NSYWE News

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NSYWE Update for 2022 Rehearsals and Concert

I would like to wish everyone a peaceful holiday season and a Happy New Year.

NSYWE MUSIC FOR 2022

One piece of music, Magnolia Star, is up on the NSYWE website for January. The part assignments and the rest of the music will be up as soon as we can. Keep practicing over your holiday break.

NSYWE Photos and Recordings

Don’t forget to view the photos and recordings from the last concert and past NSYWE concerts and rehearsals. They can be found on the members only part of the NSYWE website. The live stream from our last concert is still available to view.. Thank you to Atlantic Live Stream for the wonderful production.

NSYWE DATES for 2022

The NSYWE Committee continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation and I will send an update and schedule after Christmas. St. Andrews Church is large enough to continue to rehearsal with social distancing, masks and bell covers. All rehearsals and a live-stream concert with the Stadacona Band are still being planned.

The current schedule – subject to change as noted above – is as follows:

      • January 7, 8 & 9, St. Andrews United Church
      • January 28, 29 & 30, Cole Harbour High School
      • February 4, 5 & 6, St. Andrews United Church

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to e-mail me.

Hope Gendron

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Confirming the 2022 Schedule

The NSYWE Committee changed the second weekend dates to try and avoid high school exams, but I did not make that change in my personal calendar.

The correct winter 2022 dates are:

January 7, 8 & 9                   St. Andrew’s United Church, Halifax

January 28, 29 & 30          Cole Harbour High School, Dartmouth
not (Jan. 21, 22 & 23)

February 4, 5 & 6                St. Andrew’s United Church, Halifax

The concert, on February 6, will include the Maritime Forces Stadacona Band of the Atlantic. (NSYWE & The Stadacona Band will play separately and then we will play at least one piece together.)

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you,

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Concert Weekend Schedule

NSYWE WEEKEND SCHEDULE, OCTOBER 22-24

St. Andrew’s Church, Halifax

Freewill donations gratefully accepted at the door and/or e-transfers to  nsywe@eastlink.ca

All audience members attending the live performance must wear masks, and show Proof of Vaccination and ID.

 Please enter through the main doors of the church on Robie Street.

Doors will open 45 minutes before the concert begins.

Live Stream Link: https://vimeo.com/event/1362920/fbbca922e7

Please tell your friends and family!

 

Volunteers Needed

Parent/Guardian volunteers are needed to help at the door with Proof of Vaccination, contact tracing and collection of donations.

Please let me know if you are able to help a few minutes before the concert starts.

 

Friday, October 22, Sanctuary

Arrive: 6:30 pm,  enter through the side lower door; ring a music stand, water bottle, pencil, bell cover and playing mask

Rehearsal: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm, with breaks

 

Saturday, October 23

Arrive: 12:30 pm

Rehearsal: 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, with breaks

 

Sunday, October 24

Arrive: 12:30 pm       Concert Dress Required
(A green room will be available for cases and coats.)

Rehearsal, Sound Check: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Concert          3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

 

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to email me.

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CHANGES to weekend schedule

There are a few changes from Dr. Hopkins to the weekend schedule.

    1. Band B will start on the stage with the percussion remaining on the stage all the time.
    2. Sunday – Band B,  Morning Only; Band A,  Afternoon Only, starting at 12:30 am.

Percussion is invited to stay for the entire day.

   

NSYWE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
October 1, 2 & 3 – Cole Harbour High School, Dartmouth

Full Band – Phase 4 still in affect.

Band B will start on the stage, Band A will start in the side cafeteria area.

 

Friday, October 1

6:30 pm                            Arrive and set up

Present your Vaccination Declaration to Hope when you arrive

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm   Rehearsal with breaks

 

Saturday, October 2

12:30 pm                          Percussion, Trombones & Saxophones arrive for clinic

There are extra rooms available from 12:45 – 1:45 for any student who would like extra help from one of the committee.  Please contact Hope.

12:45 pm – 1:45 pm: Percussion, Trombones & Saxophones Clinic

1:45 pm: Low Brass, Trumpets, French Horns, Clarinets, Oboes & Flutes arrive for Clinic

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Low Brass, Trumpets, French Horns, Clarinets, Oboes & Flutes Clinic

3:15 pm – 3:30 pm: Break

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm: Rehearsal, with breaks

 

Sunday, October 3

Everyone wear your NSYWE T-shirts; photos for those missing on Sept. 19 and some photo re-dos.

