PVA Strings
THE CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS AT CENTRAL MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL
Strings Program Overview
The PVA Strings Program is a place for violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists to grow as musicians and explore the rich world of string music. Central Memorial is proud to host one of the only credited high school strings programs within the CBE. At Central, students have an opportunity to participate in the strings program as a PVA music student, or as a general student.
The PVA Music Program is where students learn to be artists, exploring musical literacy and expression through unique programming that is not found elsewhere in the city. The program focuses on the development of the individual musician, providing our students with the abilities, confidence, and opportunities to go wherever their musical journey takes them, for life.
PVA String students have daily classes in collaboration with the band and vocal programs to explore solo and chamber repertoire, develop musical fluency and individual instrument technique, and dive deep into their personal musical development.
PVA music students make meaningful connections with the musical community through interactions with real artists in their discipline. Students experience exciting residencies, guest artist visits, and regularly scheduled group lessons on their instrument. PVA students will enjoy the benefits of partnerships with Mount Royal Conservatory, The Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Opera, and other professional musical organizations in Calgary and beyond.
The Music Program starts with Music1. Music1 is our first semester foundational class where first year auditioned and general music students will combine to learn the important skills and foundations needed to be successful in music at Central Memorial. This course will allow students to experience what makes Central’s music program so engaging, with access to all of the opportunities that make PVA Music unique. After successful completion of Music1, students can continue their musical journey at Central as PVA Music students with daily timetabled classes, or use the skills they have gained to participate in a select number of our extracurricular ensembles. Please note that students with NO prior strings experience should complete Beginner Strings before registering for this course.
String Ensembles
Each Student in PVA Strings will take part in one of the following ensembles. Check out the Vocal and the Band pages for additional ensembles that students are able to join as secondary ensembles. All ensembles run outside the timetable as five-credit classes.
PVA Orchestra
In PVA Orchestra, string students will find a safe and welcoming community where they will be encouraged to engage and become their best musical selves. Students will explore the rich world of orchestral music while applying the skills they have gathered in their timetabled PVA music class to large ensemble performances.
PVA Orchestra includes string players from Grade 10-12. The PVA Orchestra also expands to include players from the PVAWE (PVA Wind Ensemble) for full orchestral instrumentation at times throughout the school year. The PVA Orchestra performs locally, regionally, and when possible, internationally. Students in this ensemble must be PVA music students, or have teacher permission to join.
Beginner Strings
Our Beginner Strings program is open to all students at Central, and runs outside our regular time table to make it accessible to everyone. This class will take students from having no experience with strings to learning proper instrument technique, essential musical literacy, and how to perform with others.
This course is a full-year, five-credit course. Instruments are provided for the standard CBE rental fee of $100 for the school year. Students who successfully complete this course can then register for our foundational Music1 course and potentially become members of our PVA Music program and/or participate in PVA Orchestra.
Leadership in the Arts 35 / Entrepreneurial Artist (Junior Achievement)
All PVA students are enrolled in one of two courses; Leadership in the Arts 35 or Entrepreneurial Artist (Junior Achievement). These programs of study allow PVA students to explore how they see themselves as artists and become more aware of the process involved in preparing for the marketing and business aspect of being a professional in the arts community.
Students will experience a variety of teacher-led assignments/activities as well as a number of student-directed online projects. PVA Music weaves the Leadership in the Arts curriculum (LitA) into our program during all three years of study. Through LitA experiences, students will learn not only how to act as professional musicians, but how to develop a desire to be lifelong participants in the musical fabric of our community. Students will be able to tailor their experience in LitA to their interests, from planning musical events, participating in festivals, or making promotional videos and social media content, to sitting on boards, participating in committees and writing grants.
Auditions for Strings – Violin, Viola, Cello, String Bass
The audition is an opportunity for our music team to hear where the student is in their musical journey, get a sense of their coachability (are they willing to take risks, open to feedback, etc.), and assess which ensemble would provide the student with the most opportunity for success.
