Schola Musica is a string chamber orchestra from the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts, in which young string players learn some of the beautiful string repertoire written by great composers. This week they are performing two concerts.
The rewards for young musicians playing in such a group are numerous. They learn about leadership, musical communication, coordination of bowing and sound and how to develop the music imaginatively.
The orchestra also features young soloists, and these roles are shared as the students gain confidence. Schola is tutored by Margarita Jackson and Lissa Cowie. All students study through NCMA and range in age from about 10 to 17 years. There is no conductor and the students take turns leading their sections.
For many years now they have given an end-of-year series of concerts which culminates in a trip to Motueka and Golden Bay. They stay overnight at Annies Nirvana Lodge Backpackers and it is a great way for the orchestra to wind up their busy year of rehearsals and concerts.
The concerts will include music by Bach, Bartok, Karl Jenkins, Richard Rodgers, Folk Madrigals and more.
This year the concerts will be on Friday 15 December at 4pm at St Thomas Church Hall, Motueka and Saturday 16 December at 4pm at Kotinga Hall, Tākaka. Both concerts are cash door sales only, adults $10.00, children $5.00.
