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B A C K T O S C H O O L , M U S I C & D A N C E … A N D M O R E ! - S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E W I N N I P E G F R E E P R E S S - T H U R S D A Y, A U G U S T 1 0 , 2 0 17 5 Fall Regisati On N! Selkirk, MB Open House Ballet | Tap | Jazz | Hip Hop | Musical Theatre | Lyrical | Adult Classes Pre-School Programs: Two's & You; Creative Movement; Pre-Dance Ages 2 - Adult August 29th 5 - 8pm Selkirk Town Plaza 200 - 366 Main Street SELKIRK MB | 204.785.1285 | www.EvolutionDance.ca ONLY 20 MINUTES NORTH OF WINNIPEG! Ballet | Tap | Jazz | Hip Hop | Musical Theatre | Lyrical | Adult Classes Pre-School Programs: Two's & You; Creative Movement; Pre-Dance Ages 2 - Adult Open House August 29th 5 - 8pm Selkirk Town Plaza 200 - 366 Main Street SELKIRK MB | 204.785.1285 | www.EvolutionDance.ca ONLY 20 MINUTES NORTH OF WINNIPEG! ★ ★ Gymnastics Classes FOR ALL AGES (18 months to adult) Register online at springers.ca 4246 RIDGEWOOD AVE 204-832-1954 The Winnipeg Conservatory of Music has a new location at 1476 Portage Ave., near Polo Park. Winnipeg Conservatory of Music photos "We're now at 1476 Portage Ave., at the former St. James Presbyterian Church across from the Clarion Hotel," says WCM director Julie Biggs. "We are very excited about the new location." That excitement stems from two things: the conservatory's improved accessibility, and the building being so well-suited to a wide range of musical endeavours. "It is now easier to find us, and we now have ample parking." she says. "We now have plenty of space to spread out in, some 6,000 square feet in total. All our studios are spacious, have high ceilings, and the acoustics are just fabulous. We also converted the sanctuary into a concert hall (complete with grand piano). There's even a pergola out back where we'll be able to hold music sessions if we want to. We couldn't have picked a better spot." That's great news for both kids and adults looking to find some inspired music courses to take part in this fall. As good as previous offerings were, they'll be delivered even more efficiently in an atmosphere that's perfectly tailored to musical pursuits. "As we often say, we have a course for everyone, from age zero to 99," Biggs says. "We've got a wonderful array of programs to choose from." That programming starts with Children's Music Time, a weekly offering that allows parents to bring children ages three and under in to take part in singing games, scarf dancing, finger play — and even rhythm instruments. Then, there's a program called Kinderstring. "It's for children between the ages of four and six. They begin learning the violin, sing, play games and have circle time. Like the Music Time program, Kinderstring really helps children develop co- ordination and creativity." Biggs added that tweens and teens also have an amazing program they can tap in to. "It's called Marquee Players and is for kids in grades four to 12. It's run by Paula Olko, who's the divisional musical theatre director at St. James-Assiniboia School Division. Paula does two full productions per year with her students — it's a wonderful course." As for adults, there's plenty of programming to choose from, as well. "We have three adult choirs that people can take part in — Pops, Chamber and Vocal Jazz. There will also be a singing camp for adults starting Aug. 8," she says. "We are starting a new theory program taught by (former Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra conductor-in- residence) Michelle Mourre, called, Do You Speak Music. It's designed to help adults taking music lessons get a better understanding of music fundamentals." There are several attributes that make the Winnipeg Conservatory of Music a great choice for students young and old, adds Biggs. "First, we have a well-educated, active (performing) faculty. Second, we provide unique performance As much as staff at the Winnipeg Conservatory of Music enjoyed sharing their love of music from their former location on Picardy Place in Wolseley, they're enjoying their new location even more. opportunities for our students — at coffee houses, at festivals (Wolseley Arts Festival, Winnipeg Music Festival), recitals and all sorts of other opportunities." The third attribute is huge: the WCM is a certified educational institution. "We're an actual school, so we specialize not only in one-on-one lessons, but our group classes have a six-to-one teacher-student ratio, making for a high level of instruction. Our classes can also serve as a bridge to lead kids into private lessons." The fourth attribute is just as tangible — the love of music that permeates the WCM's classes and corridors. "Our faculty is awesome — they're here year-in, year-out, they're versatile, and they love where they are," says Biggs. "They're collaborative, and just love teaching. As well, there's a sense of community here that's incredible. Everyone here loves music, and teaching students young and old how to get the most out of their ability." To find out more about the Winnipeg Conservatory of Music's wide range of musical programs, call 204-612-9012 or visit wcmus.com. ❚ By Todd Lewys | Winnipeg Free Press "We now have plenty of space to spread out in, some 6,000 square feet in total. All our studios are spacious, have high ceilings, and the acoustics are just fabulous..."

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