More importantly, this is an opportunity for the student to share their gifts and passion with us in a friendly, safe, and encouraging environment.
Special note for piano, guitar, bagpipes, accordion etc.: while we would love to accommodate all instruments, it is not possible within our program at this time. If players of these instruments are interested in participating in PVA Music, please have a discussion with our staff about potentially related instruments that could be studied as part of our program.
PVA Music auditions will consist of three components: a prepared solo, technique, and an interview.
Your string audition checklist:
Prepared Solo: students will demonstrate their ability to prepare and perform a piece of music that showcases their gifts and passions.
Please prepare a short solo (30 seconds to 1 minute, if your solo is longer choose a short section of it) that highlights your own personality as a musician. It could be a part of your current orchestra music, or a solo specifically for your instrument. For strings, the Suzuki books or the RCM repertoire books are both an easily accessible place to find a piece at an appropriate level for you.
- Technique: students will demonstrate their understanding of musical skills and concepts.
- Scales: choose one major AND one minor scale (natural, harmonic or melodic, your choice). Scales should be 2 octaves minimum, 3 octaves if possible.
- Sight-reading: Read a simple 8 bar melody from sightreadingfactory.com
- Ear Training: Recognize unison notes as sharp, flat, or in tune (practice with the “Tunerval” app on apple or android devices)
- Interview (parents/guardians included):This is an opportunity for us to learn more about the student and family. We will ask you questions about why the student is passionate about music, what their goals are, and why they want to be a part of the PVA program, as well as who they are as a person. We will provide information about student and parent involvement in PVA and some of the expectations associated with participation in the program. We will also answer any questions you might have.
Strings Events
PVA Information Showcase
November 4 @ 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
PVA Music Gallery
Images from the PVA music program
How to Apply
All the information you need on one handy page.
PVA Application Form
Direct link to form
Our Teachers
Strings FAQ
Strings Program FAQ
Q: Are PVA music students required to take private lessons?
It is strongly recommended that PVA music students study privately with a professional instructor. This experience will facilitate strong foundational skills necessary in developing independence and confidence.
Q: What time commitment is required to be a PVA music student?
Music students typically attend 1 – 3 morning or after school rehearsals per week. In addition, Jazz Ensembles and Vocal Jazz meet either before or after school two or three times per week and those programs are by audition only. Music students perform at several concerts and events and tour each year. Tours take place in the province, within Canada, or internationally.
Q: When do PVA music students take Leadership in the Arts 35 or Entrepreneurial Art?
All PVA students are required to complete either Leadership in the Arts 35 or Entrepreneurial Artist (Junior Achievement). These self-directed courses provide a combination of teacher-directed assignments/activities combined with student-directed and/or on-line projects. Students will interview professional musicians, attend workshops and performances, develop a list of performance repertoire, study privately, develop a personal portfolio, and complete a final exit interview. These courses are not scheduled into the timetable, but updates and teacher led content will occur during musicianship classes and at designated times.
Q: Are all instrumental students considered PVA students?
Yes.
Links for music students
2019 Music Parent Orientation
Click here to download in pdf format.
Music Parents' Association (CMMPA)
All parents of music students have automatic membership.
Visit our website for all the details.
“After hearing tonight’s performance by these musicians, three words come to mind: talent, dedication, and maturity.”
Wallace Galbraith
Director of the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra, Ayr, Scotland
The music program at central was more than a class, it was a second home...
The staff were so welcoming and warm that students are able to have a close and long lasting relationship with them. Students spend a lot more time together than in other classes (especially on tour) and because music is very team orientated, strong friendships are quickly established. It is one of the only subjects where you spend three years growing up with the same teachers and students. After a full day of analysing texts and memorizing data sheets, it was a relief that I could go to the music room and do something I was very passionate about. More importantly however, do all of this with people that made me feel content and completely at home with.”
Adam Tran
2007 grad