Got Strings?

 

Do you play a string instrument?   Would you like to play and perform chamber music.  Would you be interested in touring? If answer is YES then please continue reading.

 

We are working to put together a string chamber orchestra.  We will also start additional

small ensembles (e.g. string quartets) according to interest  and available players. We anticipate most players to be youth but welcome and encourage all ages. Any wind instruments?  We will start only with string instruments and piano as needed  in small ensembles and orchestra.  Later we will expand to winds that allow us to perform symphonic repertoire.

 

Who are we?

We are Christ Lutheran Church in El Cerrito who has been committed to addressing the needs of the community and to open our doors for use by community groups, concerts and recitals.  We have had a history of quality music programs and talented musicians.  It has long been our dream to provide an orchestra and chamber music program that would be of interest to young people (including the young at heart).  This dream took on new life when a member of our community, who is a gifted musician experienced in ensemble, offered to help develop such a program.

 

Who is he?

A native of Finland, Jukka-Pekka (JP) Vainio won his first position as a cellist in a professional orchestra (Kouvola Philmarmonic Orchestra, now The Kymi Symphony, http://www.kymisinfonietta.fi/content.php?id=113) when he was just 16. After spending two years at Helsinki Conservatory, he shifted his focus to a graduate degree in math, computer science, and secondary education. During his studies, Jukka-Pekka continued to perform as a freelance cellist and trombonist (e.g. Vantaa Pops http://www.vantaapops.fi/ and Rauma Symphony)

Upon completion of his master’s degree in 1995, Jukka-Pekka and his wife, Melissa, moved to Massachusetts where Jukka-Pekka stepped into the role of conductor of a 60-piece community orchestra in Harwich, MA. The orchestra made up of musicians of all ages, practiced once a week for 2-3 hours and did about 7 concert performances a year.  Jukka-Pekka was also a cellist in the Cape Symphony (http://www.capesymphony.org/) and taught high school math.

Jukka-Pekka left his conducting position when he and Melissa moved to the Bay Area in 1998. Both have been active members of the professional hand bell ensemble, Sonos,  (http://www.sonos.org/) for several years. Jukka continues to play cello locally, and has also performed in New Mexico, Oregon, Maryland, Colorado, Virginia, and Massachusetts.  He recently performed Saint-Saëns cello concerto as a soloist with the Blacksburg Symphony Orchestra in Virginia. Jukka loves to teach and to perform, and enjoys working with people of all ages. Starting his own community/youth orchestra has been a life-long ambition. One of his guiding principles is stated well, “The overall goal is not just to develop musicianship but also to offer a community that supports the growth of the whole person.”

 

How will this work the first time?

 

Bring your music stand and your instrument!!!

January 16th 2008:

2:30pm             Registration, Social time and Snacks

3pm                 Orientation

3:30pm             Got Strings!  (First Rehearsal)

5:00pm             Closing surprises

 

 

How will this work after the first time?

 

January 23 2008 and from there on:

2:00 pm            Come as you are able. Snacks and beverages available, practice, work on your homework.  JP is happy to tutor in math as needed and time allows.

3:00 pm            Rehearsal

5:00 pm            Continue rehearsal or presentation of life skills or “expanding interest” by meeting quests.

 

Who do I contact if I have questions?

 

You can contact

orchestra@christlutheranelcerrito.org

 

 

 

What do I need to do if I want to participate?

 

Please come to the orientation meeting on January 16th 2008 at 3pm 

at Christ Lutheran Church

780 Ashbury Avenue (off Stockton)
El Cerrito, CA 94530

510/524-1050

http://www.christlutheranelcerrito.org/