Better than a rock star...

So I'm checking my facebook and Caitlin (graduated last year) had posted this full-length video of one of Alexander Rybak's songs. So cool - and he sings. I think most of you will really enjoy it - see what you think!




See? Approaching 5 1/2 million views on youtube. You don't have to be a classical musician - there's a world of possibilities out there! You may remember Alexander from my October 13th post this year. Check out that one for a completely different experience of his playing!

Who Knew?

So apparently hair care is an issue for string players in more ways than one.  The things I learn when I browse through Strings magazine.   Not only that, but you can't even wash your hair because you might get your frog wet - crazy!  Anyway, if you want to learn more about how to maintain a proper relationship between your frog and your stick, check out page 57 of the January issue!
And for some Christmas fun, here's a video of one of my favourites, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, performing The Nutcracker Suite.  They seem to like waving their frogs in the air - practice AND showmanship is what I always say!

Get yourself to the Rawlinson!

Once again we are fortunate enough to have an amazing group visiting Prince Albert and all orchestra players should be pestering their parents to take them to see Barrage on Thursday, November 24. I'm going to copy what the Rawlinson has posted in their publicity and just let you know that last time I checked they had an internet special on tickets for about $32.00, which is pretty great for a performance like this! And they still had seats right near the front!
From the Rawlinson:
Barrage is a high-energy fiddle fest, weaving together extraordinary musicianship and dance with traces of everything from country to heavy metal music. Five violinists are backed up with wild and interesting percussions, strong vocals, guitar, bagpipes and expertly executed choreography. The result is a show that blows the doors off “Stomp” and “Riverdance” alike.

“Barrage is too wow for words!” says
The Denver Post.

Created in Calgary, Canada in 1997, this violin-based, world-beat ensemble tours more than 40 weeks a year and has released 7 albums, 4 DVDs and 5 Television Specials to date. Barrage recently celebrated its milestone 2500th international performance. Over the past 15 years the group has entertained millions of concert goers and performed to sold out houses in over 27 countries. Hand-picked performers -- young prodigies who can play, sing and dance with enthusiasm and endless energy -- make up the group. Five performers are violinists supported superbly by a rock n’ roll engine room featuring drums, bass and guitars.

"Too wow for words!" - do you really want to miss that?  Pop over to the website or go in person and get your tickets and let's see what other kind of exciting career opportunites await in the world of strings!

Aliens and Violins?!

Now that I have your attention, I'd like to share a video of a couple of musicians
I stumbled upon thanks to Brigid's mom who shared this sample of their music:

I think they're pretty awesome and prove once again how amazingly cool you can be with your violin! Keep practicing and remember that EVERY song can be "strung" up. (or out - whatever.)

An interesting career combination...

From this month's Strings Magazine, a young British model/violinist - how's that for a combo?

Have a look at this video and if you're interested, he's featured on page 15 of the December issue of the magazine.

Just For Fun

Here's a little clip to give you some options to explore if you don't practice your conventional instruments....

Mr. Bernier Actually Watched A YouTube Video!

So obviously I have to post it! Mr. B is almost always too busy to venture out onto the worldwide web, so when he finds something that he feels is blog-worthy you should definitely have a look! Here it is:

And another video Mr. Bernier likes by the same artist with a very cool "watch me play all four instruments by myself" effect:

And as I was searching out those clips I came across what we will call Mrs. C's "pick of the week" for Fiddlesticks - I just adore the enthusiasm of this young man (from Norway I think.) You can do some extra googling if you are interested. The video title claims he's playing "Pump it Up" by the Black Eyed Peas, but it kind of sounds like "Pulp Fiction." Whatever it is, he's pretty amazing.

Goat Rodeo!

The new issue of Strings magazine arrived today and as I flipped through I noticed mention of the "Goat Rodeo" - a group made of superstars in the strings world who have come together to make some music! Have a look at a couple of the "teasers" they've released and see what you think of their sound. The CD will be coming out later this month.

Something For the Cellists!

