Classes, Orchestras and Choir
RECORDER, VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO AND FLUTE:
These group classes are available for children between the ages of five and seven (flute from seven years). These are designed to create freedom, fun and enjoyment, allied to the technical complexities of learning music.
JUNIOR MUSICIANSHIP:
Classes are small organized groups for children aged eighteen months to six/seven years.
Dalcroze Eurhythmics is an approach to understanding the basic concepts of music, through movement. It provides the foundation for creative expression, whether by means of the body, the voice or a musical instrument and it arouses the instinct for music, natural to everyone, often left dormant. Eurhythmics improves co-ordination of the limbs, it develops memory and perception and it helps children to lose self-consciousness. Its influence is felt not only in music lessons but also in the general work of the children, making them more alert and more responsive. Above all, the children have fun!
KODALY AND VOICE PRODUCTION:
These classes are for seven year olds upwards. Children are grouped roughly on age and experience and the classes will develop the musical skills of pitch and rhythm, intervals and mental and physical co-ordination. The classes are also suitable for those who believe they have good voices and who wish to develop their vocal skills even further. These classes are also highly recommended to all instrumentalists in order to develop a strong sense of pitch and rhythm, two indispensable tools for instrumental playing.
THE YOUTH MUSIC CENTRE CHILDREN'S CHOIR:
In addition to the above classes, the Choir enables all children from eight upwards to sing together. It includes both Kodály and voice training and older children are given some special repertoire. Regular concerts are given by the Choir and the director will encourage solo performance by singers with, where needed , help with music scholarship and secondary transfer performances. In only two terms since its formation in September 2001, the Choir won its first prize, the Iris Macer Shield, in the annual
North London Music Festival. In March 2003 the Choir had the honour of being asked to perform in "Youth Makes Music" at the Royal Festival Hall. In both June 2003 and 2004 the Choir performed publicly with the YMC String Orchestra in the East Finchley Art Festival. It has since performed in the presence of the Mayor of Barnet to support her chosen charity.
Training is given in voice and musicianship and optional extra classes in these skills are available. Instruction is based very strongly on voice production and the Kodaly method. Regular concerts are given by the choir and David Joyner, the Director will encourage solo performances by singers with, where needed, help with music scholarship and secondary transfer performances.
The choir aims to be a centre of excellence for young singers and like the voice classes, is suitable for those who believe that they have good voices and who wish to develop their vocal skills even furthur. Pupils of David Joyner regularly sing in professional concerts in Britain and abroad.
THEORY AND COMPOSITION:
These classes are recommended for all children of 7 years and above. Classes cover grades 1 to 7 of the Associated Board Syllabus and are highly structured. Course content includes explanation, practice and homework, exam technique and entry for exam; the application of theory to create music, with the possibility of having the pupils' compositions being performed in informal concerts. Acknowledgement is made of individual pupils' learning curves and the importance of developing their abilities, self-esteem and motivation.
A composition class is also available for those students wishing to explore the creative side of theory. This may be taken alone or in addition to a theory class.
VIOLA WORKSHOP:
Once a child is playing on a full size violin, he or she is ready to play the viola. This highly subsidised course, which includes free loan of a viola, will open up more opportunities for playing in an orchestra or quartet.
THE ORCHESTRAS -
Orchestral Standards
Preparitory First Orchestra with Fiona
This is an ensemble mostly made up of children around about the ages of 6 - 7. The standard of playing ranges from children who have just left their first year group lessons on violin, viola and cello to children who are now working on Grades 1 and 2. At present here are 15 children in this group.
First Orchestra with Fiona
This is an orchestra made up of children who have passed their Grade 2 and goes up to Grade 4. Sometimes there will be children in this group who have even taken Grade 5 but have only been learning their instruments for a very short time and therefore, whilst they have achieved a very good level of skill, they have not necessarily been playing for long enough to have such a high level of independent ability. This is a very good setting for them to develop their instrumental confidence. Between 20 -25 children.
Junior Orchestra with Nigel
In the Junior Orchestra we aim to work on more advanced repertoire and therefore Grade 5 is expected from violinists and a good Grade 4 violists and cellists. There is a degree of flexibility when a child might have started their instrument a little later and for reasons of their age we allow them into this group but they would still be expected to have a good Grade 4 and, whilst all children are expected to work on their individual parts for the orchestra, some might need to take their music to their teachers for a little extra help.
Between 30 - 35 children.
Senior Orchestra with Nigel
The children in this orchestra usually have achieved Grade 6 - 7 on the violin and Grades 5 - 6 on viola or cello. Once again there is always flexibility if standard and age are an issue, but even if that is the case they will still be expected to have a good Grade 5. We play some very challenging repertoire including works especially written for us and personal practise of the parts is necessary.
Between 30 - 35 students
Chamber Orchestra with Nigel
This is the most advanced orchestra at YMC and membership is by invitation or recommendation as all players need to have a high level of individual skill usually of Grade 8 standard and above. Between 20 - 25 students.
CHAMBER MUSIC: STRING AND WIND ENSEMBLES
Children who wish to join one of these ensembles, be it string, recorder or orchestral wind, will be put into groups according to age, standard and space availability. String ensembles are available for children of Junior Orchestra 2 standard and above and acceptance into an ensemble is determined by assessment.
The Junior Wind/mixed group is aimed at players of all woodwind instruments of grade 3+ standard to give them a gentle introduction to the necessary art and enjoyment of ensemble playing. It should provide them with a solid base for future participation in orchestras and chamber music. The Senior Wind Group is for players of all woodwind instruments and horn grade 4-5 plus and will concentrate on details of rhythm and intonation as well as greater awareness of group playing.
