Starting up a symphony requires no small amount of energy and time. It also requires a heck of a lot of musicians.
But while many people get panic attacks at the thought of taking on this massive amount of work, Dr. Guy Palmer is diving right in.
The Fort Saskatchewan educator, a band director and music teacher at John Paul II Catholic High School, is looking to recruit about 70 young musicians for the Fort Saskatchewan Symphony.
“Over the years I’ve seen so many talented kids go through the program that have no place to play. Unfortunately there is only one youth orchestra in the area and it’s difficult to get in,” says Palmer, referring to the Edmonton Youth Orchestra.
Palmer is looking for musicians aged 14 to 24 who can read a score, have mastered their instrument and are able to play a few notches above school bands. “I just want to give more kids another opportunity to play and develop.”
To fill the symphony, he is looking for woodwinds, strings, percussion and brass. And he hopes to avoid auditions unless there is an overabundance of any one instrument.
Palmer’s gung-ho attitude comes in large part from his own early experiences as part of the Regina Youth Symphony. “It was the best experience of my life. Once you get inside that sound, there’s nothing like it. You can’t imagine what it’s like to sit in the pit.”
He is hoping to arrange Saturday or Sunday rehearsals with the more intimate one-hour sectional rehearsal followed by a full symphony rehearsal.
Fort Saskatchewan’s Music Enrichment Society will provide support for the symphony.
“Music is the window to our soul. And you see the souls of many young people in music. They are the brightest of the bunch and the leaders of tomorrow. They are more than just musicians. They get involved and create tomorrow’s future.”
For more information call 780-922-7111 or email [email protected].
