NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH YOUTH MUSIC CENTRE
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The Guelph Youth Music Centre (GYMC) String Orchestras, made up of junior and intermediate, will be open for auditions on Saturday, Sept. 7. This will be the first season with new conductor, Joy Schuster.
“We’re excited to begin the season under the direction for Joy Schuster,” commented GYMC Executive Director Gabriella Currie-Ziegler. “Joy is a Suzuki teacher and therefore a familiar face at the GYMC. The kids know and love her. Along with her enthusiasm and passion, Joy brings sound pedagogy to the position of conductor."
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 possibly leading to participation in the Guelph Youth Symphony Orchestra and beyond.
All auditions for the String Orchestras require an appointment by calling the main office at 519-837-1119. The first fall rehearsal will take place at the GYMC on Saturday, Sept. 14.
The orchestras are looking for string players between the ages of 8 and 17. Other audition requirements include:
Junior orchestra requirements (violin, viola, cello and bass)
- Age 8 years to 13 years - RCM Grade 4-6
- Own piece
- One scale and arpeggion with a shift.
Intermediate orchestra requirements (violin, viola, cello and bass)
- Age 11 years to 17 years – RCM Grade 6-8
- Own choice of showpiece
- One 3 octave scale
No sight reading is required.
To book an audition, call the GYMC main office at 519-837-1119. To find out more about the GYMC String Orchestras, visit gymc.ca. Follow the GYMC Facebook page for highlights and any last-minute news and updates.
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.
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 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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