Summertime in Saskatchewan

Hello world,

I just got back from 10 days in Saskatchewan for the Crimson String Quartet’s 2015 tour. It was a whirlwind of a time with a crazy amount of rehearsal and concerts all last weekend. Even though the mosquitos were absolutely horrendous, there was a stillness about the prairies that I haven’t quite experienced anywhere else. Anyway, it’s back to a schedule of teaching but I am happy to be back home in Vancouver. Looking forward to next year. For more information about the quartet, visit our website.

IMG_0315

View from the Sproule Farm

IMG_0326

Posing with Marmalade the cat while grilling!

IMG_0343

At the Maple Creek car show

IMG_0350

Red Roof Studio

Photo Shoot with Elizabeth May

Hello everyone!

Last week, I was very lucky to work with the fantastic photographer Elizabeth May. The first thing she wanted to know when we met up at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise was the history of my violin. She wanted to know who made it, whether it was a girl or boy, and for how long I’ve had it. People often speak of the violin as an extension of the player’s arm or a life-long companion. I felt that Elizabeth truly wanted to capture that aspect of our relationship. I let her know that my violin was made in Canada by Hermann Janzen in 2006 and that it was indeed a girl in my eyes. I felt that she was able to shoot us in such a way that the violin was another person and not an inanimate object.

After the luxurious feel of the Capitol building, we headed over to the Capital City Public Market located down 8th street. We were able to find an alley painted with awesome street art. In this location she wanted me to play styles other than classical, to capture a different side of me. So, I toyed with some Led Zeppelin and some gypsy and fiddle tunes — a far cry from the Tchaikovsky I was performing up the street!

Smallwatermark36

Lastly, we made our way to a local bar where Elizabeth was able to take some amazing frames of me relaxing on barstools for an edgy look.

I’m not a big fan of getting my photo taken, but Elizabeth made the whole experience relaxed and fun. I think the final product looks pretty good too!

Viola Camp

Hello everyone! Today marked the last day and final concert of the Idaho Viola Day Camp. This camp for 5th to 8th graders was a ton of fun, as well as a great learning experience. The camp is designed to improve everyone’s viola playing through small and large ensembles. Additionally, there were awesome recreational activities including swimming, canoeing and bowling. It was pretty amazing to see how far each student progressed. I’m so happy to have been invited to help teach here this week and to share music with so many people including fellow viola teachers Jen and Emily. For more information please visit: www.idahoviolacamp.com.

Playing with students at retirement home.

Playing with students at retirement home.

New Website

Hello and welcome to my new website.

Please let me know what you think! I look forward to updating this site regularly. Thanks!

Alvin