Kawartha Youth Orchestra
All Saints' Anglican Church, 235 Rubidge Street K9J 3N9 Peterborough, ON, Canada

KYO SEEKS CANDIDATES FOR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR This new position encompasses the existing Orchestras program and our new after-school music education program, UPBEAT! Downtown, which will launch in September 2021. Applications are being accepted through February 22, 2021.... Go to our website at www.thekyo.org for more information. #artisticdirector #youthorchestra #empoweringyouth #musiceducation #musicperformance #conductor #ptbocanada #kawarthas

Alumnus Tyler Evans-Knott was the recipient of the first-ever KYO Concerto Challenge, and was scheduled to perform his flute concerto accompanied by the orchestra in our final concert in May 2020. Because of the lockdown our concert went virtual but we still managed to celebrate all of our musicians and this fine young man! #fluteconcerto #fluteplayer #empoweringothers #playitforward #ptbocanada #ecsfund

Jennifer Takuski, Paediatrics Resident Physician KYO Violin, 2003-08 "I am currently a second year paediatrics resident at HSC Children's Hospital in Winnipeg Manitoba. Violin has always and continues to be a big part of my life. The KYO was my first introduction to playing in a large ensemble/orchestra. Many of the skills I learned have been applied elsewhere in my life. It not only improved my sight-reading and technical abilities, but also taught collaboration skills w...hich extend beyond music. All of the practicing helped me learn to be self-motivated and something that has helped me in my career. Playing in the KYO taught me a great deal about time-management, and how to incorporate hobbies into a hectic academic/work schedule. Over the years, I’ve managed to continue participating in many ensembles and am currently a member of the Mennonite Community Orchestra here in Winnipeg...although our spring 2020 concert remains postponed indefinitely due to COVID." Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund equip young people for musical success. Your donation will provide sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun. Change the future, one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #alumna #playitforward #musicislife #paediatrics #violin #ecsfund #ptbocana

The KYO would like to acknowledge our faculty brass coach Olivia Esther, a free-lance French horn player and music educator based in Toronto, who through her Facebook Birthday Campaign has generated a donation for the Kawartha Youth Orchestra. Not only is Olivia our KYO brass coach and specialist, but she was also involved in the pilot program of Upbeat! Downtown, (Lead Consultant and Program Director) in this fully-funded, after-school music program for at-risk kids in the City of Peterborough, and under the auspices of the Kawartha Youth Orchestra. Thank you Olivia!!! #philanthropist #givingback #playitforward #frenchhorn #musiceducator #ptbocanada

We are eternally grateful for Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough's financial contributions especially during these unprecedented times! We could not continue to run our programs without the philanthropic support from CFGP and community support. #philanthropy #cfgp #ptbo #youthorchestra #CarryOn

LAST WEEK TO PURCHASE CANDLES! Bridgenorth Bees is selling handmade 8" tapered beeswax candles, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Kawartha Youth Orchestra Bursaries Fund. Check out https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080448ABA928A5FB6-beeswax to order your candles today! Pickup Saturday December 19th from 12-2 at All Saints’ Anglican, Peterborough. ... #beeswaxcandles #handmade #youthorchestra #fundraiser #ptbo #ecsfund

From our family to yours, the KYO wishes you a Happy, Healthy and Hopeful (Winter) New Year!

KYO ALUMNUS Luke Chrysochou, University of Toronto, Music Performance KYO Double Bass, 2017-19 The Kawartha Youth Orchestra has made a significant impact on my life. Before joining, I played the electric bass, and have never done anything related to classical music. When I showed interest in wanting to learn how to play the double bass, they were immediately willing to help me. Through my couple of years at the KYO, I have made many great memories, great friends, and I ha...ve learned so much more about music than I had previously known. Some of my best friends to this day are the ones that I met from this orchestra. The KYO is also a huge reason that I am now a classical music major at the University of Toronto. I had initially wanted go into jazz, but my time at the KYO has made me realize my love for playing classical music and made me want to pursue it even further. Our social media pages feature stories of KYO alumnus who were transformed through music. Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund equip young people for musical success. Your donation will provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun. https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #doublebass #electricbass #classicallytrained #alumnus #empowertheyouth #ecsfund #ptbocanada

