Ensembles

Featured Conservatory ensembles include Chorale, Guitar, and Chamber Music.

Guitar Ensemble

This group is the logical next step for students in the Suzuki Guitar Group, but is by no means limited to these students. The only requirements for participation in this ensemble are an acceptable level of music-reading fluency and a co-operative attitude. The ensemble’s primary goals are to foster an atmosphere of collegiality and teamwork in a discipline whose primary focus tends to be in the area of solo performance, and provide opportunities for young classical guitarists to prepare and perform quality ensemble literature that has been written or arranged for their instrument. This group meets on Wednesdays from 6:30 – 7:30.

Click here for Paul Madryga’s bio.

Chamber Music

Chamber groups in the Conservatory are available to students of all levels. Chamber groups are generally small ensembles where students can enhance and further develop their musicianship and communication skills.
Students registered in chamber groups will receive 20 coaching sessions from October – April. Classes generally run after school hours during the week and are held in various locations throughout the QEII Music Building, Brandon University. Groups are encouraged to practice as an ensemble outside of the regular coaching session. Chamber groups will participate in concerts and may register for the Brandon Music Festival.

Recorder

The Eckhardt-Gramatté Recorder Ensemble is for all players who wish to improve their recorder playing and ensemble playing skills. Repertoire extends from the middle ages to the 21st-century, and the philosophy is one of learning to do by doing. We try to participate in at least one Conservatory Recital a year, and have been invited to play for Advent services in Souris and Wawanesa. There is also a section for prospective music educators, where the focus includes recorder pedagogy and resources. All ages are welcome; rehearsals normally take place in the late afternoon and last for approximately one hour.