Here at the Santa Clara Vanguard, we are committed to providing unique and exciting musical opportunities for young performers in the Bay Area and all across the country. That is why, as we enter our 50th Anniversary in 2017, it is our great pleasure to announce a brand new offering under the umbrella of our Community Arts program:
The Santa Clara Vanguard Youth Percussion Ensemble!
The Santa Clara Vanguard Youth Percussion Ensemble (SCV YPE) is a NEW premiere performing arts ensemble that seeks to provide young percussionists with the resources to grow and develop their skills on a wide range of percussive instruments. This ensemble is open to students ages 13-21 and encourages students with limited experience to audition and gain musical skills for percussion performance. In addition to the full ensemble setting, performers will have the opportunity to perform chamber works and have access to a wide range of percussive styles and pedagogy.
“I’m excited to launch the inaugural season of the Youth Percussion Ensemble, building on the foundation of what we started last year with the Youth Brass Ensemble,” said Charles Frost, SCV Executive Director. “This is the next step for the Santa Clara Vanguard in fulfilling our mission and creating even more opportunities for performers to share their talent with the world!”
We are also thrilled to welcome back the Santa Clara Vanguard Youth Brass Ensemble (SCV YBE) for their second season in 2017. The SCV YBE is aimed at giving young brass musicians the opportunity to perform unique repertoire at the highest level possible. The Youth Brass Ensemble enjoyed a greatly successful season in 2016 that was memorable for participants and audience members alike.
“The SCV Youth Brass Ensemble’s first season was a huge success. With many talented young musicians in the area coming together to perform music from Gabrieli to Duke Ellington, we created an atmosphere for learning, high artistic integrity, collaboration and fun that was one of the best parts of my week,” said Andrew Hill, SCV Community Arts Director. “For the Spring of 2017, I’m excited to challenge the group with new repertoire, bring in some amazing guest artists and give back to the community through joyous music making.”
The SCV YBE and SCV YPE offer a number of special benefits to young musicians in the Bay Area, including: professional training under experience conductors and staff, concert performances in prestigious venues, sectional coaching and master classes from world-class musicians, and community service via music outreach. Additionally, these Community Arts programs will continue to build upon the tradition of excellence and professionalism that has become a standard of the Santa Clara Vanguard.
“We look forward to giving talented young musicians more opportunities to showcase their skills and develop long-lasting memories,” added Shaun Gallant, SCV Director of Programs.
AUDITION INFORMATION:
The SCV YBE and SCV YPE will hold auditions for their 2017 seasons on the following days:
Sunday, December 11 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Sunday, December 18 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
To apply for a Youth Brass Ensemble audition, please fill out this form.
To apply for a Youth Percussion Ensemble audition, please fill out this form.
Upon submission, your application will be reviewed by a member of the SCV-YPE staff, and followed up with an email confirmation. A $15 non-refundable registration fee is required for all new and returning members that is to be paid no later than the date of the audition. Applicants will be notified of their audition date and time approximately one week prior to the audition. Missed auditions will not be rescheduled. All auditions will be held at the Santa Clara Vanguard Hall.