The Saskatoon Strings is a string ensemble for players aged 10-18 under the direction of Bernadette Wilson.
When we meet: Sunday nights 5:45 – 8:00 p.m., early September through to late April. We tune at 5:45, and break for a snack at 7 p.m. We take turns providing snacks, and during the time we share food together, we get a chance to meet and get to know our fellow string players. Strong friendships develop, many lasting right through adulthood. Where we meet: Room 1036 on the main floor of the Education Building, U of S.
Performance opportunities: we have two formal concerts, one in mid December, and one at the end of April. In addition to these, we play at the Sun Dog Craft & Entertainment Faire, at a fundraising Gala, we have a school tour, we often play in the lobby preceding a Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra concert, and some years we play for hospitals, and occasionally bring in guest instructors for workshops.
Repertoire: The Saskatoon Strings play a varied repertoire from many different time periods, stretching from Baroque (or even earlier) to contemporary pop music. Appropriate styles and bow strokes are learned to correctly interpret the music.
Playing level: All members of the Saskatoon Strings are required to pass an audition. This audition process helps the Music Director to choose music that will suit the orchestra on any given year. Members in the past have ranged in age from 10 – 18. It is a fact that the group represents many different levels of playing, and Music Director Bernadette Wilson makes every effort to ensure that everyone in the group has the opportunity to learn, whatever their age, and whatever their level of playing.
Make friends and have fun: After rehearsing, performing, touring and snacking together for eight months, strong friendships are formed through their shared interest in music. These friends quite often become life long friends.