9:30 am – 12:00 noon: BAND B Arrive and Rehearse

12:30 noon – 3:00 pm: BAND A Arrive and Rehearse

    

NSYWE – What do I need for the weekend rehearsal?

    • Playing Mask
    • Bell Cover
    • Spit Valves Hygiene
    • Music Stand for your own use (Please remember you own stand or ask to borrow one from your school band teacher.)
    • Pencil
    • Refillable water bottle

Please consider this check before leaving home: Daily-COVID-checklist-en.pdf

Everyone must wear a mask at all times and prior to entering the rehearsal or concert venue.

 

NSYWE FUNDRAISER

Deliver your honey orders to Hope by email by noon, Thursday, September 30.  Payment can be made by e-transfer to nsywe@eastlink.ca.  Cash (Please have exact amount).

Your honey orders will be ready for pick-up on Sunday, October 3.

If you have any question or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

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NSYWE Schedule: Oct. 1-3

Hello Everyone,

This email includes:

    • NSYWE Fundraiser, Order sheet attached
    • Weekend Schedule
    • Concert Dress Code

NSYWE FUNDRAISER

Honey orders should be e-mailed to Hope by Thursday, September 30.  Payment and pickup will be Saturday, October 2.

 

NSYWE October 1, 2 & 3 Rehearsal Schedule
– Cole Harbour High School, 2 Chameau Crescent, Dartmouth

As of this writing, Phase 4 is still in effect and that means we will continue to separate into Band A and Band B. The list of Band A and Band B members is here.

Band A will start on the stage, Band B will start in the side cafeteria area.

 

Friday, October 1

Provide Hope Gendron with your signed vaccination declaration as you arrive at Cole Harbour High.

6:30 p.m.                                    Arrive and setup

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.       Rehearsal, with breaks

 

Saturday, October 2

12:30 p.m.                                Percussion, Trombones & Saxophones arrive.

There are extra rooms available from 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. for any student who would like extra help from one of the committee.  Please contact Hope.

12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.     Percussion, Trombones & Saxophones Clinic

1:45 p.m.                                  Low Brass, Trumpets, French Horns, Clarinets, Oboes & Flutes arrive

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.      Low Brass, Trumpets, French Horns, Clarinets, Oboes & Flutes Clinic

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.       Break

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.      Rehearsal with breaks

 

Sunday, October 3

Wear your NSYWE t-shirts; second round of photos for those who were absent on Sept. 19 or who wish to have a re-do.

 9:30 a.m.                                         Arrive and set up

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon         Rehearsal, with breaks

12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m.            Lunch (bring a lunch or walk to somewhere nearby)

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.               Rehearsal, with breaks

 

NSYWE CONCERT DRESS
October 24, 2021
St. Andrew’s Church, Halifax

Option 1:
Black tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie, black dress shoes, and black socks

Option 2: 
Black suit jacket, black dress pants, black dress shirt, black tie, black socks, black shoes.

Option 3:
Black long sleeve dress shirt, black dress pants, (no denim, no yoga pants), black tie, black socks, black shoes.

Option 4:
Floor-length or knee length black skirt, long-sleeved black blouse, black/dark pantyhose/tights, black dress shoes,

Option 5:
Floor-length or knee length black dress, black/dark pantyhose/tights, black dress shoes.

For all options:

  • No décolletage, bare shoulders, necklines, or midriffs. Simple jewelry.
  • Open-toed shoes or sandals are acceptable with dark stockings or pantyhose.
  • Do not wear scented products to rehearsals or concerts.

If you have any question or concerns do not hesitate to contact Hope.

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IMPORTANT: Vaccine Declaration

Hello Everyone,

NSYWE has made a commitment to the health and safety of all participants involved in our program. Staff, students, volunteers and clinicians must follow the Proof of Vaccination policy stated below by the Nova Scotia government.

Please print, sign and return the NSYWE Vaccine Declaration to Hope Gendron on Friday, October 1, 2021 to participate in our upcoming October 22, 23 and 24 concert weekend.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact Hope Gendron.

 

Nova Scotia policy of Proof of Vaccination

“Starting 4 October 2021, you need proof of full vaccination to participate in discretionary, recreational and non-essential activities (like dining out, going to a fitness facility or going to a movie, theatre performance, concert or sporting event). Proof of vaccination isn’t required for children 11 and younger (they can attend activities with a fully vaccinated adult). People will be considered fully vaccinated 14 days after their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization or the 1-dose Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine.”