KYO = OPPORTUNITY Gonzalo Rodriuez-Vellando, Exchange Student, Spain KYO Trumpet, 2019-20 "I won a scholarship to go and live for an academic year in Canada. I am so glad to have joined the KYO, as they were always so supportive and helpful with any of my struggles. ... The KYO helped me open up to new people, I improved my solo and ensemble playing, was opened up to new music, and made me richer in every personal aspect. I also assisted as a mentor in the JKYO, the atmosphere produced by teachers and students is really positive, I think everyone there enjoyed the experience, and for young students to have someone that's more experienced to guide them, makes a real positive impact in how they play. Teaching was a really rewarding experience, and it made me more responsible and made me understand better what some of our teachers go through. Right now, I am studying grade 12 in Spain with plans of becoming a teacher someday and I've rejoined the band I used to play with. I want to take the opportunity to thank the KYO for everything, I am really grateful for everything they've done for me. I hope to meet you again!" https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering educational opportunities for our musicians, the Kawartha Youth Orchestra is pleased to present Gonzalo Rodriuez-Vellando’s profile as a segment of our GivingTuesday Campaign, a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people to transform their communities and the world, on December 1, 2020 and beyond. #givingtuesday #givingback #playitforward #youthorchestra #alumnus #ptbo #ecsfund #spain #exchangestudent #trumpet

The KYO musicians find their muse in many ways and places. During COVID we are all trying to find new ways to be inspired to practice and perform! #experimentalmusic 'Bugle Call' on a Dirt Bike Exhaust Pipe performed by KYO alumnus trumpeter Shane Loranger! #trumpet #takestalent #dirtbikes #exhaustpipe #youthorchestra #empowertheyouth #ptbocanada #ecsfund #buglecall

We are thrilled to announce the most recent addition to our KYO string faculty and virtual rehearsal hall, Elizabeth Skinner! Intrigued by the violin, Elizabeth began studying music at the age of nine in her hometown of Victoria, Canada. Since then, she has become an engaging and versatile performer and a dedicated educator, sharing music across America, Europe and Asia. An active chamber musician, she is a founding member of Trio Émerillon and a member of Montreal’s cutting...-edge classical string band, collectif9. A recognized leader, Elizabeth has enjoyed the role of concertmaster with the McDuffie Center String Ensemble, the McGill Symphony Orchestra, and the McGill Contemporary Music Ensemble. She currently performs regularly, with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and is a substitute violinist with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. In 2015, Elizabeth was the winner of the Canadian Music Competition (19-30 years strings category,) and the Jeunesses Musicales du Canada’s Peter Mendell Award. She won first prize in the Prix d’Europe competition strings category in 2016, as well as third prize in the overall competition, and the Guy Soucie prize for her interpretation of a Québécois work. The same year, Elizabeth won the McGill Chamber Music Competition with Trio Armonioso and they performed at the Salzburg Mozarteum. In 2017 she was a recipient of the Sylva Gelber Music Foundation award, and in 2018 she was a finalist in the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition. Most recently she was named one of CBC’s 30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30. Elizabeth graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University in Georgia, USA. She also holds a Master of Music in Violin Performance and recently completed her Doctor of Music in Performance Studies at McGill University’s Schulich School of Music where she studied with Axel Strauss. #violinistsofinstagram #happynews #stringteacher #youthorchestra #empoweringyouth #thankful #ptbocanada #ecsfund

KYO Alumna and percussionist @farahkamar6 life-changing experience with the KYO has excited her 10 year old sibling, Malak, to follow in her sister's drum-steps. This is Malak after just one instructional lesson with our Farm Team Coach, John Fautley. Please support us, the Kawartha Youth Orchestra, on GivingTuesday. Join this vital global initiative December 1st for local kindness and giving by ‘Inspiring a Love of Music and a Passion to Share it.’ Help spread the joy of... life through music. https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #givingtuesday #playitforward #givingback #andsoitbegins #percussion #youthorchestra #ptbo #ecsfund

