The Junior Ensemble

The Junior Ensemble is designed for players between the ages of 12 and 18, who have a strong interest and commitment to improving performance quality and exploring new musical opportunities and challenges.

This ensemble is more performance oriented than the Novice ensemble, and there is increasing emphasis on the quality of the finished product. In addition to a number of high profile performances, the Juniors deliver the NSCE’s Community Concert Series, a set of outreach performances at seniors’ and community centres on the North Shore. They also perform at the NSCE’s annual Centennial Theatre production.

To prepare for these performances, the Junior program begins to emphasize individual playing – getting a sense of the individual within the group. There are opportunities to play solos and in small groups. In addition, players will learn about concepts that contribute to performance quality, like sound texture, rhythm and groove ("playing in the pocket"), and story-telling through music. Players will have their first experience with writing a simple piece in a fun and supportive environment.

A set of informal house-party style ceilidhs and a more organized ceilidh held in conjunction with the Senior ensemble provide more opportunities for small group playing.