Children and youth

“Children who turn 12 between 1 January and 4 October 2021 have until 31 December 2021 to attend events and activities while they get vaccinated. Children who turn 12 after 4 October 2021 have 3 months from their birthday to get vaccinated. “

“If you’re 13 to 18 and have proof of vaccination that you received 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine you can participate in sport, recreation, arts and culture programming hosted by a business or organization. To continue participating, you must provide proof of full vaccination by 9 November 2021 (you need to get a first dose no later than 28 September and a second dose no later than 26 October). “

Thank you,

Hope Gendron

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NSYWE Weekend Schedule, message 2 of 2 – Sept. 9

Covid-19 Aerosol Study for your information on the NSYWE Covid protocols.
The Aerosol Study webpage has been updated with a 35-minute video conversation on mitigations for Fall 2021 with Dr. James Weaver (NFHS), Dr. Mark Spede (CBDNA/Clemson), and Bob Morrison (Arts Ed New Jersey). This includes a variety of activities (Speech, Debate, Theatre, Music, etc) from the elementary to collegiate levels. (Please click here to watch and share the newest video.)

Please consider this check before leaving home.
Daily-COVID-checklist-en.pdf

  • Masks must be always worn by all students and staff and prior to entering the rehearsal or concert venue.
  • Distancing: 3 feet (1 metre) between performers
  • Rehearsal time: 50 minutes followed by a 10-minute break between sessions.

What you need to bring to rehearsal

  • Playing Mask: A surgical style mask with a slit in the centre or a homemade playing mask.
  • Bell Cover: Two layer of Denier (Pantyhose) or a homemade bell cover.
  • Spit Valves Hygiene: Empty away from others; have an absorbent disposable material to catch the condensation (Puppy Pad) or a (container with lid and paper towel) to collect condensation from instruments.
  • Extra soft cloth, to keep your hands clean.
  • Music Stand for your own use
  • Music: Please bring a printed copy of the for your own use. No sharing of music.
  • Instrument and Percussion: Your individual instrument; your own reeds, valve oil, and swabs; extra soft cloth to keep your hands clean; mallets and drums stick for your own use. (Lysol wipes will be provided if you need to share mallets.)
  • Pencil: It is very important to mark your music with the conductors instructions and changes.
  • Lunch and Snacks: lunch on Saturday and Sunday will be on your own; bring a lunch or walk to a nearby lunch venue. NSYWE will provide small snacks during the day. Individually packaged items, such as Hallowe’en type candy, chips, and fruit.
  • Refillable water bottle

 

NSYWE will provide these items for each rehearsal:

  • Rehearsal and Concert venues
  • NSYWE Conductor – Dr. Mark Hopkins
  • NSYWE Clinicians for individual instrument clinics
  • Percussion coordinator specialist
  • NSYWE Volunteer Committee Members
  • All large percussion equipment for the day
  • NSYWE T-shirt on your first weekend
  • Hand Sanitizer at room entrance
  • Lysol Wipes
  • Kleenex
  • Gloves
  • First Aid Kit
  • Extra surgical type masks
  • Extra Puppy Pads
  • Small Snacks – Hallowe’en type – self contained package
  • Extra music

 

NSYWE Season Schedule
Please put all the future dates on your calendar!
2021
October 1, 2 & 3 – Rehearsal Weekend; Cole Harbour High School, Dartmouth
October 22, 23 & 24 – Concert Weekend – Audience and Live-streamed; St. Andrew’s United Church, 6036 Coburg Road, Halifax

2022
January 7, 8, & 9 – Rehearsal Weekend; St. Andrew’s United Church, 6036 Coburg Road, Halifax
January 28, 29, & 30 – Rehearsal Weekend; Location TBA
February 4, 5, & 6 – Concert Weekend with the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy; St. Andrew’s United Church, 6036 Coburg Road, Halifax

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

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NSYWE Weekend Schedule, message 1 of 2 – Sept. 9

I am hopeful that the province will move into Phase 5 with no gathering limit restrictions but if we do not, we will have the same time schedule with NSYWE Bands A & B. I am looking forward to seeing everyone this Friday!

“Starting 4 October 2021, you need proof of full vaccination to participate in discretionary, recreational, and non-essential activities (like dining out, going to a fitness facility or going to a movie, theatre performance, concert or sporting event).” Nova Scotia Community, Culture, and Heritage will be holding a meeting on Monday. The arts community hopes Dr. Strang will be able to clarify and outline the proof of full vaccination for band, choir and all the performing arts. NSYWE will forward more information to you after this meeting.