KYO = SKILL DEVELOPMENT Trevor Dalton, Music Therapist KYO Oboe, 2012-15... I joined the KYO initially playing trumpet then moved to oboe. Playing in the KYO provided opportunities to develop strong ensemble playing skills including quartets, duets, a concerto, and even joining the PSO for multiple concerts. With support and experience from the strong leaders at the KYO, I pursued music therapy at university on oboe and played as section leader of the wind ensemble from 2015-2018. Currently, I work as a music therapist in forensic psychiatry and palliative care, while studying counselling psychology. I regularly use my oboe in my music therapy practice, as well as performing in church settings throughout the year. It's our favourite time of year - when we GIVE BACK and PLAY IT FORWARD. Our social media pages feature stories of KYO alumni who were transformed through music. Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund equip young people for musical success. Your donation will provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun. Join this global movement for change, #GivingTuesday and DONATE December 1st! Change the future, one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org/.../kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #givingtuesday #musictherapy #givingback #playitforward #youthorchestra #alumnus #ptbo #ecsfund #oboe

THE KYO = CONFIDENCE, PERSEVERANCE & PASSION Serena Formenti, McMaster University, Geoscience KYO Flute, 2015-17... Throughout my university career, my confidence & perseverance are two traits that I am extremely thankful for & that have served me very well through the many changes, choices & new situations I have faced. Without a doubt, my time in the KYO helped me develop these invaluable qualities. I auditioned for the KYO because I enjoyed music class & was looking for more opportunities to play in an ensemble, not realizing how involved I would eventually become as a musician & mentor. The coaches revealed potential in me that I never knew existed & provided countless opportunities for me to learn & develop as a musician. For these reasons, I cannot thank the KYO enough, as I learned to work towards new & exciting goals that I never would have sought out myself, developing my confidence & perseverance. I was also presented with mentorship opportunities in my second year through the JKYO, in which I worked with children & teenagers to improve their confidence & playing abilities in a group setting. This allowed me to share something I loved with others & inspire the same passion in younger students. Now studying geoscience at university, having a variety of passions is useful for stepping away from my academics & enjoying something similarly intricate & fulfilling. Since the KYO, I have been a member of the McMaster University Concert Band for four years playing flute & continue to use music as an avenue to make friends, relax & do something I love on stage. I am thankful for how the KYO has impacted my life & for the people who helped me along the way through this memorable experience. It's our favourite time of year when we GIVE BACK & PLAY IT FORWARD. Our social media pages feature stories of KYO alumni who were transformed through music. Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children & youth. Join this global movement #givingtuesday & DONATE December 1st. Change the future, one child at a time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/

Please JOIN US for our Virtual KYO Festive Concert 2020 Via Zoom, including our guests, The Peterborough Children's Chorus December 20th 2:00 pm Click here to register for this event. https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_hxScjpmZSuCooInuQuSP6g... This is a FREE event but we will gratefully accept donations in lieu of ticket price accepted through our CanadaHelps page. https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #virtualconcert #holidayconcert #youthorchestra #ptbo #ecsfund

Need any holiday gifts for friends or family? We may have just the thing you’re looking for! Bridgenorth Bees is selling 100 pairs of handmade beeswax candles, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Kawartha Youth Orchestras. Check out https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080448ABA928A5FB6-beeswax to order your candles today! Supply is limited and they’re going fast!... Music Credit: The Kawartha Youth Orchestra Strings #beeswaxcandles #howtomakebeeswaxcandles #youthorchestra #fundraiser #ptbo #ecsfund

KYO = RESILIENCE Sarah Elmedany, University of Western, Neuroscience KYO Violin, 2015-17 I'm currently in my 4th year of the Neuroscience Program at Western University. The KYO has certainly had a huge impact on my life. Playing with the KYO was not only something that I enjoyed doing to de-stress from schoolwork, but it taught me so many useful skills. By playing with the KYO, I learned how incredible it is to play music with a group of people and connect with each other thr...ough music. Performing with the KYO has also helped me overcome my performance anxiety and helped me learn how to be resilient when faced with a new challenge. After my time with the KYO, I continue to practice on my own as well as with the Western Chamber Music Club. Being part of the KYO was an amazing part of my life that I will forever be grateful for. https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #givingtuesday #violin #alumna #resilience #youthorchestra #givingback #ptbo #ecsfund

