UNews - Conservatory of Music

U of L updates reopening plans for Community Stadium, Centre for Sport & Wellness and summer camps

caroline.zentner — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 21:52:46 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has finalized its latest reopening plans for shared ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ-community spaces, including the Community Stadium, the Centre for Sport & Wellness and summer camps.

Alberta entered Stage 2 of its relaunch strategy on June 12. While provincial guidelines now allow for use of sport and recreation spaces, the province’s Guidance for Post-Secondary Institutions continues to direct universities to limit in-person attendance on campus as much as possible.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge recognizes that, in addition to serving its students, staff, and faculty, its many spaces and activities also serve the larger local community. As we continue to ready and ease access to our spaces for academic and community use, we do so in accordance with all applicable public health guidelines (balancing our responsibilities across sectors) and continue to prioritize the health and safety of all uses.

Working within provincial guidelines for both facilities and types of activities, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is working to ease access to shared community facilities (Community Stadium and the Centre for Sport & Wellness) and offer summer camp programming as possible.

Community Stadium

As a primarily outdoor facility that is operated in partnership with the City of Lethbridge, the U of L’s Community Stadium will open on June 24 for drop-in use only. Visit the stadium website for more details. As of July 6, group bookings will be accepted by contacting Sandy Williston at sandy.williston@uleth.ca.

Summer Camps

Balancing post-secondary facility restrictions alongside recreation guidelines that continue to advise that, where possible, sport and physical activities be relocated to outdoor settings, Horns Recreation will offer a select number of summer camps outdoors at the Community Stadium. These include the soccer and multi-activity camps.

In-person Destination Exploration summer camps will be cancelled for the month of July. Live activities will be available on Tuesdays on the Destination Exploration website. Destination Exploration is also offering programming through the mini uLethbridge platform.

Registrations for all Horns Recreation and Destination Exploration August camps will remain open. We anticipate that, as provincial health guidelines continue to shift, we will be in a position to offer summer camps in August.

The Conservatory of Music has cancelled in-person summer programming, but will continue to offer mini uLethbridge virtual camps through the summer and is offering an online Piano Intensive camp.

Understandably, these decisions which minimize the number of in-person camps is frustrating for parents who are trying to plan activities for their children over the summer. However, indoor summer camps require non-recreation-based campus space, which is limited by adherence to the current post-secondary guidelines as outlined by the province. Parents who have registered their children in a camp that cannot be offered in July will be notified by email.

U of L Centre for Sport & Wellness

Following the province's announcement about entering Stage 2 of relaunch, which moved Recreation Facilities into an earlier phase than initially indicated, the team at Horns Recreation has been working hard behind the scenes to welcome members back to the U of L's fitness facilities as soon as possible. While the way the facilities operate will change slightly, the team looks forward to helping its members reach their fitness goals in its state-of-the-art facilities, through a variety of programming and training options. Specific reopening plans are being developed and updates will be posted online at Sport & Recreation and through social media accounts @hornsrec.

U of L summer camps could take many forms

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 May 2020 19:04:20 +0000

Summer camps at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will go on — one way or another.

As the Government of Alberta begins to ease restrictions as part of its phased approach to reopening the province, summer day camps (with guidelines) are part of Phase 1 of the plan.

Whether in-person or not, the sumer camp experience is a vital engagement experience for southern Alberta youngsters.

“We are encouraged, and hopeful, with the Government of Alberta’s plan for the Phase 1 lifting of restrictions related to COVID-19 that includes summer day camps (with occupancy limits),” says Valerie Archibald, director of Youth Outreach at the U of L. “As such, we are keeping the majority of our summer programming schedule intact for the time being. Since early April, various U of L departments have been working collaboratively to come up with viable options to address the evolving environment surrounding COVID-19 and its effect on our summer programming – online and in-person (with restrictions).”

U of L teams are working on scenarios and activities that can be accommodated under current provincial guidelines, how to safely check campers both in and out of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, what facilities might be available and how to evolve the strategy should the province move into Phase 2 or 3 as the summer progresses.