NSYWE first weekend, Friday Night Procedure
• Arrive 6:30 pm.
• All Students will enter the church through the upper side door. (by the church offices)
• One of the committee will be at the door to great you and check you in.
• All students will gather in the gym for the first few minutes to welcome you to NSYWE.
• Do not take your instruments out or play.
• Phase 4 – Band A will stay in the gym and Band B will proceed to the sanctuary for rehearsal. Dr. Hopkins will rotate with our other conductors between Band A & B for Friday and Saturday rehearsals.
• Phase 5 – All NSYWE students will proceed to the sanctuary for the first rehearsal. All Flutes please have the Holsinger printed as we will be rehearsing that piece with everyone first.

NSYWE Rehearsal Weekend, September 17, 18 & 19

Friday, September 17th St. Andrew’s United Church 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, September 18th St. Andrew’s United Church 12:45 pm – 5:00 pm

Individual Instrument Clinic 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Percussion, Flutes, Trombones, Saxophones & Bassoon

Individual Instrument Clinic 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm
Tuba/Euphonium, Clarinets, Oboes, Trumpets & F. Horns

Sunday, September 19th Cole Harbour High School 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

NSYWE Payment of Fees
Please pay your registration fees in full, preferably before or on Friday, September 17, 2021. $300 for the season. Family rate – ½ cost for the second family member.

Payment can be made by E-transfer to nsywe@eastlink.ca (no password required). Cheque (payable to NSYWE), Cash or Credit Card (available in person at the first weekend.
Anyone needing extended payments should contact Hope Gendron.

Thank you for everyone who have already paid their fee.

NSYWE Cell Phone Policy
Cell Phones are not permitted in the rehearsal hall or on stage, either in your pocket or on your music stand. It is disrespectful to the conductor and other members of the ensemble to be constantly checking your cell phone. It is advisable to turn your phone off and place it in your instrument case during rehearsal. You may be asked to leave rehearsal if persistent cell phone use is a problem.

NSYWE Fundraising – Fall 2021
More information will be sent to you soon!

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Fall Cleaning

We are going to clean up the website after rehearsals get started in the fall of 2021.

Any account that has not been accessed for two or more years may be deleted without further notice..

Once the last member of an ensemble year has been deleted, most images of that year’s ensemble may be deleted from the website, unless they are deemed archival in nature.

Concert performances, for the most part, will remain on YouTube.

If there are any questions, please e-mail me or Hope.

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An End of Season Message from Dr. Mark Hopkins

Hello NSYWE Students and Parents/Guardians,

As the NSYWE season comes to a close, our in-person activities are once more thwarted by the pandemic.  But somehow, I am still happy.  Happy that we managed to meet those few times, that we shared some really, really wonderful music, that you got such expert coaching and lessons, that my dear friend Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser had the opportunity to share his magic and humanity with you.  I am thankful that the Stadacona Band players were so willing to partner with us in concert, an amazing and generous gift, from them to you.

But most of all, I am grateful to each of you. Resilience means aiming high and not being discouraged when your best laid plans go awry.  Some commentators suggest that today’s youth is self-obsessed and fragile—they are proven wrong by your actions this season.  I am impressed with your strength of character, and above all, for your kindness to each other.  I am still hopeful that we will have a wonderful in-person season next fall.  For those of you heading off to university, we will miss you (although, if you are in the region, you can still be a part of the NSYWE). Audition materials for next year are available.

A final thought, cycles of challenge (like plagues and wars) are evident throughout history.  But I urge you to note, after the “black death” in medieval times, the renaissance exploded.  After WW2, there followed the longest sustained period of economic and cultural growth the world has ever seen.  In short, once we get through this moment, there will be a “renaissance” in art, music, and ideas that will be breathtaking.  I am programming the two next seasons of the NSYWE as renaissance seasons, as a rebirth, a growth moment for all of us.  Even if you cannot be with us because you age-out of the NSYWE or go away to school, do not forget to be kind, to play your instrument, and share the joy of musicking wherever you go.

Go Band!

Mark Hopkins
Artistic Director
NSYWE

Special thanks to the NSYWE Committee:
Hope Gendron, Chairman
Pam Paddock, Assistant Conductor
Holly Lohnes
Kevin Finch
Tristan De Borba
Lauren Park
Lauren Wadden
Zoë Strutt
Lucille Humble
Ruth Blackie
James LeBlanc