Support for the Kawartha Youth Orchestra comes in many forms - commitment of time and effort, positive feedback and thoughtful idea generation, donations of instruments, services, and funds, acts of kindness and outreach, and so many other ways. We appreciate them all. Music is for everyone. Thanks for joining our effort to share our passion." #givingtuesdayca #playitforward #givingback #actsofkindness #feelinggrateful #youthorchestra #empowertheyouth #ecsfund #ptbo

CAN YOU HELP US ON GIVINGTUESDAY? IT’S NOT TOO LATE! Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund will equip young people for musical success. Your donation will provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun. Join this global movement for change, @GivingTuesdayCa and DONATE TODAY, December 1s...t! Change the future, one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #givingtuesday #givingback #playitforward #youthorchestra #empowertheyouth #ptbo #ecsfund See more

KYO = COLLABORATION Kane Miller, Musician, Singer/Songwriter Violin, 2003-07 Joining the KYO was a huge step musically for me when I was in high school. It helped me not only become better at reading music but also taught me how to play music with others. I learned how to follow and, at times, how to lead and how to interact with other musicians. Today I still use a lot of these skills playing both violin, and with my own band, ‘Hunt the Hare,’ and as a solo art...ist. https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ You can find out more about Kane at https://www.kanemillermusic.com #givingtuesday #violin #huntthehare #kanemiller #youthorchestra #ecsfund #ptbo

KYO violinist Katarina Thompson tests out the acoustics during a technical run through playing a piece called ‘An Irish Party in Third Class!’ The KYO is preparing for its first ever lived-streamed masterclass on Facebook Saturday November 7th from 10-12 pm with clinician and Concertmaster of the Canadian Opera Company, Marie Berard. Thanks to our tech guys Peter Hanmore and Nick Gilroy for their expertise and patience with the set-up! #masterclass #violin #online #livestream #technology #empower #ptbo #ecsfund

KYO = FAMILY Bryce Porter KYO Clarinet, 2015-18 Joining the KYO was almost certainly one of the most significant choices I’ve ever made when it comes to the development of the person I am today. The KYO became my family, and a group of people that I relied on and grew with like no other group in my life. ... My time with the KYO allowed me to develop into the musician I am, of course, but it was so much more than that. The KYO, and the amazing people they have working with them helped me develop into the person that I am. The latter half of my grade nine year marked the beginning of my journey with this group of people. It was an impressionable time, and I truly needed the guidance provided by people I can now call my friends. Each week, regardless of what I had going on in my personal life, I was able to surround myself with friends, and spend a few hours working towards a common goal of learning about, and making music. The KYO faculty were some of the nicest, kindest, most knowledgeable people I’ve ever met. I truly can’t imagine how my life might have turned out if not for the friends, support and knowledge I gained through my time with the KYO. Being a part of the KYO, getting close with everyone and making friends has made me a better person. Our social media pages feature stories of KYO alumni who were transformed through music. Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund will equip young people for musical success. Your donation will provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun. Join this global movement for change, @GivingTuesdayCa and DONATE TODAY, December 1st! Change the future, one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #givingtuesday #givingback #playitforward #youthorchestra #clarinet #alumnus #ptbo #ecsfund #family

It's our favourite time of year - when we GIVE BACK and PLAY IT FORWARD. GivingTuesday and our social media pages will feature stories of KYO alumni transformed through music! Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund equip young people for musical success. You'll provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, social time, and fun. DONATE TODAY. Change the future, one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/

Can you help us this GivingTuesday? Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund equip young people for musical success. Your donation will provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun. Join this global movement for change, @givingtuesdayca and DONATE TODAY, December 1st! Change the future,... one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #givingtuesday #givingback #playitforward #youthorchestra #empowertheyouth #ptbo #ecsfund

