Regional Strings Program Port Credit Secondary School 2012 – 2013

Message from Regional Strings

The Regional Strings Program began in September 2003, building upon a long-standing tradition of musical excellence at Port Credit.  Graduates of the music program at Port Credit include:  Jeremy Bell, violinist with the Penderecki String Quartet; Krisztina Szabo, soprano soloist with the Canadian Opera Company; and Suhashini Aurlanandam, violinist with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.

All students seeking admission to the program must undergo an interview (Beginning Strings), or an audition and interview (Experienced Strings and Advanced Strings). This ensures that students are placed at a level that most suits their current abilities. Although a student’s program choice will be taken into consideration, the admissions committee will place each student in the appropriate stream based on their audition and prior experience.

The Regional Strings Program is the only program of its kind in the Peel District School Board. Students receive a certificate upon completion of the four year program. This program is a two-credit package; students take music in both semesters!

Musical opportunities include:

-        an annual retreat

-        touring

-        professional coaching sessions

-        attendance at live concerts and rehearsals

-        master classes with professional musicians

-        an educational excursion to Europe in alternate years.

In addition to providing our students with an opportunity to excel in music, students in the Regional Strings Program develop long-lasting friendships with their fellow musicians that continue throughout their years at Port Credit and beyond. Moreover, while some of our students have chosen to pursue post-secondary education in music, many others have sought out challenging career and educational opportunities in the humanities, sciences, law, and medicine. As you probably know, research has shown that studying music improves academic ability, self-discipline, motivation, and self-confidence.

The Regional Strings Program at Port Credit Secondary School is open to all students in the Peel District School Board, regardless of where they live. In keeping with the Board’s policy for regional programs, bussing is not provided. Paid transportation, however, is available to students through Trott Transit. 

Please note that Peel District School Board policy states that students who choose to leave a Regional Program must return to their "home" school, and may not continue at the Regional program school if they are not participating in the program.

Application Timeline & Process:

The Application Package will be posted on the website

on Wednesday, November 30^th, following our November 29^th Grade 8 Open House

Monday, December 12, 2011 is the last day to submit your application for the Regional Strings Program at Port Credit Secondary School (due by 4:00 p.m. in the PCSS Guidance Office) or postmarked by December 12, 2011.

The completed application package must be handwritten (unless there are IEP accommodations) and must include:

• Cover Page
• Program Stream Selection Page
• Parent & Student Input Page
• Teacher Reference.  (Please include with the application package, or have the teacher send directly to Port Credit Secondary School via PDSB courier or Canada Post.)  The sealed envelope should contain:
• Notice of Use of Information Form
• Teacher Reference Form
• Grade 7, Final Report Card
• Grade 8, Term 1 Progress Report
• Copy of IEP (Individual Education Plan) if applicable
•  Non-refundable application fee of $25.00 (cheques payable to Port Credit Secondary School)

Week of December 19^th, 2011:  Applications will be reviewed, evaluated and invitations will be mailed to the home of the candidates with an audition time. 

January 26 - 31, 2012:  Auditions for candidates will be held as per the dates arranged in the invitation.

During the week of February 6, 2012:  Candidates who have participated in the audition process will be notified by mail during this week.  All letters will be sent to the home address.  Students who are offered a position in the Regional Strings program for September 2012 will receive a letter offering the position and a course selection sheet.  Letters will also be sent to students who have been placed on a wait list.  Please note:  all regional programs will use this same date to extend offers.

Friday, February 24, 2012 is the deadline for successful candidates to submit the $100.00 fee and accept placement in the Strings Program for the 2011-2012 school year. Please note:  all regional programs will use this same date as the final date to accept placement.

Applications are due at Port Credit Secondary School

on or before Monday, December 12, 2011 at 4:00 pm.

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________

What is the Regional Strings Program?

The Port Credit Secondary School Regional Strings program provides a year-long secondary school program for violin, viola, cello and bass. It is the only secondary school program of its kind in the Peel District School Board. Students have the opportunity to explore the many facets of string playing through

• Chamber Strings
• Intermediate Strings
• Beginning Strings

Musical opportunities range from full symphonic orchestra to small ensembles, to solo performances accompanied by orchestra. A certificate is granted upon completion of four years of the Regional Strings Program.

What does the Regional Strings Program include?

Through four years of study, students have the opportunity to learn through various methods, including:

• Regular professional coaching sessions
• Performances in the community
• Education excursion to Austria in alternate years
• Attendance at live concerts and rehearsals
• Score reading/analysis repertoire studied
• Master classes with Canada’s leading quartets
• A focus on literacy through musical study

• Advanced strings players wishing to enhance their skills and expand their repertoire through the Chamber Strings program.
• Intermediate string players who wish to continue instruction in an intermediate string class.
• Students with no experience who are keen to begin study of the violin, viola, cello or bass in a beginning string class.

What are the advantages for the advanced players?

Development of string ensemble playing through many aspects of performance:

• Opportunities to perform solo with an orchestra
• Expansion of string orchestra repertoire
• Opportunity to study and perform in duet, trio, quartet ensemble
• Opportunities to achieve overall improved grade point average
• Leadership opportunities

How can I apply for the Regional Strings Program?

Students are invited to complete an application package available after the Grade 8 information evening in November.

Where is Regional Strings?

Strings is located at Port Credit Secondary School, 70 Mineola Road East, in Mississauga – served by Mississauga Transit’s Route 19 bus (Highway 10/Hurontario Street) and close to the Port Credit GO train station. The school does not provide transportation, but we will support families in organizing car pools.