Angela Hewitt appointed first Ambassador of OrKidstra!
A capacity audience was on hand at a lively concert in Tabaret Hall on September 28th to celebrate the formal appointment of our first Ambassador. Laurence Wall of CBC Radio emceed the hour-long program during which Ms. Hewitt performed solo, conducted the orchestra and joined the students on violin!
“The Leading Note Foundation, through its OrKidstra programs, has shown how music can change the prospects of children who could not otherwise afford to learn an instrument. I am delighted to lend my name to their efforts.”
OrKidstra's founding Artistic Director Margaret Tobolowska's career as a composer has taken her to Toronto.
Margaret was instrumental in creating the many pedagogical materials that OrKidstra teachers use in their classes and in arranging music to suit the abilities of OrKidstra students. Without Ms. Margaret, OrKidstra would not be where it is today.
She is certainly missed at OrKidstra but it is with great pride and excitement that we announce that Margaret has officially been entered for a Grammy nomination in the Best New Age album category!! We miss you Ms. Margaret but we are SO proud of you. You continue to be an inspiration to us even though we may not see you every week!
In June, with great sadness, The Leading Note Foundation mourned the passing of Anne Taylor, one of its most dynamic and inspiring Board Members.
In her memory and in keeping with Anne's wishes, her family has created The Anne Taylor Summer Fund. The fund will support activities that were important to Anne: it will allow senior OrKidstra students to continue their music education, strengthen their role in the community and enjoy outdoor recreation activities during the summer months.
200 OrKidstra students put on a joyful and extraordinarily professional performance at Dominion-Chalmers on June 12, 2014. The concert was a celebration of all that the children had learned over the year, both individually and as a team—and what an amazing and varied performance it was! The audience demonstrated their enjoyment with a sustained standing ovation and everyone left with a happy heart and a broad smile! See more photos.
The Leading Note Foundation will host a
Sistema-Inspired International Symposium on February 12 & 13, 2015.
Symposium on Instrumental Change will be a two day conference held in Canada's capital.
Day 1: Thursday February 12 will feature keynote speakers and sessions that cover topics ranging from program coordination and fundraising to assessments, repertoire and the role of volunteers.
Day 2: Friday, February 13 emphasizes Pedagogical and Teacher Development including workshops given by dynamic and experienced teaching artists, classes and performances with OrKidstra students.
The Leading Note Foundation would like to introduce Carrie Olivo who joined the staff in June as the new Office Manager. Carrie brings many years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector. She is also a musician and outdoorswoman.
Welcome Ms. Carrie!
Our volunteers...
The Leading Note Foundation is grateful to Robert Vibert of RSV Photography for giving us permission to feature his excellent photographs of our performers and staff. With his kind permission, OrKidstra is able to supplement its images of performances and events that reflect the passion and involvement of the children and their instructors.
Robert Vibert has photographed at more than 100 cultural events in Ottawa over the past several years and his photos have gained a wide and enthusiastic following amongst artists and performers. Robert's photos can be seen on his Facebook page.
Our supporters...
OrKidstra's Executive and Artistic Director Tina Fedeski received the Torch-Bearer Award during the 2014 Sri Chinmoy Peace Run. The award was created to recognize and honour those people who have inspired their nations, their cities, and their communities through their own lives and deeds.
Congratulations, Ms. Tina!
During a busy week at the end of September, OrKidstra was honoured with a visit from the First Lady of Germany Daniela Schadt who is interested in the accessibility of the arts for all children. Ms. Schadt led a lively discussion with OrKidstra's senior students who played for her and her entourage. She was very impressed with their performance - especially of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3!
Down to Business...
The Leading Note Foundation's Annual General Meeting will be held on November 17. The Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 2013-14 fiscal year will be available on our website shortly thereafter. OrKidstra is expanding yearly: there are now 350 kids enrolled in our downtown programs and we plan to include children from other communities in the near future. We encourage you to peruse our 5-year strategic plan for a detailed summary of our short and long-term goals.
Mark your calendar...
OrKidstra's Holiday Concert
Thursday December 18, 2014
The Bronson Centre Auditorium
211 Bronson Ave., Ottawa, K1R 6H5 6:30-7:30 pm
An energetic and joyous concert featuring our KidPlayers, KidSingers and KiddlyWinks.
Everyone is invited to a reception after the concert.
Our heartfelt thanks to our faithful circle of OrKidstra friends
OrKidstra has experienced remarkable success,
but success brings its own challenges!
Though staff and volunteers work hard to stretch each and every dollar,
the demand for our programs is expanding and
we need your support more than ever.