We are fortunate to have Ruth Alton join us for another year coaching our youngest musicians in the Farm Team! Ruth has a brass background with the Salvation Army band. Trombone is her main instrument but she also plays tuba, euphonium, baritone, cornet, and trumpet. Ruth is currently the principal trombone in the Peterborough Temple Salvation Army Band, and is in the trombone section of the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra. Ruth has over twenty years of experience teaching and coaching kids on brass instruments. For the past two years she has been coaching the JKYO brass ensemble. With a passion to help youth, Ruth is excited to be back doing what she loves to do the most, teaching kids!! #brass #brassspecialist #salvationarmyband #empowerouryouth #payitforward #ptbo #ecsfund

Can We Play for You? The KYO musicians may not be performing together in person but we are rehearsing together online, and learning to play independently by recording ourselves for you, the audience. We hope this performance will bring you some joy and hope, and we thank you for taking the time to listen to Maria, a KYO clarinetist in our senior orchestra! #clarinet #performance #online #empoweringouryouth #ptbo #ecsfund

KYO = INSPIRATION & OPPORTUNITY Bridget Love, Arts Administration KYO Flute, 2005-2007 "The KYO played a big role in my musical education in Peterborough, which led me on a path to a career and life in the arts. I so clearly remember those afternoons at Sadlier House watching the sun stream through the windows, as I experienced for the first time the incredible feeling of being surrounded by the sounds of an orchestra. As a flautist, I remember sitting in awe of the string s...ection as I carefully waited to play my part. The KYO played a major role in inspiring me to apply to and attend the University of Western Ontario where I completed a performance music degree. Inspired by my experience in the arts and culture sector, last year I launched and am currently leading Care/Of (@careof.work), a growing business that works to build stronger employee teams through artistic workshops and cultural events (all virtual at the moment, of course!). Providing opportunities for artists and musicians is at the core of why I started the initiative and I'm confident this value stems from my artistic education growing up in Peterborough with amazing community organizations like the KYO." Our social media pages feature stories of KYO alumni who were transformed through music. Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund equip young people for musical success. Your donation will provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun. Join this global movement for change, @GivingTuesday and DONATE TODAY, December 1st! Change the future, one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #GivingTuesdayCA #givingback #playitforward #youthorchestra #flute #alumna #ptbo #ecsfund #artsadministration

From our family to yours, wishing you a happy and safe Thanksgiving! #family #thanksgiving #feelinggrateful #empoweringothers #youthorchestra #welovemusic #ecsfund #ptbo

THE KYO = SHAPING THE FUTURE Tyler Evans-Knott, Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra Flute, 2015-20 "Deciding to audition for the Kawartha Youth Orchestra was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I knew walking out of my first rehearsal that playing music was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life, and being able to play at such a high level for the first time helped me grow immensely, not only as a musician but as a person as well. During my time in KYO I’ve lea...rned the ins and outs of orchestral playing, leading chamber ensembles and even coaching sectionals, just to name a few. The coaches and staff truly want every musician involved to succeed, and I owe it to them for a lot of my musical success. If it weren’t for such a positive environment I’m not sure I would have realized so soon that I wanted to become a professional musician. My five seasons with the KYO have been some of the best years of my life so far, not to mention I’ve met some of the most amazing, talented people thanks to the orchestra and getting to know them has truly been a gift." Our social media pages feature stories of KYO alumni who were transformed through music. Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund equip young people for musical success. Your donation will provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun. Join this global movement for change, @GivingTuesday and DONATE December 1st! Change the future, one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #givingtuesday #givingback #playitforward #youthorchestra #flute #alumnus #ptbo #ecsfund

We gratefully acknowledge Tien Yeung of Genesis Music Lessons in Toronto for his most generous donation of three trumpets to the Kawartha Youth Orchestra’s growing beginner program! Helen Thompson (KYO HR and Vice President, middle) and Ruth Alton (Farm Team Coach, far right) met at All Saints’ (home of the KYO) to accept the instruments. ‘The Genesis Gives Back’ program in Toronto collect musical instrument donations to assist youth from families in need for school programs... and music organizations. Make sure to check out their website at www.genesismusiclessons.com The KYO accept orchestral instruments in good working order for their instrument bank (in exchange for a charitable receipt of its current value), and continue their mission of being inclusive to all youth in the community, so they too may share the joy of making music together. #givingback #instrumentdonorsplease #empowerouryouth #thepowerofmusic #ptbo #ecsfund See more

