By Derek Eke
They came in herds.
Busload after busload, and a few taxicabs later, a lineup quickly formed through the main lobby, snaking through the foyer and extending well past the entrance doors. The anticipation seemed to be more than usual for a normal orchestra rehearsal, and the young voices in the lineup sounded excited.
Every few seconds, the sounds of three syllables could be heard.
‘Yo-Yo Ma.’
In a renewed effort to commit to youth and educational activities, the National Arts Centre recently invited local area students to watch renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma rehearse with the NAC orchestra, which was preparing for the NAC’s annual gala later that evening.
Approximately 1,600 local elementary and high school students attended the event.
“Usually we have 100 students in the audience for an open rehearsal … that’s a big difference,” says Claire Speed, education manager in the NAC’s music department.
Kassandra Charrat, a Grade 7 student at Seraphin-Marion, said she hoped to see a good performance. “It influences us to take an instrument and learn how to play,” the young flutist said.
Charrat’s classmate, Caroline Sauve, agrees. “This is a good idea because you have to pay (a lot) for the tickets and this is free.”
“It’s a very unique experience for them. Not too many people get the opportunity to get to see this kind of rehearsal,” says NAC communications officer Carl Martin.
This was the first in a series of about 20 open rehearsals for school groups. In addition to music, students will also be invited to attend other dance and theatrical performances.
The rehearsal opportunities have the potential to instill a love of music in students, says Jayne Morris director of communications at the NAC.
“Music appreciation enhances your whole life.”
The NAC’s fundraising efforts are expected to raise $500,000. They are supporting the National Youth and Education Trust, a new plan aiding in the continuation and expansion of educational programs.
Teacher resource kits are being distributed to 12,500 elementary schools across the country.
The educational kit, ‘Introducing Beethoven,’ contains a detailed biography of the composer’s life, as well as activity sheets for students.
The kit is complemented with a CD of Beethoven’s works, performed by director Pinchas Zukerman and the NAC orchestra.
“It’s an ideal opportunity for kids to see the world’s best (musicians),” says parent Bill Parker, who attended with his son, Daniel, 9, and a small group of other child musicians