“We will continue to monitor the Government of Alberta reopening schedule and guidelines as they evolve and are prepared to alter, adapt or cancel our summer camps as required,” says Archibald. “If your in-person summer camp is cancelled, all registrants will receive a full refund of their paid fees."

Meanwhile, U of L teams are working on the creation of a new initiative — a Mini U online camp for the summer — with registration details to come. Free for households, the program will provide a camp experience at home. Campers will be able to use at-home supplies or purchase full kits with all the supplies they need for an awesome week of learning and fun. They will have the opportunity to meet with other campers and instructors online to participate in hands-on, engaging activities. They will also be able to work at their own pace on various other projects provided throughout the week, all provided collaboratively by Destination Exploration, the U of L Art Gallery, the Conservatory of Music and Sport & Recreation Services.

“We know kids throughout southern Alberta love the U of L summer camp experience as much as we do and we are doing all we can to bring them the same engaging, enriching summer experience they’ve all come to expect,” says Archibald.

For continuing camp updates, visit the Community Programs web page.

Conservatory of Music hosts online lessons for more than 700 students

trevor.kenney — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 17:49:02 +0000

With schools closed and parents adapting to home schooling their children, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music is helping to provide some normalcy by quickly adapting their one-on-one music lessons to an online format. Since the closure of Casa, over 700 students have transitioned to online classes, keeping music in their homes during a difficult time.

Piano instructor Colleen Klassen teaches a virtual lesson with one of her young students.

“We wanted our instructors to be able to continue doing what they love, and have some financial stability during these uncertain times,” says Breeanne Fuller, director of the uLethbridge Conservatory. “We were not sure how receptive our students would be, but the support from our private students and their families has been incredible.”

While the instructors acknowledge that in-person lessons are ideal, they agree that the new online, interim arrangement has been successful so far.

“I, of course, prefer the weekly in-person interactions with my students, but for now, these online lessons are a great substitute,” explains piano instructor Colleen Klassen. “They keep our students progressing and moving forward, and they provide consistency in our young students' lives, when everything else around them has changed.”

Klassen teaches about 35 students a week at the Conservatory, and quickly adapted to online teaching using the Zoom platform.

“Music can be a source of comfort, and I think that’s something we all need right now,” she says.

It didn’t take long to get conservatory instructors and their students up to speed on virtual lessons.

“I was amazed at how quickly the instructors researched online teaching and developed a plan to implement it,” says Fuller. “Not only did they figure out the best way to schedule lessons, but also the best ways to interact, share lesson plans, send sheet music and even record accompaniments.”

Because the COVID-19 pandemic is a global issue, musicians and educators are coming together from around the world and forming alliances to assist each other in making this transition.

“Experts from all over the world are hosting free webinars and building Facebook groups to share resources,” continues Fuller. “It has been incredible to see the resiliency and positivity in our instructors locally, but also the sense of community among music teachers on a much larger scale.”

Music, and all creative and fine arts, play a role in comforting, healing and bringing peace during times of crisis.

“Providing over 700 students the ability to continue their love of music brings a new sense of joy to the students and the instructors – although we all look forward to seeing each other in person again soon,” says Fuller.

For more information about the Conservatory of Music and one-on-one music lessons, visit ulethbridge.ca/music-conservatory.

CASA opens its doors

trevor.kenney — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:08:05 +0000

The City of Lethbridge, Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge are excited to announce the Grand Opening of CASA, a truly functional 42,000 square foot arts centre with a striking building design.

CASA is the realization of a 20-year dream, shared by many in the Lethbridge arts community, to expand or replace the Bowman Arts Centre and provide a home for the arts in one central location.

"I am very pleased to participate in today's celebration, which will usher in new opportunities for Lethbridge and southern Alberta's artistic community," says Jim Hillyer, Member of Parliament for Lethbridge, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

"Worthwhile projects such as this create jobs and encourage economic growth, while also providing Canadians with valuable cultural spaces."

Funding for the $20.69 million project includes $6 million from the Building Canada Fund – Communities Component (with $3 million provided by both the Federal Government and Alberta Transportation under BCF-CC), $14.4 million from the provincial Municipal Sustainability Initiative (administered by Alberta Municipal Affairs) and $200,000 from the City of Lethbridge.

