Sophie had yet another exceptional year! She clinched first place in the Surrey Youth Orchestra’s Junior Strings Concerto Competition for the second consecutive year. However, Sophie couldn’t return to SYO because she earned a spot in the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra (VYSO) Junior String Orchestra, where she now serves as Assistant Concertmaster. Bravo, Sophie! Keep up the outstanding work!

Maksim began learning the viola less than two years ago, having no prior experience with string instruments. In the past year and a half, he was acceptance into the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra (VYSO), Debut Orchestra. This year, he’s taken another impressive step by earning a spot in the Junior level orchestra for the 2023-2024 season. Congratulations, Maksim! Keep up the fantastic work! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Bravo Sophie!

In the 2021-2022 season, Sophie had an absolutely fantastic year! Not only did she secure the coveted 1st Prize in the Surrey Youth Orchestra (SYO) Prelude Strings scholarship, but she also earned a spot in the more advanced Intermezzo Strings, all without the need for an application or audition. Every week, she arrived with a stack of sheet music that we never quite managed to get through, yet she consistently came well-prepared. Sophie, your dedication and accomplishments are truly remarkable! Great job!

Bravo Maksim!

Maksim embarked on his musical journey by taking up the violin in October 2021, and by December of the same year, he made a bold switch to the viola. His goal was to secure a spot in the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra (VYSO)for the 2022-2023 season. This was no small feat, considering he aimed to audition for one of the most competitive youth orchestras in the province, despite his limited prior playing experience.

In just eight months, Maksim made remarkable progress, elevating his skills from a preparatory level to an impressive Grade 5 proficiency. He not only completed the rigorous audition process but also received the thrilling news of his ACCEPTANCE! Maksim, you’re a true representation of dedication and talent. Congratulations! #violapower

Bravo Clayton!

One of Clayton’s aspirations was to successfully complete a Royal Conservatory of Music violin exam. To achieve this goal, he established a rigorous practice routine to master both the playing requirements and the essential musicianship skills required for the exam. Additionally, Clayton became a participant in my group music theory lessons and seized every opportunity to showcase his progress by performing in the weekly ‘Mock Recitals’ that took place towards the end of the season. As the exam date approached, he even doubled down on his lessons, which led him to cheeky remark, “It feels as though I see you every day.” I couldn’t help but think the same!

In early May 2022, Clayton took his exam and achieved an outstanding ‘First Class Honours‘ for his Grade 2 RCM Examination. Exceptional job, Clayton!

Bravo Khoi!

Khoi embarked on his violin journey alongside me in September 2021. His unwavering commitment to mastering the instrument was evident right from the beginning. This determination fueled our shared goal of getting him into Killarney Secondary School’s strings program. Initially, we aimed for the Beginner Orchestra, but to our astonishment, Khoi was placed in the Senior Orchestra. It was a remarkable leap forward that exceeded even my expectations.

On June 22, Khoi sent me an exciting DM: ‘Hello Ms. Meghan, Mr. Urquhart just told me that I’m going to Honor strings next year!‘