Now that the we are all settled in to the new school year, I thought it was time for a little something exciting!  This time we're featuring cellos - and quite a lot of hair-flipping...




I will link to the new strings schedule once I remember to track it down - I'm not wearing the most practical shoes today ;) I hear that you are receiving the schedule for an entire month at a time now, so I will probably just do the link through googledocs the same as last year.

Home Grown Talent!

I just wanted to share this video that I took at the Spring Concert of the Prince Albert Strings Orchestra - which includes several players from Rivier!  The entire audience was so impressed with their talent and they received a standing ovation at the end of a wonderful evening of entertainment.  Another great accomplishment for these musicians.  Kudos once again to Mr. Bernier for implementing our Rivier Strings program and conducting our city orchestra!

Also, check out a new link I've added under "useful links" - it has great info on all kinds of techniques like "doctoring up your frog."  I don't even want to know what that's all about.  Actually that would kind of make a good facebook status.

Get your groove on!

Check out this great group of french bass players! (They are french, not their basses ;)
L'Orchestre de Contrebasses


Pretty awesome, right?

For the Bass Players

From American Idol, here's a video of Casey with his double bass:


Also, the May issue Strings has a page featuring double bassist Esperanza Spalding, who won a Grammy for best new artist. She plays kind of jazzy music - but different. You might want to check out her sound! She has even performed at the White House. Very cool.

Way to Go!

Congratulations to all of you who performed in Music Festival!  It takes a lot of courage to get up there on that stage, and I appreciate that you took the time and effort to prepare those solos, duets, etc. and so splendidly represented yourselves, the school, and the strings program.  Great job!   Thank you for sharing your talents with us!

This Is It!!

Time to strut your stuff, girls!  Strings week is here, so practice your hearts out this weekend and rosin up your bows ('cause that's totally what I'd do, whether it needed it or not) so you can OWN that music festival!  Update:  I've been told over-rosining can be dangerous, so maybe, not so much.

STRINGS

(Rivier Academy auditorium)

Wednesday, March 23^rd @ 7pm

·               Harshina Brijlall – Concertino I

·               Harshina Brijlall – Two Rigadouns

Thursday, March 24^th @ 9am

·               Violet Haddad – Zum Gali Gali

·               Jordan McEwen – Sword Dance

·               Marielle Dyer – Baa Baa Black Sheep

Thursday, March 24^th @ 1pm

·               Rivier Orchestra 10 – Snake in a Basket / Theme from First Symphony

·               Rivier Orchestra 20 – Holiday Special / Doin’ the Double Stop Blues

·               Rivier Orchestra 30 – March of the Mathemagicians / Along the River

·               Claire Michalishen – The Merry Widow Waltz

·               Janessa Fouillard – Finale from the First Symphony

·               Danika Nickel – Popular Song

·               Janessa Fouillard and Claire Michalishen – Pachelbel Canon

·               Jordan McEwen and Violet Haddad – Liza Jane

·               Quinn Cappelletto – God’s Tender Mercy, Chandos Anthems No. 9 Mvt. 6

·               Emma Eaton – German Folk Song

·               Emma Eaton – French Folk Song

·               Janessa Fouillard – Vive L’Amour

·               Danika Nickel – Chance Meeting

·               Amanda Loeffen – Listen to the Mockingbird

And if your forget your piece in the middle of your song, just go all "insane violinist" up there on stage.
Remember: It's all about the hair flipping and crazy leg movements to distract them from the fact you've forgotten everything you're supposed to be doing.

 I'm sure they give extra marks for creativity.  Or insanity, or something.  I would, for sure. :)

Have a great long weekend, girls!

Opportunity Is Knocking...LOUDLY!

Okay, I already blogged about the upcoming Bowfire concert - can't wait for Tuesday! It is going to be so great. Now, Mr. Bernier informs me that at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday (the 22nd) the cast of musicians from Bowfire will be doing a soundcheck AND get this - a "meet the performer" at the Rawlinson Center!! WOW. This is for any musician who would like to meet them or ask them questions. Mr. B. has added a P.S. here reminding you that there are also awesome dancers included in this group of world class musicians!!
What an amazing opportunity to meet them before the concert!

