Month: February 2022

Last night was a wonderful opportunity for three piano students. Veronica Ociepa, Teslyn Bates, and Jaeden Izik-Dzurko participated in a Masterclass by professional concert pianist Aljoša Jurinić. Aljoša is originally from Croatia and currently pursuing a DMA at the University of Toronto. He is established on international stages and world piano competitions, and is hailed as a startlingly subtle and visionary pianist with a rare blend of charm and mastery.

For three hours, Aljoša spent time with each student going through their selected pieces and providing advice, encouragement and suggestions on how to improve their playing. Not only is Aljoša Jurinić incredibly intelligent and thought provoking, but his character and the way he interacts with others with respect and appreciation is outstanding.

Aljoša is here in Vernon for the NOCCA concert, happening tonight at 7:30pm at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre. Tickets are available at ticketseller.ca.

The Music School would like to thank the BC Arts Council for this magnificent grant opportunity.

Our 100 Days of Practice challenge is in full swing as we move into February. For those of you participating, we hope you are able to carve out sections of your day for your practice, that you are noticing improvements in your playing, and that you are super proud of what you have accomplished so far!

Daphne is a student of Carole Ruth, and has just recently started playing the violin. Some of you may know her grandfather, Denis Letourneau. Denis has been a long time supporter of the Vernon Community Music School, and was one of the first teachers to teach at the Music School in 1976.

Both Denis and Carole taught violin when the Music School was located in the Army Camp in the K Hut from 1976-1982, and then moved to our current location in the heritage Smith House building. What a history!