Young performers with a love of music get to hit a high note in their musical careers, thanks to funding for the Community Music Program administered by the Sooke Philharmonic Society.
The society oversees the Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra, a community orchestra with 60 musicians. The Sooke Philharmonic Chorus boasts 40 singers. Together, they donate their time and expertise for the sheer enjoyment of producing quality music for the community.
Funds provided by the Victoria Foundation help fund the music program, which provides affordable, high-quality classical music performances for all ages.
The program also provides mentorship and performance opportunities to young performers to further develop their musical skills.
鈥淭he program is geared toward families with budding musicians who would otherwise not be able to afford the tuition,鈥� said Sue Hyslop, vice-president of the orchestra. 鈥淭he student receives mentorship and a chance to play with the orchestra as a guest soloist.鈥�
Funding also supports the Chamber Music Workshop, an intense, weeklong session for talented amateurs that takes place May 12 to 19. Students attend sessions on string-quartet literature and ensemble playing by recognized professional performers, culminating in a final concert.
鈥淲e have room for 50 musicians and every year we get applications from far afield, all vying for a chance to learn playing in small-group sessions,鈥� Hyslop said.
She credits the community for opening its doors to host out-of-town students during the workshop.
Various members of the orchestra also lend their hands for the Harmony Project, which promotes the development of healthy youth through musical education and ensemble participation outside of school hours. The project offers string classes to Grades 2 to 6 and high school drumline instruction for Grades 6 and up.
Funding allows the orchestra to offer free concert admission to youth under the age of 18 to all concerts and half-price admission to parents of Harmony Project children.
The highlight of the season for the Sooke community is the Philharmonic Fling, a free Pops in the Park concert that typically attracts as many as 500 music lovers in a park-like setting. The concert takes place July 7.
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