The Langley School Music Project

It was 1978. A first year music teacher in Langley BC was making his own way.  An old story now in 2012 , but a story that deserves a retelling. We need more innovative music educators willing to take risks.

 "I knew virtually nothing about conventional music education, and didn't know how to teach singing. Above all, I knew nothing of what children's music was supposed to be. But the kids had a grasp of what they liked: emotion, drama, and making music as a group. Whether the results were good, bad, in tune or out was no big deal -- they had élan. This was not the way music was traditionally taught. But then I never liked conventional 'children's music,' which is condescending and ignores the reality of children's lives, which can be dark and scary. These children hated 'cute.' They cherished songs that evoked loneliness and sadness." - Hans Fenger, Langley music supervisor/arranger

Choral singing program hits all the right notes

FIONA MORROW

VANCOUVER— From Friday's Globe and Mail

Published Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011 6:56PM EST

Not many people have the nerve to sing in public. But imagine being a teenage boy whose voice is behaving badly as it finds its new range – and then standing up and singing out in front of an audience.

Daunting doesn’t even begin to describe it. Terrifying, more like.

Two years ago, the administration at Chor Leoni, Vancouver’s much-loved male-voice choir, decided there was a need to encourage younger males to try choral singing. The first MYVoice (Mobilizing Young Men’s Voices) program for males aged 12 to 20 was launched in spring of 2011 in Vancouver and New Westminster.

The 12-week program, which is free for the singers, involves weekly rehearsals, workshops and a day retreat, as well as three concerts. The budget for the 2012 season is $40,000 and the calendar includes two public performances with Chor Leoni.

Read more »

Choruses Lead the Way!

This is a fabulous clip from CBS Sunday Morning about the impact that singing in a chorus has on not just singers, but everyone in their community.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Here is a beautiful rendition of Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium" with Polyphony Chamber Choir.
Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!
Enjoy...

VWMS 2010 Scholarship Competition for Voice

DEADLINE for ALL applications - Friday, February 5th - don't delay!
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VWMS 2010 SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION FOR VOICE

Applications must be received by Friday, February 5th
The first 20 eligible applicants are automatically entered into the competition.
A minimum of $4000.00 to be awarded.
International opera singer and world-class conductor are the adjudicators.

Competition Date: Saturday, March 6th - from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For further details, rules and an application form, please see our website: vwms.ca

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VWMS BURSARY COMPETITION - open to all classical music disciplines

Applications must be received by Friday, February 5th
The first 20 eligible applicants are automatically considered for awards.
Designed to assist advanced level music students further their studies.
A minimum of $4000.00 to be awarded.

Competition is by recording - all materials must be received by February 5th.
For further details, rules and an application form, please see our website: vwms.ca