July 2, 2020
For the first time ever, South Shore Conservatory (SSC) is offering free participation in its SSC Youth Orchestra program for the first 65 students signing up for private lessons on orchestral instruments at SSC this fall. Under the direction of Elijah Langille, the orchestra program is offered virtually for the 2020/2021 school year.
Instruments considered orchestra include including string instruments such as violin, viola, cello, and double bass; brass instruments such as the horn, trumpet, trombone and tuba; woodwind instruments such as flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon; and percussion instruments such as timpani, bass drum, triangle, snare drum, cymbals, and mallet percussion instruments.
SSC Youth Orchestra (SSCYO) is an auditioned, sequential, three-tiered youth orchestra program that provides an opportunity for young musicians to perform symphonic music at a high level in a well-organized and supportive full orchestra program. SSCYO meets online Wednesday evenings.
“It’s extremely beneficial for students to perform in a group such as an orchestra, so that they can put into practice skills they learn in their weekly private lesson,” said Langille. “The earlier they do this, the more comfortable they become with their instrument.”
When the orchestra program moved online in March, due to COVID-19, Langille, who conducts the orchestra’s Symphony ensemble, and Repertory ensemble conductor Maria Varonko were concerned their students would not welcome this new virtual learning experience. They were delighted when students not only embraced the new platform, but asked for more.
“SSCYO students have asked us to continue our Zoom sessions throughout the summer months. They see this as a time to connect with other musicians, and to find motivation to keep playing,” said Langille.
Participants in the virtual orchestra can expect fun weekly masterclasses designed to connect kids with high quality instruction, as well as with one another, in an interactive way, plus some individualized instruction. The group will also experience and provide music for a virtual gallery walk with a local artist, perform a holiday favorite for an online sing-along, and celebrate Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart by virtually performing his work of Ave Verum Corpus, arranged by local conductor and composer Steven Karidoyanes. Students will be mentored by members of the Plymouth Philharmonic to better understand, express, and present this famous work.
Langille is hopeful the pandemic will be under control by March, in time for Symphony students to perform in a side-by-side concert on March 27, 2021 with the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra.
Students may sign up for private lessons at https://sscmusic.org/summer-fall-registration-2020. Learn more about SSC Youth Orchestra at https://sscmusic.org/sscyo/.