MISSION STATEMENT
"The purpose of the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music is to foster excellence in the
performing arts in the Central Vancouver Island Region."
OVERVIEW
The Nanaimo Conservatory of Music was founded in 1977. Now operating from its new facility at 375 Selby Street the Conservatory will continue to provide high quality musical instruction to children and adults from Central Vancouver Island.
The Conservatory prepares students for all levels of the Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto) and Western Board exams. Students are encouraged to participate in the annual Upper Island Music Festival and to perform in Conservatory recitals. Whatever your skill level, the Conservatory has something to offer.
All of our instructors are highly qualified and dedicated. Many of our music teachers are members of the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra.
HISTORY
The Conservatory began as the Central Vancouver Island Community Music School in 1977 with six teachers and thirty students. Before the existence of the school, students who wished to study voice, violin, cello, etc. had to travel to Victoria or Vancouver for lessons; especially those who wished to be instructed at higher levels. Since 1977 the C.V.I.C.M.S./Conservatory of Music has provided high quality instruction in voice and in a wide variety of individual instruments in both the classical and jazz traditions, as well as organizing wind and string ensembles, orchestral and recorder groups, a band program when there was a need, the adult chamber choir, and the increasingly popular and successful Nanaimo Youth Choir.
By 1979/80 the school had grown to 130 students receiving instruction from 17 teachers. Over the years enrolment has fluctuated with 1996/97 being the year with the highest number of students to date - 385 receiving instruction from 24 teachers. The faculty is currently at 29 teachers all of whom are highly qualified and dedicated. Many of our instructors are members of the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra.
The Conservatory is unique in the Central Vancouver Island area. The community has responded to its existence over the years by participating in its programs and attending the concerts and recitals produced by the Conservatory.
The Conservatory's focus has always been on youth and the young beginner, recognizing that it is critical that beginners receive lessons from skilled and qualified teachers. Although the focus is on young people, we also invite participation by all ages and levels. Our students annually participate in the Upper Island Music Festival, are encouraged to take the R.C.M. examinations and to compete in other music festivals and competitions.
STAFF
Executive Director - Kathleen Darby
Bookkeeper/administrative assistant - Ellen Wakelam
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD:
- President - James Duthie
- Vice President - Garry McKevitt
- Treasurer - Louise Negrave
- Secretary - Leslie Mathews
Members:
- Bert Wolfe
- Bruce Farquharson
- Donna Laing
- Katie Hommy
- Veronica Wagner
- Cindy Speelman
- Patrick Carpenter
- Eric Ricker
