NEW MUSIC - NEW PLAYERS - NEW REHEARSAL STRUCTURE - NEW YEAR!

Until further notice, the WVYB String Ensemble will be rehearsing every Saturday morning as follows:

            8:45 a.m. - FULL ensemble call time

            9:00 to 11:30 a.m. - Sectionals followed by full ensemble rehearsal

            11:40 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. - chamber coaching

                                                January 23 and 30 - Boccherini Trio - mvt 1

                                                February 6 - Beethoven Quartet - mvt 1 

            NO rehearsals February 13, 20 or 27 - due to the Olympics - keep practicing though!  

New members welcome! Interested string players [with 2 years or more experience on their instrument] are encouraged to come any Saturday rehearsal. For more information, please contact Edette via email at: strings@westvanyouthband.ca

Edette Gagné has built a reputation of excellence in musical performance through her work as a conductor and singer. Blending careful attention to performance practice and historical accuracy with her deep passion for music, Ms. Gagné's performances reflect the high standards she sets for both herself and her ensembles. Ms. Gagné holds a Master of Music degree in conducting from the University of Calgary, Bachelor degrees in arts and education from the University of Alberta, as well as Associate Performance Diplomas in piano and voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto.  She is presently the Resident Conductor for Opera Appasssionata, Associate Conductor for the BC Boy's Choir, Artist in Residence at St. Patrick's Regional Secondary School and Artistic Director and Conductor of the Coast Symphony Orchestra. 

String Ensemble Goals

When I was a younger musician, nothing gave me greater joy than getting out of my practice room and into a rehearsal with other string players. Orchestral music is incredibly beautiful and hearing your own sound blend with a room full of other players is amazing.  

From Bach and Corelli to Stravinsky and Barber - the range of music for string orchestra is incredibly diverse. Each work presents new challenges for technique and interpretation, and there is a limitless pool of great music from which to choose. Beyond string repertoire, we also have a wealth of music for full orchestra to explore together. Like chapters in an marvellous journey, the music unfolds before us without end.

Bringing that experience to as many young musicians as possible is my inspiration as I take the lead with the North Shore String Ensemble. Fast-paced rehearsals, a wide variety of music, hard work and laughter will all be part of our time together as we strive to do justice to each composer's intentions. Ultimately, we may discover something about ourselves as well as the music in our midst.

Edette