(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON- January 16th, 2019): Aspiring musicians from across the globe will have an exciting new opportunity to hone their craft thanks to an intensive summer music institute launched today at Algoma University. The one-of-a-kind Great Lakes International Summer Music Institute provides a two-week residential experience for a select group of advanced musicians at a pre-professional level; specifically for students in secondary school (grade 11-12) and/or college/university students.
This unique program has emerged from a partnership between the Algoma Music Camp Board and faculty from the Department of Music at Algoma University, including Dr. Ed Turgeon who will serve as the Institute’s Artistic Director. The Board of the Algoma Music Camp, which offered quality summer music programming to youth on St. Joseph’s Island from 1964- 2014, has provided valuable financial and planning support to help ensure the success of this exciting new initiative.
Vic Muenzer, Algoma Music Camp Board President notes, “It is with much joy that we move forward our new partnership with Algoma University to bring music instruction in the Sault to a new level while expanding the musical gem of the region to national and international audiences. It is clear that with our continued efforts, an exciting future is at hand.”
Participants will receive intensive solo and ensemble coaching and masterclasses with passionate world-class resident and guest faculty in piano, voice, and strings. Opportunities to attend inspiring guest lectures on topics such as music history, improvisation, and composition build on leadership, performance and recreational opportunities scheduled over the course of the session. Those who successfully complete the Institute can earn Algoma University academic credit in Chamber Music.
All activities occur within the natural splendour of the Algoma region that has inspired renowned artists such as Glenn Gould and the Group of Seven. Frank Deresti, Executive Director of the Institute believes this breathtaking geography will inspire students to grow musically. “Students will come to the institute playing at a high level on their instruments, and will leave with a wealth of new knowledge, skills, perspective and inspiration.”
“This exciting artistic venture will attract advanced level young musicians, their families, as well as world-class musicians to the Algoma region,” shared Artistic Director Dr. Edward Turgeon. “The institute will enrich the local arts community while providing a creative environment conducive to artistic self-actualization, realization of human creative, and leadership potential.”
The inaugural offering of the Great Lakes International Summer Music Institute is scheduled to run from July 21 to August 3, 2019, admitting 20 students for its initial intake. For more information, including audition requirements, please visit the Great Lakes International Summer Music Institute website.
Grow. Musically. Challenge. Creativity. Meet. Inspiration.
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