COMMUNITY
Giving back to our community through the sharing of music brings joy and inspiration to many, and is an important part of our philosophy at Bariolage. Students participate in a variety of performance opportunities including formal recitals and outreach concerts, and events and activities such as playdowns, workshops, and camps. These activities are an opportunity for students to connect with larger audiences, showcase their hard work, and build confidence.
Main Concerts
Bariolage holds two solo concerts and two ensemble concerts per year in December and May, which are an essential part of our program. In these concerts, the students are all given the chance to shine both individually in the solo concerts, and collectively in the presentations of their group classes, chamber ensembles, and large ensembles in the ensemble concerts.
Outreach Concerts
Our program includes three outreach concerts, which take place at seniors’ residences, libraries, and community centres. These events provide less formal performance opportunities for students to present their solo, chamber, and ensemble repertoire, playing with their peers as well as with their teachers. Giving back to our community through the sharing of music brings joy and inspiration to both the performers and the listeners, and the shared experience reinforces a sense of community both within the school and beyond.
Playdowns
Bariolage holds three playdown sessions in the year, themed for Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and Easter. In a playdown, all of the groups join together to play through all of the curriculum repertoire from most advanced to beginner. In the voyage down through the levels, the students join in for all of the pieces that they know, and listen to their peers play the ones that they have not yet learned. Playdowns provide exposure to repertoire, keep review pieces fresh, and build a sense of community and connection through all of the ages and levels. Incorporated into the playdowns are games and other fun activities to promote bonding and friendship.
Workshops
Special workshops with guest teachers occasionally replace regular group classes where students have an opportunity to explore other genres, such as fiddle, improvisation, early music, and jazz. Exposure to different styles of music and to different teaching styles is an invaluable source of inspiration and curiosity.
Camps
Our summer camp for kids combines private instruction, group lessons, chamber music, and string orchestra with fun outdoor activities. This intensive program is ideal for keeping up motivation and inspiration during the quieter summer months. For adults, we also offer a summer program, focusing on chamber music and large ensemble playing, as well as private instruction.