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About Our Ensembles

We believe that kids are motivated to learn and grow as musicians when they are inspired by the music and the social setting where it happens. This is why our programs begin with Celtic music! At the heart of the Celtic music tradition is the idea of getting together and sharing music. What better way to make music fun?

  • Strings & Things

    A group for kids who love music to get together, play, and have fun! Players learn how to be positive and engaging performers, play games each rehearsal, and perform in the community.

    Age: 9+
    Instruments: violin, viola and cello; flute*, piano*, guitar*
    Pre-requisite: 2+ years of playing experience
    Co-requisite: weekly private lessons
    Rehearsals: Thursdays, 5:45 pm – 7:00 pm, September - June
    Performances Include:

    • ~6 community concerts
    • Lynn Valley Days parade (weather permitting)
    • (Optional) Attendance at a summer fiddle camp

    Faculty: Kirin Lamb, Clara Rose
    Tuition Per Year: $600**

    How to join: Click "Apply now" above to arrange an audition and Meet & Greet.

    Audition Requirements:

    • All instruments: play a piece you are currently learning
    • Piano only: demonstrate solid triads and inversions of A and G major; and E and B minor, hands separate
    • Guitar only: demonstrate G, D and A major chords; D, A and E minor chords
       

    *Limited places available. Please inquire.
    **2019/20 season rate (Sept - June)

  • Junior North Shore Celtic Ensemble

    If you are a committed young musician who loves exploring different genres, we welcome you to our Junior Ensemble. Players perform arrangements with harmonies and grooves that are fun to play. Performances include a feature role in our Community Concert Series.
    Age: 12+
    Instruments: violin and other bowed strings; flute/whistle*; piano*, guitar*, bass guitar* mandolin*, and accordion*; percussion*
    Pre-requisite: 3+ years playing experience
    Co-requisite: weekly private lessons
    Rehearsals: Thursdays, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, September - June
    Performances Include:
    • Community Concert Series (6-12 performances)
    • Performance at Vancouver Int'l Mountain Film Festival
    • Spring Community Ceili Dance
    • Theatre Shows: 1-2 shows as guests of the Senior Ensemble
    • Lynn Valley Days parade (weather permitting)
    • (Optional) Attendance at a summer fiddle camp

    Faculty: Claude Giguère, Phil Graves
    Tuition:  $875**

    How to join: Click "Apply Now" above to arrange a Meet & Greet and audition.

    Audition Requirements:

    *Limited places available. Please inquire.
    **2019/20 season rate (Sept - June)
     

  • Senior North Shore Celtic Ensemble

    Our senior players are committed to and passionate about ensemble music. They want to be part of a high-level performance group and to explore new directions with their music. Players perform complex arrangements of traditional and contemporary fiddle tunes as well as original music that blends folk, jazz, and classical.

    Age: 13+
    Instruments: violin and other bowed strings; flute/whistle*; piano*, guitar*, bass guitar* mandolin*, and accordion*; percussion*
    Pre-requisite: 3+ years of playing experience, including at least 1 year in Junior NSCE
    Co-requisite: weekly private lessons
    Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm and Saturdays, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm September - June

    Performances Include:

    • Self-produced theatre shows
    • Spring Community Ceili dance
    • Local festivals, events and fundraisers
    • Collaboration with other music ensembles (orchestra, choir, etc)
    • Lynn Valley Days parade (weather permitting)

    Faculty: Claude Giguère, Kirin Lamb
    Tuition: $1,250**
    Additional Activity (fees independent from tuition and determined by itinerary):

    • Two weekend retreats with professional musicians and/or other youth groups (~$150/ea.)
    • Weekend travel to perform and/or attend workshops with other fiddle groups in BC
    • A 10-14 day summer tour every 2 years
    • (Optional) Attendance at a summer fiddle camp

    How to join: Students must spend 1+ year in the Junior Ensemble before auditioning for the Senior Ensemble.

    Audition Requirements:

    *Limited places available. Please inquire.
    **2019/20 season rate (Sept - June)
     

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  • Testimonials
    "The North Shore Celtic Ensemble is a unique and life changing opportunity for young people to learn about themselves, grow their confidence, advance their musicality; and at the same time make a vital contribution to community by sharing the gift of music. Prepare to experience extraordinary joy!"
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    - Alison
    Alumni Parent