THE KYO = CONFIDENCE & LEADERSHIP Amanda Motyer, Architect KYO Cello, 2002-06 "I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to be part of an orchestra like the KYO when I was a teen. I'm a naturally shy person, and never really enjoyed performing. But performing with the KYO was thrilling and a huge rush and I loved it. I was less self-conscious playing in a group, and this helped me play better and grow as a performer. I spent a couple years as the principal cellist, and ...the responsibility I associated with that role really improved my confidence and ability to lead. The months-long process of learning the pieces for our upcoming concerts, and getting to experience them as they slowly came together increased my appreciation for them. I have playlists with my favourites, and listening to them now can still give me that thrill I got from performing them all those years ago. For the most part I now only play occasionally, though the joy I found playing in an orchestra did lead me to brief stints playing in community orchestras again as a volunteer musician, including playing a number of concerts with the PSO. I chose a non-musical career path, but there are many lessons and skills from playing with the KYO that I still carry with me today in my career as an architect with Lett Architects in Peterborough, and in my volunteer roles as the Chair of the City of Peterborough's Accessibility Advisory Committee, and member of the Built Environment Sub-Committee: how to play with others, how to lead, and the confidence to play louder on those occasions when you've got the melody." Our social media pages feature stories of KYO alumni who were transformed through music. Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund equip young people for musical success. Your donation will provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun! Join this global movement for change, #GivingTuesday and DONATE December 1st! Change the future, one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #GivingTuesdayCA #playitforward #alumna #cello #architect #ecsfund #ptbo

KYO = PERFORMANCE Laura D'Angelo, Professional Musician KYO Violin, 2002-2003... I was given the opportunity to be the KYO's first ever concertmaster in my last year of high school. It was wonderful to be able to play in an orchestra with my peersit's definitely more fun than practising alone! Playing in the KYO was always a highlight of my week, and it was a great way to meet people who were interested in the world of classical music. After high school, I pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees in performance violin, and have been a performing musician since then. I currently live in Montreal with my husband (also a violinist) and our almost 2 year old daughter who loves music. We are looking forward to the day she can pick an instrument to learn. These days I work regularly with the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, but have also performed with the Canadian Opera Company, Sinfonia Toronto, and during a year in Australia, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Opera Australia. Music has helped me make a life for myself and I am forever grateful to everyone who has helped me in my journey. I couldn't have done it without the encouragement and mentorship of many people. Thank you, KYO, for everything you did for me and so many other musicians. http://www.lauradangelo.com Our social media pages feature stories of KYO alumni who were transformed through music. Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund equip young people for musical success. Your donation will provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun. Join this global movement for change, #GivingTuesday and DONATE December 1st! Change the future, one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #givingtuesday #givingback #playitforward #youthorchestra #violin #alumna #ptbo #ecsfund

THE KYO = FRIENDSHIPS Breann Russell, Queen’s University, Music Education KYO Flute 2017-19... The KYO has changed me and given me so many experiences that I could not be more thankful for. It brought me a lifetime of friends that I would have never have met without this organization. It gave me the experience I needed to get into Queen’s University for music and therefore helped me with my love for music. The KYO provided the opportunity of experiencing my first professional orchestra concert in 2017. The long bus ride with all my friends, and singing and playing games that make you laugh until your stomach hurts is a memory I’ll never forget. Without the KYO I would not be where I am today and for that I am forever grateful. Our social media pages feature stories of KYO alumni who were transformed through music. Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund equip young people for musical success. Your donation will provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun. Join this global movement for change, #GivingTuesday and DONATE December 1st! Change the future, one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #givingtuesday #givingback #playitforward #youthorchestra #alumna #flute #musiceducation #ptbo #ecsfund

