Thank you to all of you who performed in the music festival this year! It was a real treat to hear your performances and all of you represented Rivier so well! Great job!
On to the Orchestra Schedule for the rest of the week and that one awkward day next week:
March 12 Period 1 - V30
March 13 Period 1 - 20
Period 3 - V10
Period 4 - C30
March 14 Period 3 - CB10
March 15 Period 3 - 20
March 16 Period 2 - 30
Period 3 - 10
March 21 Period 3 - 30
No orchestra March 22 & 23
And finally, as I was browsing through the April issue of Strings magazine, I noticed Charles Yang featured in an ad for NS violins and thought I would have a look at their website since the instruments looked kind of weird. Here is one of the videos they have featured:
Monday, March 12, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Remainder of February's Orchestra Schedule
After much frustration, I cannot get this month's schedule to scan into a blog post, so here it is old school, just in case you lose your paper copies over the break:
Monday, February 27: Period 1 - V10
Period 3 - V30
Tuesday, February 28: Period 1 - C30
Period 4 - 20
Wed., February 29: Period 2 - 30
Period 3 - C10
Thursday, March 1: Period 3 - 20
Friday, March 2: Period 3 - 10
Now, for some fun - and to remind you that there are all kinds of ways to make music - an amazing video from OK Go (you may remember them from the treadmill dance). Enjoy!
Monday, February 27: Period 1 - V10
Period 3 - V30
Tuesday, February 28: Period 1 - C30
Period 4 - 20
Wed., February 29: Period 2 - 30
Period 3 - C10
Thursday, March 1: Period 3 - 20
Friday, March 2: Period 3 - 10
Now, for some fun - and to remind you that there are all kinds of ways to make music - an amazing video from OK Go (you may remember them from the treadmill dance). Enjoy!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
My New Favourite Group!
I'm not even sure how I came across these guys, but they are AMAZING! Have a look and tell me you don't agree!
And this just makes me happy:
Find out more about these talented guys on their website at thepianoguys.com. If you love their music, they tell you how to buy it there!
And this just makes me happy:
Find out more about these talented guys on their website at thepianoguys.com. If you love their music, they tell you how to buy it there!
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Shivering Strings
Mr. B. has asked me to share some information with you about a workshop he attended and is quite excited about! He considers it to be one of the best he has been to (and he has been to A LOT.) He was one of the excellent instructors brought in for the weekend to teach violin, mandolin, banjo, guitar, and piano. The program is called "Shivering Strings" and you can find out more about it on their website here: Shivering Strings West.
From what I read, it seems like a bargain at $75 for participants 18 and under. If you would like to find out more about it, ask Mr. Bernier!
From what I read, it seems like a bargain at $75 for participants 18 and under. If you would like to find out more about it, ask Mr. Bernier!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Take a breath before exams!
I came across this reminder to slow down and appreciate life on my sister's facebook tonight. I've read it before, but since it applies to the strings program, I thought I would share it here. It was originally an article in The Washington Post, but this version is summarized by "The Joyful Mother."
THE SITUATION
In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.
At 45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.
This experiment raised several questions:
*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . .. ..
How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?
And here's a brief video of that morning in the metro:
THE SITUATION
In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, this man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.
About 4 minutes later:
The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.
At 6 minutes:
A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.
At 10 minutes:
A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly.
At 45 minutes:
The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour:
He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.
This experiment raised several questions:
*In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:
If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . .. ..
How many other things are we missing as we rush through life?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Some Cool Artists to Watch!
The new issue of Strings magazine arrived today and as I browsed through I notice an article on page 41 entitled "6 Essential Effects: from Metal to Magic" which mentioned electric cellist Tina Guo. Have a look at her playing:
She was playing for a group of children and actually let the kids come up and try playing her cello afterwards!
And just because I have to...
Have a great day!
She was playing for a group of children and actually let the kids come up and try playing her cello afterwards!
And just because I have to...
Have a great day!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
January Orchestra Schedule and It's Time To Shine!
Happy New Year Musicians! I'm trying something a little different with the orchestra schedule this time. The new format causes me some frustration, so I am scanning into this post and hoping that it works for everyone! I find that if I double-click on it the calendar enlarges and I can easily read everything. Let me know if it doesn't work that way for everyone!
Remember to be choosing your pieces for Music Festival - registration day is approaching quickly! Every year the adjudicators give such wonderful feedback and tips to all who perform; it is truly a great experience for all performers. I know it can be an anxiety-ridden experience to get up there on stage (I still remember!) but you really, really should consider it.
Remember to be choosing your pieces for Music Festival - registration day is approaching quickly! Every year the adjudicators give such wonderful feedback and tips to all who perform; it is truly a great experience for all performers. I know it can be an anxiety-ridden experience to get up there on stage (I still remember!) but you really, really should consider it.
Friday, December 9, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
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!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
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!
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!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
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.)
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.)
Monday, October 31, 2011
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.
Have a look at this video and if you're interested, he's featured on page 15 of the December issue of the magazine.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Just For Fun
Here's a little clip to give you some options to explore if you don't practice your conventional instruments....
Thursday, October 13, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
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.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
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.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
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?
L'Orchestre de Contrebasses
Pretty awesome, right?
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
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.
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.
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