NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH YOUTH MUSIC CENTRE
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Under One Roof is a fundraising concert organized by the Guelph Youth Music Centre (GYMC) to help support its programs for children and youth in the community.
Under One Roof will be held on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the GYMC. It features four groups who operate out of the GYMC—Guelph Youth Singers, Suzuki String School of Guelph, Guelph Youth Symphony Orchestra and GYMC String Orchestras.
“We’re very excited to offer this fundraising concert, which features four very talented musical groups who are a part of the GYMC family,” commented Gabriella Currie-Ziegler, executive director of the Guelph Youth Music Centre. “Each group is an integral part of the musical cultural and recreational health of Guelph. They are unique and we are so pleased they have agreed to be part of this concert. I highly recommend getting tickets early!”
The concert will begin with a performance by the Guelph Youth Singers, followed by the Suzuki String School of Guelph with the Guelph Youth Singers, then the GYMC String Orchestras, Guelph Youth Symphony Orchestra, and a grand finale with all groups performing James Gordon’s Song of Our City together.
Guelph Youth Singers (GYS), now entering its 27th season, has become a high-profile representative of the City of Guelph in the field of choral music. Now flourishing under Artistic Director and Conductor, Markus Howard, the organization was established in 1991, under founding director Linda Beaupré, to provide children and youth with an opportunity to experience a professional level of musicianship.
Suzuki String School of Guelph (SSSG) offers weekly private and group lessons in violin, viola, cello and bass; regular group lessons; orchestras; chamber music; Suzuki Early Childhood Education classes; and parent enrichment classes. There are no auditions to enter the program—every child is welcome.
Through music, the school strives to nurture the growth of young leaders that will continue to contribute to our communities as well-rounded, competent adults. The SSSG has raised money, organized activities and performed at countless community events to meet its goals to advance the art of music, build communities, provide accessibility to music education to all members of our communities, create the next generation of positive community members and leaders, and strengthen culture and civil society.
Its aim is to permit as many children as possible, regardless of socio-economic situation, to develop into confident and well-rounded individuals through music education, and to improve quality of life in our community through music.
Guelph Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) provides the community’s talented young musicians with the opportunity to flourish in a vibrant and exciting musical environment, developing orchestral, musical and team skills with their peers.
It was established in 2011 when a partnership was struck by the Guelph Symphony Orchestra and GYMC to collaborate in the operation and support of Guelph’s only youth symphony. A grant from The Guelph Community Foundation’s Musagetes Fund, which is dedicated to performing, visual and literary arts excellence in Guelph and area, helped to get this thriving partnership off the ground. The partnership continues to provide the GYSO with substantial support.
GYMC String Orchestras began as the happy joining of like-minded teachers and concerned music lovers who wanted to make sure that 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 GYSO and beyond. Since the 2017-2018 season, the GYMC String Orchestras have flourished under the direction of Tak Kwan.
Tickets for the Under One Roof fundraiser concert are $25 for adults and $15 for seniors/students (age to 18). Tickets can be bought online or by phone at 519.837.1119.
Established in 1992, the GYMC is a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to education, enrichment and fostering the development of youth through music and the arts. The unique facility 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. Proceeds from this concert will support the GYMC and its invaluable community programs.
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