Spring Has Sprung, The Grass Is Ris',

My, How Great the Music Is!
Sunday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. Rivier Strings (Orchestra 30L) will be Guest Performers at the
PRINCE ALBERT STRINGS ORCHESTRA ANNUAL SPRING CONCERT,
along with "Coffee or Scotch" (the band, not the refreshments!)
The concert will be in the Rivier Auditorium and you can talk to Mr. Bernier, or any of the girls in the P.A.S.O. about getting tickets.  I was there last year and it was awesome - and I wouldn't just say that.  Even my three-year-old nephew was entertained.  Also, if you're lucky you get to see Mr. Bernier display his talents a little - maybe.
Here's a couple of clips I found of last year's concert:


See? Awesome!

More Inspiration As We Approach Music Festival!

Duh Duh DUHN... Ominous music, the theme from "Psycho" plays, oh wait - that could just be a flashback to my own music festival experiences. I'm sure all of you are well prepared and looking forward to your upcoming performances! Anyhow, perhaps you have watched a TEDtalk before posted over on the  Loopy Library.  I really, really like them, even though they can be a bit long (around 18-20 minutes.)  I'm hoping you'll have a look at this one featuring Natalie McMaster (Canadian) with her husband Donnell Leahy (also Canadian) playing and talking about their music.  I think Natalie was around 12 when she started to become famous for her fiddling - and you have probably heard of the group Leahy.  Donnell talks about how he and his 10 brothers and sisters shared 2 fiddles and one piano growing up and all desperately loved music, so once they had an instrument in their hands they would skip supper because they knew they would lose their turn and not get it back!  So, once again, I'm going to tell you how fortunate you are to have your instrument all to yourself.  Appreciate your amazing opportunities, embrace them, be inspired and be inspiring!  And have a great weekend!

Keep Rocking (And Practicing!)

Music Festival is fast approaching, so I hope everyone is busy practicing their chosen pieces! I know it's nerve-wracking getting up there on stage, but you will be proud of yourselves for your accomplishment afterwards, girls!
I just received the latest issue of Strings magazine today and noticed an ad for Yamaha instruments featuring violinist Mads Tolling. He was described as a two-time grammy award-winner, so of course I had to google him! Here he is with his group:

There's lots of other good stuff in Strings this month - just as Mr. B if you'd like to have a look at it!

Embrace Your Opportunities!

Have a look at the video of this orchestra from Venezuela. It's made up of young people from some of the poorest circumstances or with the toughest pasts and yet they have found a second chance through music! Think of what you already have in your life and how you can embrace the amazing opportunities you have in front of you! Here's the video:

And here's the news story about this remarkable orchestra:
BBC News Story

Boys!

So I was looking at the "best of the web" over on the paNow website and came across this video which I just have to re-post for you girls.

Stjepan Hauser and Luka Sulic performing Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal."

Look who's coming to town!

Now I have posted some really cool videos on this blog since we started, but you MUST take a look at this group! And THEY ARE COMING TO PRINCE ALBERT!!! Quinn and I will be in the audience, of course. Have a look:
Can you believe that we get to see these performers in our own city?!! Wow!

It's hip to be square!

Have a look at this video of Mr. Bernier and his son, Wyatt performing with the Creeland Square Dancers!

Also, remember to be keeping in mind your solo selections for music festival! I'm wondering if there might be some ideas in the back issues of Strings magazine? This is your chance to get up on stage and shine, girls!

This week's news

Mr. Bernier would like to encourage all of his strings students to choose and begin to prepare solos for the upcoming music festival. The actual festival will be March 24, but the deadline for your application is fast approaching (possibly as soon as next week.)

This will come as no surprise, but there will not be any strings classes January during midterms, as you will be busy writing exams. However, you could use your break to get in some extra practice time :)!

Now for something a little bit fun to motivate you! Another all-female quartet and they even have SPARKLES on their instruments! My kind of girls.