Victoria Youth Guitar Orchestra

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Info:

Victoria Youth Guitar Orchestra
Director: Bradford Werner

VCM course listing: vcm.bc.ca/victoria-youth-guitar-orchestra

Saturdays, 9:15-10:15am
Victoria Conservatory of Music
900 Johnson St., Victoria, BC

Join Anytime!

The Victoria Youth Guitar Orchestra offers the youth guitarist (age 10-19 give or take) the opportunity of playing in an orchestral environment while gaining ensemble, reading, and musicianship skills. From Bach to the Beatles, a variety of classical, jazz, and popular music will be rehearsed and performed. This ensemble welcomes classical and acoustic steel-string students. Students must be capable of reading melodic music notation in first-position and/or above. A casual meeting with the director to ascertain musical level is required before registration.

In addition to rehearsals and performances, this ensemble will also undertake social activities and extra learning opportunities through the organization of masterclasses, performances, and lessons.

Contact me: brad@bradfordwerner.ca

Below shows a group ensemble organized in preparation for the upcoming season!

Photos:

Members:

Students:

  • Sena
  • Zi
  • Adam
  • Tony

From the Studios of:

  • Douglas Hensley
  • Don Peterson
  • Bradford Werner

FAQs:

  • How much experience do members need?  Students must be capable of reading melodic music notation in first-position and/or above. A casual meeting with the director to ascertain musical level is required before registration. Don’t be frightened by Bradford, he doesn’t bite! Just meet with him and he’ll help you decide.
  • Is this group only for classical guitarists (nylon strings)?  Nope! Any acoustic guitarists (nylon or steel-string) are welcome. Steel-string players will usually go on a bass part and support with chords on popular music tunes.
  • I’m an advanced player, is this right for me? There are easy parts and difficult parts to play in the orchestra. Advanced players are given the most difficult parts and are expected to be mentors to the other members of the group. This is a great way to get some teaching experience!
  • Can anyone join or is this just for Victoria Conservatory students? Anyone can join! The group is very friendly and welcoming! Bradford goes through the names of the members regularly and has the group socialize as often as possible to form friendships. Many members also play duets or just ‘hang out’ together after rehearsals.
  • Can teachers join? Yes! Bradford is looking to welcome all teachers (both private and VCM) into the group. All teachers will be mentioned and honoured at the concerts and elsewhere. This is a community group! Teachers may also play with the group at concerts if they wish.
  • How old do members have to be? The target age is 13-19 years old but Bradford is very accommodating to younger or older students. The idea is to have a youthful but mature group that is fun but dedicated!

A note to teachers: Every effort will be made to honour, include, and promote teachers of students in the orchestra. Whether you are teaching privately or at a music institution, Bradford wants the students and parents to know who you are and the great work you’ve been up to. Although the group is hosted at the Conservatory of Music, this will be a community ensemble for anyone in Greater Victoria.

Contact me: brad@bradfordwerner.ca