VCM Music Festival
Each year, the Vancouver Conservatory of Music welcomes musicians from different cultures and backgrounds for an educational music festival. This event aims to motivate, encourage, and educate students while developing a spirit of camaraderie and commitment to the art of performance. Participants will also have the opportunity to receive feedback from our faculty members, who supports students in improving their technique, maximizing their artistic expression and setting goals for the year ahead.
As part of the VCM Music Festival, a “Certificate of Appreciation” and “Trophy” will be awarded to the performer or group of performers with the highest commitment to practice throughout the year and their outstanding festival performance.
The VCM Educational Music Festival is a public music event and is open to all music enthusiasts. It will be held in early July every year and will take place in the Coquitlam area. Performances are to begin at 5 p.m.
Deadline
For the next festival, the deadline to submit the recital request form is May 30, 2025. As adjustments may be made throughout the year based on feedback from our students and faculty members, please ensure to review the policy and eligibility requirements before submitting your form.
Contact
For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at vancomus@gmail.com.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Musicians of all musical instruments, voice, and composition are welcome to participate.
- Must meet the minimum repertoire requirements.
Age Categories
- Children (Ages 5 to 9)
- Adolescents (Ages 10 to 18)
- Adults (+18)
Repertoire Requirements
- Children (Ages 5 to 9)
- Performers: Two to four pieces from preliminary methods
- Adolescents (Ages 10 to 18) and adults (+18)
- Performers: One VCM or RCM repertoire piece and one optional selection.
- Composers: two pieces for piano or small ensemble.
VCM Music Festival 2022 |
VCM Music Festival 2023 |
VCM Music Festival 2024 |
Festival policy
- All students participating in a concert will be required to be on time 30 minutes prior to the concert start time to park and relax. It is not necessary to arrive any earlier unless there is a rehearsal scheduled with an ensemble or accompanist.
- Each student will be charged a $140 non-refundable fee per festival, and for non-registered students will be $ 240. This will cover student recital fees for using facilities (Grand piano, digital piano synthesizers, and ….), photography, videography and student supplements. In addition, the ticket price for the families, relatives and guests will be $25 per person.
- Participation in the VCM festival is chosen by teacher nomination. Attendance is strongly encouraged for all students.
- Student dress rehearsals can only be scheduled two weeks prior to the recital date if needed.
- If there are any cancellations you will be notified via email to festival@vancomusic.ca.
- If you cannot arrive on time and stay for the full recital, then please do not sign up for that recital time. We understand there are many activities going on, but it is not proper concert etiquette, nor is it fair to the other performers and guests.
- Turn off all cell phones and any electronic devices that may produce sound.
- Once the recital begins, please listen and be quiet. Fussing babies or young children should be taken out to minimize distractions for the performers and other audience members.
- Please remain seated during the performance. If for any reason you need to leave, switch seats or re-enter the hall, please do so between performers during applause.
- If a composition or suite includes more than one movement, please hold applause until the end of the last movement.
- Families are encouraged to stay until the performance or event is completely over. Attending a recital so that other families will serve as audience to your student, and then leaving before the other performers have finished is disrespectful.
- The student’s name on the certificate of appreciation and trophy will appear as below.
- Festival details will be sent to the email listed below.
Student Recital Etiquette
Student recitals can be tremendously fun and valuable experiences for all performers. Although, they can be a source of stress and anxiety if preparations are incomplete and inevitable practices are not followed. There are behavioural guidelines for all performers, and audience members should follow them during the VCM festival.
Guidelines for Performers
- It is recommended that performers wear suitable clothing.
- Remember to practice beforehand in your outfit, shoes included.
- Once it is your turn, rise quickly and walk up to the stage. Adjust the bench or chair (without presenting your back to the audience), then pause, concentrate, and begin when you are ready.
- Performers are encouraged to bow at the beginning and end of the performance to acknowledge the audience’s applause.
- Arrive at the requested time to learn where you are to sit and receive any instructions for the performance.
- Once the recital begins, please listen and be quiet. Respect the other performers. Unnecessary noise from whispering, talking, candy wrappers, etc., during a program, is unacceptable.
Guidelines for Audience Members
- Recitals are a special occasion, so dress nicely is customary.
- Please arrive at the requested time to park and find a comfortable place to sit.
- Turn off all cell phones and any electronic devices that may produce sound.
- Once the recital begins, please listen and be quiet. Fussing babies or young children should be taken out to minimize distractions for the performers and other audience members.
- If you arrive late, please wait to enter between pieces when you hear applause.
- Please remain seated during the performance. If, for any reason, you need to leave, switch seats or re-enter the hall, please do so between performers during applause.
- The soloist will bow, and your response is to applaud politely! Whistling, yelling, or other loud methods of congratulations, especially before the performance, are inappropriate. The best way to show appreciation for the performance is with thunderous applause and an occasional “bravo” at the end of especially outstanding performance.
- If a composition includes more than one movement, please hold applause until the end of the last movement.
- Families are encouraged to stay to receive certificates and trophies until the festival is over. Besides, attending a recital, so that other family will serve as an audience to your student and then leaving before the other performers have finished is disrespectful.
Appreciate! Your presence is the most significant affirmation!