CAN YOU HELP US? Until December 30th, CanadaHelps.org Cause Funds amplify donations & help the Kawartha Youth Orchestra deliver online symphonic music instruction & performance opportunities to youth in the Kawartha region, no matter their financial situation. Donor funds ensure musicians have the best online music instruction experience through specialized websites, access to quality instruments, sheet music & digital scores, & the finest faculty artists delivering innovative instruction. Click to donate or find out more COVID-19 CHARITY ADAPTATION AND INNOVATION FUND #donatetoday #canadahelps #gonedigital #adaptingtochange #youthorchestra #ptbo #ecsfund

We are fortunate to have Marilyn Croteau-Chalk return this season as our JKYO conductor, as well as acting conductor for the KYO! Marilyn specialized in Performance Piano at the University of Alberta and has enjoyed teaching piano and instrumental music for over 30 years. She was the music director at Bethany Hills School for several years, as well as The Starfire Band, a community concert band for youths aged 12-18, participating with excellence in provincial and national ...competitions, festivals and concerts. Marilyn is a founder of the Junior Kawartha Youth Orchestra, and JKYO Farm Team, creating the opportunity for non-playing students to learn an instrument and reach their musical potential through the ranks of the intermediate and senior orchestras! She also conducts the ensemble, Friends in Music. Marilyn has brought a dynamic and enthusiastic approach to music education, is passionate about music and the youth of our community, and enjoys helping them discover their inner voice through teaching and conducting. Marilyn’s vision is to keep KYO alive and vibrant through these challenging COVID times. #conductor #educator #musiceducator #empowertheyouth #ptbo #ecsfund See more

KYO = INSPIRATION & MUSICIANSHIP Emily Field, String Teacher/Conductor, Sistema New Brunswick KYO Violin, 2003-08 They say that immersion is the best learning environment and for immersion in music there is no better place than in an orchestra. The opportunity to be a part of the KYO was very valuable to my early education as a musician. The coaches and conductor inspired and pushed us every week to be the best that we could be. I gained confidence, experience and musiciansh...ip that helped me in all aspects of my playing and eventually led me to pursue a Bachelor and Master's Degree in Performance at McGill University. After graduating I had the opportunity to play with the National Academy Orchestra, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, Thunder Bay Symphony, as well as Symphony New Brunswick. Currently I am the violin teacher and advanced string ensemble conductor for the Sistema NB Miramichi Centre, an orchestral based after-school music program in the province of New Brunswick that currently serves over 1500 kids. Remembering my own experiences playing in the youth orchestra helps me to connect with my students and hopefully inspire them to love music and the orchestra as much as I do! Our social media pages feature stories of KYO alumni who were transformed through music. Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Donations to the KYO Bursaries Fund equip young people for musical success. You'll provide: sheet music, instruments, practice supplies, instruction excellence, performance opportunities, and fun. Join this global movement for change, #GivingTuesday and DONATE December 1st! Change the future, one child at time! https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #givingtuesday #givingback #playitforward #youthorchestra #alumna #ptbo #ecsfund #violin #sistema #sistemanewbrunswick

THE KYO = MENTORSHIP Oisin Hannigan, Professional Musician KYO Percussion, 2010-13... The day I joined the KYO was a fantastic but terrifying experience for me as a young musician. I have severe dyslexia; I struggle with reading music. When I joined the orchestra, I couldn’t sight read at all, which posed a great deal of difficulty. Coming from a family of musicians, and from a tradition of learning entirely aurally allowed me to train my ear and memory to quickly compensate for problems when confronted with a sheet of paper. However, there is a significant difference between a 3-5-minute piece, and a full symphony. I remember that first rehearsal when we were handed our music and went to our chairs to play through the first piece; it was Finlandia. I nearly quit there and then. It was under the patient, friendly, tutelage and mentorship of the conductor that I was able to develop methods of working around my dyslexia to become the musician, and person that I am today. I memorized the parts of the most prominent instruments at any given time in the piece. It is a skill which I still use today and find invaluable to my professional life. The instructions, lessons, humour, the occasional death glare, and the wonderful stories and analogies which the conductor shared stick with me to this day. They have helped me to become an international touring musician. I’ve opened for Miss Lauryn Hill at venues seating thousands of people, recorded on award-winning albums, performed on soundtracks of several tv shows, and taught workshops at festivals across Europe and North America. My KYO experience has taught me no matter your disability or difficulty, it is always possible to find a way around an obstacle. Nothing is impossible. Our social media pages feature stories of KYO alumni who have been transformed through music. Music can change the life path of a child. The KYO is committed to making music education available for all children and youth. Your donation to the KYO Bursaries Fund will equip young people for musical success. https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ https://oisinhannigan.com/ Oisín Hannigan - Music & Teaching https://www.instagram.com/oisin_hannigan/ #percussion #givingtuesday #playitforward #alumnus

