The next step towards Sistema NB’s long-term vision to engage 10,000 children in high-impact orchestral learning across New Brunswick will launch in September with the creation of the Fredericton Youth Orchestra.
“The launch of the Fredericton Youth Orchestra is an important next step in building a complete province-wide pathway for young musicians in New Brunswick,” said Kenn Mainville, President and CEO of Sistema New Brunswick. “It strengthens the connection between the Sistema NB Fredericton and Oromocto centres, the regional youth orchestra network, and the NBYO, the senior provincial orchestra of Sistema New Brunswick.”
The new orchestra, announced at a news conference at Fredericton City Hall on May 1, will be open to all string, woodwind, brass, and percussion youth musicians in Greater Fredericton.
A meaningful new opportunity for young people
Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers said she was excited to participate in the launch of the new youth orchestra.
“The launch of the Fredericton Youth Orchestra is an exciting addition to our city’s cultural life and a meaningful new opportunity for young people in our community,” she said. “Sistema NB has built an outstanding track record here in Fredericton and across New Brunswick, and is recognized as a Canadian leader in youth music programming. We are proud to see this work continue to grow in our capital city, strengthening access to the arts, supporting young musicians, and adding another strong cultural asset to Fredericton.”
Strengthening the pathway to advanced orchestral performance
Maestro Tony Delgado, NBYO conductor and musical director, said the new ensemble will strengthen the pathway from beginner programs to advanced ensemble performance.
“This will create another step in preparation of young musicians for the NBYO; it will make it more feasible for talented kids in the Fredericton region to access the NBYO,” he said.
Maestro Delgado pointed to triumphs like Sistema NB students Xavier Belanger and Emilie Duncan, who successfully auditioned for one of 90 National Youth Orchestra spots, and Amy Robichaud and Alexander Urbina, who won a place at the Royal College of Music, London, UK, the world No. 1 ranked school of music, as evidence of expanding opportunities of New Brunswick youth to grow their musical talent.
“A regional youth orchestra provides them with a very structured development, driven by an excellent, dedicated faculty of Teaching Artists to tackle more difficult repertoire while improving their technique,” he said. “Through our network of local children’s orchestras (Sistema NB), regional youth orchestras (Moncton, Saint John, Edmundston and now Fredericton), and the provincial youth orchestra (NBYO), we are developing the next generation of artists right here in our province.”
Community support and opportunity
Fredericton-area physician Dr. Mary Pedersen is a Founding Partner for the new orchestra. A long-time supporter of Sistema NB and the NBYO, she said she is passionate about supporting young musicians and their teachers and staff.
“What’s not to like – the evolution of young classically trained musicians in an incredible environment of professional instruction and support,” she said. “I am so very proud to be a small part of this new orchestra. With the establishment of this Fredericton Youth Orchestra, folks in Fredericton will have the added local opportunity to attend performances of some of the very best of classically trained young musicians.”
Auditions in June
Auditions for the new Fredericton Youth Orchestra are planned for June, and young string, woodwind, brass and percussion musicians from the community are invited to participate.
Rehearsals will be twice weekly and supported by a dedicated faculty of Teaching Artists from Sistema NB. The first-year goals are to present at least three concerts – late fall, late winter and late spring – as well as occasional community performances with small ensembles.
Victor Vivas, Sistema NB Fredericton Centre Director, is optimistic about a strong start for the Fredericton Youth Orchestra.
“We expect as many as 30 young musicians from Sistema NB – Fredericton Centre to audition. And others from school band programs and private teachers in the Fredericton region will find a great home to strengthen and continue their musical journey,” he said.
Building something permanent for Fredericton
Mainville said the Fredericton Youth Orchestra will join the Moncton, Edmundston and Saint John Youth Orchestras as part of a provincial vision.
“The goal is to give young musicians the right next step, closer to home, and a pathway to the provincial youth orchestra, the NBYO,” he said. “More regional orchestras mean more young people can develop, perform, and contribute to the musical life of their own communities. It also strengthens the NBYO by helping more students arrive prepared for the demands of the provincial orchestra.”
“The FYO will help build something permanent for young people in the Fredericton region,” he said. “The FYO gives students a place to belong, a reason to keep working, and a public stage where their discipline and talent can be seen by the community. It also gives Fredericton audiences the chance to experience the progress of these young musicians as they grow. With the support of the wider community, the Fredericton Youth Orchestra will become a lasting cultural and youth-development asset for the region.”
Looking ahead
Maestro Delgado said he looks forward to seeing more talented New Brunswick kids take the stage with an expanded musical program. “We will be able to use this orchestra to reach out to kids who weren’t part of the main Sistema NB program but want to have the orchestral experience,” he said.
Dr. Pedersen said Fredericton-area young people are currently travelling to Moncton and Saint John to develop their music and performance skills, and that will no longer be necessary.
“These young people are truly a New Brunswick treasure, and it has been an honour to support their passion, hard work, and continued success. I can’t wait to attend their first concert, right here in our own community.”
Vivas said the new Fredericton Youth Orchestra will be a vital, active part of the community, and he hopes there will be a packed house at the first concert planned for late fall.
“With an appealing repertoire, played at the highest level, I’m confident this new Youth Orchestra will be a source of pride to Fredericton-area residents.”