NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH YOUTH MUSIC CENTRE
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The Guelph Youth Music Centre (GYMC) is pleased to present its new Youth String Orchestras (Junior and Intermediate) conductor, Joy Schuster, who will take up her duties in the fall.
“We’re thrilled to have Joy a part of our team at the GYMC,” commented Gabriella Currie-Ziegler, Executive Director of the GYMC. “Joy brings joy and passion to her students, creating gifted and talented musicians who cherish their time with her. We’re looking forward to the wonderful music ahead!”
Joy has an extensive background in music and teaching, as well as being well-versed in the Suzuki School program. As part of her education, training and career, she has traveled in Canada and the US.
About Joy Schuster
As a teacher with the Suzuki String School of Guelph, Joy Schuster is a familiar face at the GYMC. She graduated with honors from Michigan State University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Music Education. She then taught in Maine as a string specialist in Grades 3-8. In 1989, she immigrated to Canada where she taught with the Hamilton School Board and the Hamilton Suzuki School of Music.
She also played with the Niagara Symphony during her years in Hamilton. In 1993, she moved to Denver, Colorado, where she completed her Master of Arts in Suzuki Pedagogy.
Upon graduation, Joy was elected a member of the Society of Pi Kappa Lambda. She moved back to her home town of Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1996 where she taught with the Grand Rapids Community College Suzuki program and directed a Music Together program.
In 2000, Joy moved back to Canada and in 2004 began teaching at the Suzuki String School of Guelph (SSSG) where her duties included various tasks, as well as coaching string ensembles. Joy is presently the concertmaster and personnel manager of the Cambridge Community Orchestra, as well as conductor of the Cambridge Youth Orchestra. She is both a violinist and violist, and has an excellent knowledge of cellos.
About the String Orchestras
The GYMC orchestra program began with the joining of like-minded teachers and concerned music lovers who wanted to make sure all the children of Guelph and surrounding areas have 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 players only, and are intended to give young performers an opportunity to develop orchestral ensemble and musical skills, leading to participation in the Guelph Youth Symphony Orchestra and beyond.
About the GYMC
Established in 1992, the GYMC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to education, enrichment and fostering the development of youth through music and the arts. The unique facility officially opened its doors in September 2001 after six years of renovations.
The GYMC is an exciting cultural hub for children of all ages and backgrounds in the community. Through a variety of programs, provision of space to partner organizations and outreach into the community, the GYMC enriches many lives. For more information visit www.gymc.ca or call 519-837-1119.
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