bass)
    • Age 11 years to 17 years – RCM Grade 6-8 o 2 major scales; 1 minor scale (3 octaves)
    • 2 contrasting solo pieces or 1 solo piece with 1 study piece
    • Sight reading *To book an audition, please call the GYMC main office at 519-837-1119 or send us an email at [email protected].

The GYMC orchestra program began as the joining of like-minded teachers and music lovers who wanted to ensure that the children of Guelph and its surrounding areas had the opportunity to play in an orchestra.

After a trial year in 2004, the orchestras debuted in December 2005.

The Junior and Intermediate orchestras are for string player, giving young performers an opportunity to develop orchestral ensemble and musical skills leading to participation in the Guelph Youth Symphony Orchestra, if desired, and beyond.

“We’re very excited about our youth orchestras and what they have been able to accomplish this past year under the direction of Tak Kwan,” says GYMC executive director Gabriella Currie-Ziegler.

“These kids are having a lot of fun and they get to make beautiful music, too. Next year will offer some exciting opportunities.” Maestro Kwan adds.

“Orchestral training develops strong musicianship and leadership. It allows the young musicians to share their talents with the community. Music is a wonderful tool to connect people together.” Tak Kwan - Conductor

Born into a musical family, his father was a violin maker in Hong Kong, and Tak started playing the violin at the age of seven.

In 1988, he received a scholarship from the Hong Kong Bank to attend Wells Cathedral School in England. During his study, Tak represented the school to perform with visiting musicians from West Germany in Dvorak's Piano Quintet in A major as a violist.

He was also invited to give a violin recital in West Germany in the following year.

Tak received scholarships to study at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto from 1989-1995.

During his studies, he twice received full scholarships to attend the Summer Music Camp in Colorado Springs in 1994 and 1995. Later in 2011, he was invited to attend the Starling-Delay Symposium at Juilliard School of Music.

From 2002 to 2010, Tak toured the USA and France as a soloist as well as a chamber musician. In 2003 and 2007, Tak gave solo performances to more than 15,000 attendees in Toronto and Tampa, Florida respectively.

In 2010, Tak was invited to perform and work with the professors as the leading violinist at University of Concordia for the premiere of a work for string quartet in St. Paul, MN. In the same year, he was invited to perform for the Queen of England at Queen's Park in Toronto.

This past April, Tak was invited back to the USA for another solo performance in front of an audience of 2,000. The GYMC is honoured to have Tak as conductor of the string orchestras program.

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