The Westmount Youth Orchestra
Since its founding in 1995, the Orchestre des Jeunes de Westmount has offered young musicians from around Montreal the opportunity to work with highly qualified conductors and coaches and to perform a diverse repertoire in an intimate atmosphere of dedication and support. The 65 OJW young musicians aged 11 to 23 rehearse for three hours on Saturday mornings at the newly restored concert hall -- Victoria Hall (above) at 4626 Sherbrooke Street West, Westmount (24 bus route, close to downtown Montreal).
A Brief Description of the Orchestra
The Westmount youth orchestra exists because of a 17 year old boy's passion for music. He founded the orchestra in order to have a place in his community where he could explore and deepen his love for music making. The activities undertaken by the WYO are designed to further develop the skills, the discipline and enthusiasm needed in order to function as members of a productive team. Great music is both a gift and a challenge. It provides both the stimulus and the reward.
The WYO enjoyed an exceptional sixth season. Two intensive weekend workshops at CAMMAC music centre in the Laurentians summed up what the orchestra offers its members: dedication to music in a social atmosphere where musicians thrive and progress rapidly. Mark Simons, who has been Artistic Director of the Orchestra since the beginning, has taken the orchestra to the Musicfest held at Vanier College in April for the last four years, resulting in three gold medals and one silver, including a Gold medal on March 11th, 2003. In the Spring the Orchestra took part in an exchange with L'orchestre des jeunes de Saguenay-Lac-St Jean and played at the pre-festival of the Lanaudiere festival.
Germany 2003
The WYO is anticipating 18 day trip to Germany in the Summer of 2003, which will be an exchange visit with a youth orchestra there. The WYO will give three concerts and tour Berlin, Leipzig, and Vienna, Austria Such a large project will involve every member of the orchestra in learning and experiencing the culture of another highly developed country, and we anticipate establishing personal friendships with musicians from Germany that may last a life-time.
Concerto Competition
The annual concerto competition gives two soloists the opportunity to perform with the orchestra each year.
Chamber Music Programs
In addition to playing with the orchestra, musicians may play and perform in smaller groups, with intensive coaching. Musicians have a chance to choose repertoire from a broad spectrum of periods and styles
Social Activities
There is a half hour snack break on Saturdays and post-rehearsal sports activities have become a regular feature. Musicians are encouraged to participate in planning trips and social activities and student representatives are invited to sit on the Board.
Westmount String Ensemble
An educational string program for younger students, affiliated with the OJW, was introduced in the 2000 - '01 season. Margaret Lysy, Sylvie Lambert, and Jean MacRae coach the musicians who meet on Saturday mornings from 11:30 - 1:00. As these students progress, they will be encouraged to join the strings in the Orchestre des Jeunes de Westmount. No auditions are required.
CAMMAC Weekends
The orchestra organizes a weekend retreat in the beautiful Campus at CAMMAC music center located on the shore of Lake MacDonald. In the early Fall season the orchestra uses this time to get a "jump start" on the music to be prepared for the season's first concert, and to become acquainted with one another in a quiet and beautiful setting. Some photos of our last retreat at CAMMAC will give you an idea of the sort of fun to be found there!
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