"We're pleased to support local priorities and build communities through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative," says Greg Weadick, Associate Minister of Alberta Municipal Affairs and MLA for Lethbridge-West.

"Facilities like CASA bring together families and neighbours while they enrich lives, entertain and create more vibrant economies."

CASA will allow for students of all ages to learn and explore many different mediums of art, drama, music, dance, yoga and more. It will become home to many local groups and events.

After the 11 a.m. Grand Opening, and for the remainder of the week, special events will be taking place in the evenings, with a Party On the Plaza from noon until 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. This community festival is free and will include many local musicians and entertainers, from the Lethbridge Community Taiko Association to the U of L Conservatory of Music.

Other events during the week include dance, theatre, film, the inaugural CASA art exhibit opening and the music of Oscar Lopez.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music has numerous events planned that showcase both the new facility and their diverse programs.

U of L Conservatory information, including program registration and upcoming events listings, can be found at this website.

"Our local arts community has been waiting for this day for a long time. For decades to come, this new arts facility will be a significant cultural and economic asset for downtown Lethbridge and for the entire community," says Mayor Rajko Dodic.

Along with the Allied Arts Council, who will be overseeing the facility, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is also a major partner with its Music Conservatory moving to this facility.

"We are extremely proud of U of L Music Conservatory Director Peggy Mezei and her team, and their achievements as they move in to CASA's bright and beautiful space," says Dr. Mike Mahon, the U of L's President and Vice-Chancellor. "Our commitment to the community takes on many forms, and being such an integral part of the CASA group is something we are very pleased to be a part of. This new facility will be of great benefit to our present and future Conservatory students, and also to the many members of the arts and culture community who use the facility to express their own creativity."

The Rotary Clubs of Lethbridge have also provided support to the project which has led to the naming of the Rotary Plaza, the location of the festivities on Saturday, May 18.

CASA will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 pm. on Sundays. Classes and workshops, including the opportunity to try "sampler" classes for a nominal fee, will begin the week of May 20.

Information on Grand Opening Week events as well as information on classes, workshops, facility rentals and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Music Conservatory can be found at the CASA website.

Future of Penny Building looks bright

trevor.kenney — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:23:46 +0000

It's taken a few years, but the redevelopment of the downtown Dr. James Foster Penny Building is coming along. Parts of the building are already accessible and the main floor is set to open in January 2013. A recent $800,000-renovation to Level 1 and sections of Level 2 has enhanced the building immensely.

Upon completion, the Alumni Relations office within ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement will move into its new home, complete with five offices and a meeting room. As well, a new ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ gift shop will be created and the art gallery space updated, allowing Faculty of Fine Arts students a venue to showcase their work. The building's entrance will also be spruced up and the stairwell to the second floor is receiving a facelift.

An artist's conception of the lobby area inside the Penny Building.

The U of L Conservatory of Music is calling the second level of the Penny Building home until it moves into the new downtown Community Arts Centre in the spring of 2013.

Meanwhile, other areas of Level 2 continue to undergo construction, including a community meeting room, boardroom and upgrades to the washrooms and kitchen area.

The U of L Call Centre is also housed on the upper level of the building. It will continue to occupy the space part time throughout the year.

Renovations to the Penny Building have been ongoing since it was donated to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2007. Formerly a furniture store and a pool hall, the Penny Building has a long history in Lethbridge. Unfortunately, it wasn't in the greatest condition when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ took ownership, and with no set purpose for its use, construction to the building didn't get off to a roaring start.

The Project Management Office (PMO) first began work on the building to make it functional starting with the creation of gallery space for the Faculty of Fine Arts. However, there was a slight delay before the gallery could move in.

"We were doing the renovation for Fine Arts, but at the time, the Southern Alberta Art Gallery needed a home because their building was being renovated, says Project Manager Greg Lacey. "So we renovated the Penny Building for Fine Arts knowing that they wouldn't move in until after SAAG was done occupying the building."