These group classes are available for children between the ages of five and seven (flute from seven years). These are designed to create freedom, fun and enjoyment, allied to the technical complexities of learning music.
JUNIOR MUSICIANSHIP:
Classes are small organized groups for children aged eighteen months to six/seven years.
Dalcroze Eurhythmics is an approach to understanding the basic concepts of music, through movement. It provides the foundation for creative expression, whether by means of the body, the voice or a musical instrument and it arouses the instinct for music, natural to everyone, often left dormant. Eurhythmics improves co-ordination of the limbs, it develops memory and perception and it helps children to lose self-consciousness. Its influence is felt not only in music lessons but also in the general work of the children, making them more alert and more responsive. Above all, the children have fun!
KODALY AND VOICE PRODUCTION:
These classes are for seven year olds upwards. Children are grouped roughly on age and experience and the classes will develop the musical skills of pitch and rhythm, intervals and mental and physical co-ordination. The classes are also suitable for those who believe they have good voices and who wish to develop their vocal skills even further. These classes are also highly recommended to all instrumentalists in order to develop a strong sense of pitch and rhythm, two indispensable tools for instrumental playing.
THE YOUTH MUSIC CENTRE CHILDREN'S CHOIR:
In addition to the above classes, the Choir enables all children from eight upwards to sing together. It includes both Kodály and voice training and older children are given some special repertoire. Regular concerts are given by the Choir and the director will encourage solo performance by singers with, where needed , help with music scholarship and secondary transfer performances. In only two terms since its formation in September 2001, the Choir won its first prize, the Iris Macer Shield, in the annual
North London Music Festival. In March 2003 the Choir had the honour of being asked to perform in "Youth Makes Music" at the Royal Festival Hall. In both June 2003 and 2004 the Choir performed publicly with the YMC String Orchestra in the East Finchley Art Festival. It has since performed in the presence of the Mayor of Barnet to support her chosen charity.
Training is given in voice and musicianship and optional extra classes in these skills are available. Instruction is based very strongly on voice production and the Kodaly method. Regular concerts are given by the choir and David Joyner, the Director will encourage solo performances by singers with, where needed, help with music scholarship and secondary transfer performances.
The choir aims to be a centre of excellence for young singers and like the voice classes, is suitable for those who believe that they have good voices and who wish to develop their vocal skills even furthur. Pupils of David Joyner regularly sing in professional concerts in Britain and abroad.
THEORY AND COMPOSITION:
These classes are recommended for all children of 7 years and above. Classes cover grades 1 to 7 of the Associated Board Syllabus and are highly structured. Course content includes explanation, practice and homework, exam technique and entry for exam; the application of theory to create music, with the possibility of having the pupils' compositions being performed in informal concerts. Acknowledgement is made of individual pupils' learning curves and the importance of developing their abilities, self-esteem and motivation.
A composition class is also available for those students wishing to explore the creative side of theory. This may be taken alone or in addition to a theory class.
VIOLA WORKSHOP:
Once a child is playing on a full size violin, he or she is ready to play the viola. This highly subsidised course, which includes free loan of a viola, will open up more opportunities for playing in an orchestra or quartet.
THE ORCHESTRAS -
Orchestral Standards
Preparitory First Orchestra with Fiona
This is an ensemble mostly made up of children around about the ages of 6 - 7. The standard of playing ranges from children who have just left their first year group lessons on violin, viola and cello to children who are now working on Grades 1 and 2. At present here are 15 children in this group.
First Orchestra with Fiona
This is an orchestra made up of children who have passed their Grade 2 and goes up to Grade 4. Sometimes there will be children in this group who have even taken Grade 5 but have only been learning their instruments for a very short time and therefore, whilst they have achieved a very good level of skill, they have not necessarily been playing for long enough to have such a high level of independent ability. This is a very good setting for them to develop their instrumental confidence. Between 20 -25 children.
Junior Orchestra with Nigel
In the Junior Orchestra we aim to work on more advanced repertoire and therefore Grade 5 is expected from violinists and a good Grade 4 violists and cellists. There is a degree of flexibility when a child might have started their instrument a little later and for reasons of their age we allow them into this group but they would still be expected to have a good Grade 4 and, whilst all children are expected to work on their individual parts for the orchestra, some might need to take their music to their teachers for a little extra help.
Between 30 - 35 children.
Senior Orchestra with Nigel
The children in this orchestra usually have achieved Grade 6 - 7 on the violin and Grades 5 - 6 on viola or cello. Once again there is always flexibility if standard and age are an issue, but even if that is the case they will still be expected to have a good Grade 5. We play some very challenging repertoire including works especially written for us and personal practise of the parts is necessary.
Between 30 - 35 students
Chamber Orchestra with Nigel
This is the most advanced orchestra at YMC and membership is by invitation or recommendation as all players need to have a high level of individual skill usually of Grade 8 standard and above. Between 20 - 25 students.
CHAMBER MUSIC: STRING AND WIND ENSEMBLES
Children who wish to join one of these ensembles, be it string, recorder or orchestral wind, will be put into groups according to age, standard and space availability. String ensembles are available for children of Junior Orchestra 2 standard and above and acceptance into an ensemble is determined by assessment.
The Junior Wind/mixed group is aimed at players of all woodwind instruments of grade 3+ standard to give them a gentle introduction to the necessary art and enjoyment of ensemble playing. It should provide them with a solid base for future participation in orchestras and chamber music. The Senior Wind Group is for players of all woodwind instruments and horn grade 4-5 plus and will concentrate on details of rhythm and intonation as well as greater awareness of group playing.