The KYO welcomes to our roster, collaborating jazz musician Wesley Collett-Taylor. Wes is a Toronto-based musician and educator who specializes in jazz and improvised music. Born and raised in Peterborough Ontario, he began playing piano and drums before trying out the double bass as a teenager and falling immediately in love with its big sound and its foundational role in jazz music. As a collaborating/guest artist for the KYO this fall term, Wes will focus on improvisati...on and building a student’s relationship with music through listening, ear-training, and learning a piece or two. Wesley can be found performing around Toronto in jazz, samba, funk, soul, folk, rock, and pop bands, as well leading his own 10-piece ensemble The Anthology Project. The KYO musicians are in for a wild ride and journey of discovery!! #bassplayer #jazz #improvisation #musiceducator #youthorchestra #empoweringyouth #ptbo #ecsfund See more

Maddy Crawford is thrilled to be joining the JKYO Farm Team (our beginner ensemble) as a wind coach this year. Her passion for clarinet began as a teen. As a former member of the KYO Maddy is excited to be coaching with the organization, as it was such a fundamental part of her early music development. From there she studied Music Education at Queen’s University and has taught Kindergarten through to Grade 12 music in England, Trinidad and Ontario. Maddy is currently a music educator with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. #givingback #alumna #musicteacher #empowerouryouth #ptbo #escfund

It is with great pleasure that we introduce Katie Steadman to the KYO woodwind faculty! Katie is a clarinetist and graduate of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, with a Masters of Music Degree in Performance. Katie performed with the University of Toronto Symphony Orchestra under the baton of David Briskin and Uri Mayer. She studied clarinet with Joseph Orlowski of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Stephen Pierre of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra. Katie h...as performed with the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (HPYO), Redemeer University Symphony Orchestra and the Steeltown Symphony. Katie has toured as a clarinetist with her quartet, and was a guest coach for the woodwind section of the HPYO. Among her numerous appearances, Katie has been a guest clarinetist for many churches in the GTA and Hamilton area. #clarinet #musicperformance #youthempowerment #woodwindcoach #ptbo #escfund See more

Blowing our horn about JKYO musician and trumpet player Veda Cunniffe on receiving the highest mark in Canada in Level 5 piano from the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Congratulations Veda!!!! #piano #trumpet #empowertheyouth #youngmusicians #ptbo #ecsfund

KYO = INCLUSION & MUSIC APPRECIATION Josh Dorman KYO Bassoon, 2016-17... "I often think back to the time I spent with the KYO, and how reassuring it was for me to know that others shared the same kind of passion for music that I did. There was music I was made aware of that to this day I sometimes wonder if I'd ever get the chance to appreciate it without guidance from the KYO. I remember feeling there was a slice of everything I might wish to understand about music, in each and every practice I attended. I wish more people could go through a program like this so I'd be able to talk more about someone as wonderful as Tchaikovsky without feeling too much out of place. Though I don't have the budget for a bassoon, I still like to practice guitar these days and try my best to treat music with the respect it deserves, especially after experiencing such a solid model of what music can offer." As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering educational opportunities for our musicians, the Kawartha Youth Orchestra is pleased to present Josh Dorman’s profile as a segment of our GivingTuesday Campaign, a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people to transform their communities and the world, on December 1, 2020 and beyond. https://www.canadahelps.org//cha/kawartha-youth-orchestra/ #givingtuesday #givingback #playitforward #youthorchestra #alumnus #ptbo #ecsfund #inclusion #respect #bassoon #guitar