In 2010, SAAG moved out and Fine Arts moved in, and soon after the PMO began an overhaul of the mechanical components throughout the building. Previously, each floor was broken into two zones, which offered little control of the heating and cooling systems among other mechanical operations.

"We did that for functionality of the space because we wanted to be able to mechanically zone the area to outfit anything we wanted to," says Lacey.

All renovations included the installation of energy efficient lighting and low voltage relays. A new hot water tank was also installed.

"We are using anything we can to make the building as energy efficient as possible," says Lacey.

Situated in downtown Lethbridge, the 2,862 gross sq. m. Penny Building not only presents more space for U of L programming, it is the perfect site for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to host events and further immerse itself into the community – part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's strategic plan to build relationships off campus.

"Right from the get-go, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ identified the building as a good place to have galas and other events," says Lacey, adding many events have already been held on the site.

Future phases of the building project have yet to be outlined, but it may include renovations to the bar, art gallery area, and storage space as well as new signage.

This story first appeared in the December 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the entire issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Summer camps for everyone

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:22:33 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge continues to be a hub of activity throughout the summer months thanks to a variety of summer camp options available on campus:

Life, You, Mathematics and Computer Science (LUMACS)

LUMACS exists to encourage interest in and awareness of Mathematics and Computer Science as a part of everyday life. In addition to being important in almost every field of work, they play a huge part in cool things like movie special effects, in everyday things like how we talk with our friends, and in amazing things like space exploration. Just think how exciting it would be to help design a spaceship to visit Mars, or a new iPhone, or a program to help kids in Africa learn. And it's not hard, because we use math and computer science ideas every day – we just don't realize it.

Sport & Rec

Sport & Recreation Services camps offer elementary aged children and young adults the opportunity to learn and broaden their horizons acquiring fundamental skills in a variety of activities which range from wall climbing, swimming, gymnastics, hiking to sport specific and to our ever popular multi-activity camp. Your child has an opportunity to participate in all these different activities. All of our instructors encourage and promote social interaction skills, emphasizing cooperation and individual improvement rather than competition. Participants are grouped relative to their age and physical ability levels. This ensures all youth are learning and challenged in an appropriate way.

Conservatory of Music

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Conservatory of Music offers music instruction to musicians of all ages and levels. During the summer months, the Conservatory schedules programs that are exclusive to the summer semester. Make sure to add these to your summer plans: Rock On! – a rock camp for all musicians with 2 years experience (ages 9-18). This camp also includes a beginner guitar component; Let's Sing – a junior voice camp (for ages 6-8 or 9-12); Kindermusik Adventures – music and movement for 18m-3yrs and 3-5yrs; and our most intensive summer workshop, Southern Alberta Vocal Experience (SAVE), for ages 13-16 and 17-23. Check us out online, call us at 403-329-2304 or email at music.conservatory@uleth.ca to find the program that's right for you.

Destination Exploration

Destination Exploration at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge provides programs to encourage interest and participation in science for children grades one through nine. We offer Learning Quest Science Camps during Reading Week and throughout July and August. We also offer programs throughout the school year including our Bunsen and Beaker and Little Elements Science Clubs. Please call us at 403-382-7161 or visit our website at uleth.ca/sciencecamps for more information.

Destination Exploration is a proud member of Actua. Actua provides training, resources and support to a national network of local organizations offering science and technology education programs. Actua members reach over 200,000 youth per year. Please visit Actua on the web at www.actua.ca.

This story first appeared in the Legend. To view the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Summer camps for everyone

trevor.kenney — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:25:35 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge continues to be a hub of activity throughout the summer months thanks to a variety of summer camp options available on campus:

Life, You, Mathematics and Computer Science (LUMACS)

Sport & Rec

Conservatory of Music

Destination Exploration

This story first appeared in the Legend. To view the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Conservatory campaign off to rousing start

trevor.kenney — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 18:07:53 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge officials, community volunteers and students from the U of L Conservatory of Music launched the "Music in the Making" campaign on Friday afternoon with more than half of their ambitious goal already achieved.

