Vancouver Academy of Music facts for kids
The Vancouver Academy of Music (VAM) is a special school in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It's a place where people can learn all about music. The school started in 1969 as the Community Music School of Greater Vancouver. It was created by the Vancouver Community Arts Council. The school moved to Vanier Park in 1976. In 1979, it officially became the Vancouver Academy of Music. Today, VAM has two main parts: one for older students who want to become professional musicians, and another for kids and adults who want to learn music for fun.
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History of the Music School
When the Vancouver Academy of Music first opened, it taught music to young children. They used special teaching methods like Orff, Suzuki, and Kodály. These methods help kids learn music in fun and active ways.
In 1971, a talented trumpet player named Jerold Gerbrecht became the music director. He helped the school grow a lot. They started offering classes for adults too. These new classes included music theory, history, and how to compose music. People could also take private lessons for instruments or singing. The school even formed its own orchestra and choir.
The school kept adding more programs in the 1970s and 1980s. They offered special workshops and courses, like opera workshops. Because of this success, VAM started a college program in 1987. It was called the S. K. Lee College Program. Students in this program take music classes at VAM. They also take other subjects at Thompson Rivers University. This program helps students earn a Bachelor of Music degree.
VAM Orchestras
The Vancouver Academy of Music has several orchestras for different skill levels. There are Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Symphony Orchestras. These groups allow students to play music together and improve their skills.
Three times a year, the Senior Academy Strings group joins with the wind instrument students. Together, they form the Academy Symphony Orchestra. This large orchestra performs at the famous Vancouver Orpheum Theatre. Many talented conductors have led these performances, including the late Sidney Harth.
Notable People at VAM
Many talented musicians have taught or studied at the Vancouver Academy of Music.
Teachers and Faculty
- Robert Creech, a French horn player
- Kum-Sing Lee, a piano teacher
- Phyllis Mailing, a voice teacher
- Steven Staryk, a violin teacher
- Gwen Thompson, a violin teacher
- Robert Rozek, a violin teacher
Students and Alumni
- Lisle Ellis, a composer who writes music
- Chan-hon Goh, a ballet dancer
- Erin Wall, an opera singer
- Jon Kimura Parker, a pianist
See also
- Category:Academic staff of the Vancouver Academy of Music
