CYMC’s 2012 Festival of Summer Sounds will be back in force with musical theatre, classical, piano and jazz programs and performances.
The excitement has been building among the faculty and board as plans for musical theatre have been laid.
The show Les Miserables — School Edition was unveiled on Dec. 13 and the buzz is now palpable.
Les Miserables has been adored by audiences for decades. Already CMYC’s first registration is in from one student not wanting to miss out on the fantastic education (and fun) that the month-long experience affords.
Lori Mazey, Vanier Secondary School’s beloved theatre and improv coach, will direct. Lindsay Sterk of Pantuso Dance Studio is co-artistic director and choreographer.
The same great behind-the-scenes support team that brought you A Chorus Line and Glee Club last summer is keen to do it all over again.
The team also welcomes aboard musical director Heather Burns, a Comox Valley native with her masters in piano performance from Western Washington University. Heather brings with her extensive experience in musical direction with companies such as Chemainus and Western Canada theatres and the Victoria Operatic Society. Les Miserable is on the Sid Williams Theatre stage from July 24 through 28.
• • •
CMYC is also pleased to announce that the jazz program is back, led by Pat MacGibbon, band instructor at Lake Trail Middle School.
Recognizing that talent residing in the Valley is incredible, the decision was made to rebuild the program employing local teachers wherever possible.
On board so far are Tim Croft (bass), Aaron Amar (drums), Jeff Drummond (guitar), Blaine Dunaway (big band and combo) and Dan Craven from Parksville (sax and big band). Make sure you spend an afternoon or two down town during the last week of July. You are bound to hear students jamming to their heart’s content in some shady public venue or tucked away in a no-longer-quiet café.
• • •
Last season, Sarah Hagen, relaunched the CYMC piano program. Because it was so successful she plans run it again, this time for two weeks and with double the enrolment. Stay tuned as details unfold.
• • •
The classical program returns under the directorship of Steve Denroche, Vancouver-based educator and horn player who first came to CYMC as a student in 1969. His faculty is already in place along with some exciting additions.
For starters, Yariv Aloni, conductor of the Victoria Youth Symphony Orchestra and former artistic director of CYMC, returns to lead the orchestra for its second week.
John White has agreed to conduct the symphonic winds. He has been named a Honourary Life Member of the BC Music Educators Association in recognition of a career full of achievement in musical education and leadership.
Classical aficionados and all others wishing to broaden their musical experience should mark July 2 to 14 on their calendars.
The faculty will bring us two exquisite concerts and the students will showcase their talent and passion in a number of chamber concerts.
• • •
Last but not least, the community choir will be back to sing at the beloved and always-inspiring Grande Finale.
For more information, to follow the progress as programs unfold or to register, visit cymc.ca.
— CYMC