The $500,000 community-based campaign will support the Conservatory's move to the new Community Arts Centre, currently under construction in downtown Lethbridge, east of Galt Gardens on the corner of 8th St. S and 3rd Ave. S.

The Conservatory will be a major tenant in the facility, which will enhance the ability for members of the community to experience and enjoy the arts. With more than $250,000 raised to date, the campaign is well underway, according to campaign Co-chairs Lottie Austin and Dr. George Evelyn.

"Music in the Making will support the Conservatory so that students have access to the equipment and tools necessary to be successful," explains Evelyn, who's excited about the opportunities presented by the new downtown location. "This is an important step as we continue to grow music in our community."

"Music has been a part of my life since my mother signed me up for violin lessons when I was five," says Evelyn, who grew up and completed his training in the United States before immigrating to Canada in 1973. He recently retired from the U of L after a more than 25-year tenure as a professor of music in the Faculty of Fine Arts and as the director of the U of L Singers.

"Although it wasn't with a violin under my chin, I've had a rewarding career and from that first lesson on it seemed natural that music was something I was going to do forever."

Austin acknowledges her business activities have led her away from music, but maintains she constantly finds applications for the skills she learned as a musician. "Music taught me to analyze, to set goals, to compartmentalize, to work towards success and those same tenets can be directly applied to a career in business. I know the majority of people who take lessons will not go on to be professional musicians but they will always carry music with them. It is a core component that no matter where you are or what your circumstances are, you will always have music with you," says Austin.

Both Evelyn and Austin agree that investment in the U of L Conservatory of Music is an investment in community. "By supporting the development of musicians and performers, you create possibilities that extend beyond the practice room, theatre or recital hall – you are helping make our community a better place to live. It's one way your contribution can leave a lasting note on the world," says Austin.

Conservatory connects to community

trevor.kenney — Tue, 17 May 2011 15:39:25 +0000

We've all used guidebooks, maps and compasses when hiking in the Rocky Mountains, but have you ever heard of a musical guide to the Rockies? That is what creator (and Calgary native) Samantha Whelan-Kotkas has produced.

Through the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Feel the Beat concert series, Lethbridge audiences will get an opportunity to take part in the experience.

"After the success of the original Rocky Mountain Fairytales, presented as part of the U of L Conservatory of Music's Feel the Beat concert series in 2008, we knew her More Rocky Mountain Fairytales would also be a hit," says Breeanne Fuller, Conservatory co-ordinator.

Whelan-Kotkas is doing four concerts in Lethbridge on May 17 and 18 at 10 a.m. and noon each day. Tickets are still available for the noon shows at Southminster United Church.

Children of all ages are sure to enjoy the chamber jazz music performed by U of L music professor Dr. David Renter and local musicians Scott Mezei and Paul Holden in conjunction with some of Canada's finest jazz musicians, including composer Tyler Hornby and pianist Chris Andrew from Edmonton.

"The Feel the Beat series offers free concerts year round for children, providing opportunities to hear and see classical music performed live," explains Fuller. "Our programs are age appropriate, relatively short and always free."

Supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Feel the Beat is enjoying its third successful season.

"More Rocky Mountain Fairytales showcases jazz music, and as an educational music school in this community, it's important to show young children that jazz music owes a great deal of its legacy to the classical tradition. Duke Ellington, for example, loved classical music," she says.

"Families of all ages are invited to the concert. Although admission is free, seats must be reserved before the show," adds Fuller.

Seats can be reserved by calling 403-329-2304.

This story first appeared in the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Conservatory connects to community

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:16:01 +0000

Through the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Feel the Beat concert series, Lethbridge audiences will get an opportunity to take part in the experience.

Whelan-Kotkas is doing four concerts in Lethbridge on May 17 and 18 at 10 a.m. and noon each day. Tickets are still available for the noon shows at Southminster United Church.

Supported by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Feel the Beat is enjoying its third successful season.

"Families of all ages are invited to the concert. Although admission is free, seats must be reserved before the show," adds Fuller.

Seats can be reserved by calling 403-329-2304.

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

UNews - Conservatory of Music

U of L updates reopening plans for Community Stadium, Centre for Sport & Wellness and summer camps

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