Strings - Central Memorial High School

Strings

PVA Strings

Come see what we do! Follow us on Instagram and check out ourYouTube channel!

Winter Concert 2025

Strings Program Overview

Central Memorial is proud to host one of the only credited high school strings programs within the Calgary Board of Education. Whether you're an experienced musician or just beginning your journey, we have a place for you.

Why Choose Central's Strings Program?

Our program is built on three pillars:

Daily Musical Growth – Work with Central's string teacher every day to develop technique and musicality while learning from your supportive peers.

Individual Development – Receive personalized instruction, scheduled private lessons and clinics, leveled chamber groups, and mentorship tailored to your goals.

Real-World Connections – Learn from professional musicians through residencies, masterclasses, and partnerships with Mount Royal Conservatory, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Calgary Opera, and other leading arts organizations.

Program Pathways

PVA Strings Program (Auditioned for PVA Applicants only)

For violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists ready to make music central to their high school experience

PVA Strings is where dedicated musicians become artists. This specialized program offers unique opportunities not found elsewhere in Calgary:

What You'll Experience:

Daily classes with Central's string teacher (Grades 10-12)
Technique development
Solo performances with our collaborative pianist
Chamber music units with like-minded musicians
Orchestra experience with string and full orchestral repertoire
Professional artist residencies and guest masterclasses
Scheduled private lessons each semester
Leadership in the Arts curriculum integrated throughout your high school career

The Community: PVA String students join a close-knit group of like-minded musicians who support and inspire each other. You'll build lasting friendships that will be central to your high school experience while developing the skills, confidence, and opportunities to pursue music for life—whether as a career or lifelong passion.

Time Commitment:

Daily in-timetable PVA Strings class
Sinfonia (full orchestra) rehearsals twice weekly (outside timetable)
Scheduled concerts and performances throughout the year
Annual tour opportunities (provincial, national, or international) Most recently, PVA Strings travelled to Vienna, Austria in the spring of 2025.

Private Lessons and outside commitments: While not mandatory, private study with a professional instructor is strongly recommended and actively supported by our program. We work to make our schedule as compadible as possible for students to be able to be a part of organizations like Amici Strings, MRU Academy, Calgary Fiddlers, and Calgary Youth Orchestra.

Standard Strings Program (Non-Auditioned, Not a PVA Program)

Perfect for designated Central students looking to grow their skills or prepare for PVA auditions

The Standard Strings Program welcomes musicians with at least one year of experience who want to develop their abilities in a supportive environment.

What You'll Experience:

First semester course with daily playing
Foundational technique and ensemble skills
Introduction to Central's unique music community
Pathway to bridge into PVA Strings in future years
Performances at our two main concerts during the school year

Golden Strings Extension (Semester 2)

Outside timetable, twice weekly
3-credit course
Apply your skills in orchestral performances
Keep working on technique and musicality for the semester you aren’t in daily classes

Note: Students with no prior strings experience should begin with Beginner String Techniques.

Beginner Strings Program (Open to All, Non-Auditioned, Not a PVA Program)

Start your musical journey from the very beginning

For designated Central students: Never played a string instrument? No problem. Our beginner program takes students from zero experience to performing in orchestra.

Beginner Strings (Semester 1)

In-timetable, 5-credit course
Learn proper technique, musical literacy, and ensemble playing
Instruments provided (CBE rental fee: $100 for the school year)
No experience required

Golden Strings Extension (Semester 2)

Outside timetable, twice weekly
3-credit course
Apply your skills in orchestral performances
Keep working on technique and musicality for the semester you aren’t in daily classes

Progression Path: Beginner String Techniques → Beginner Orchestra → Standard Strings/PVA Bridging → Orchestra → PVA Strings (by audition)

Ensembles

Central Sinfonia (5 credits)

Central Sinfonia is the only full orchestra in the Calgary public school system. Sinfonia combines all PVA String players with selected members of the PVA Band to create a full orchestra.

What to Expect:

Rehearsals twice weekly outside the timetable
Original versions of classic orchestral repertoire
Public performances and festivals
Automatic enrollment for PVA Strings students

Requirements: Enrollment in PVA Strings or by selection for band students.

Additional Ensemble Opportunities

String students can also participate in secondary ensembles from our Band and Vocal programs. Visit those pages for more information.

Applying to PVA Strings

To join our specialized PVA program, students complete an application, interview, and audition.

Application Timeline:

Non-designated students: November 1 – March 15
Students already designated to Central Memorial: Any time during the school year (space permitting)

Contact: For more information about the PVA application process, email Learning Leader Michelle Crimmins at mlcrimmins@cbe.ab.ca

Frequently Asked Questions

Are PVA music students required to take private lessons? Private lessons are strongly recommended but not required. All PVA students receive scheduled private lessons each semester as part of their coursework, and we encourage continuing beyond this to accelerate your development.

What time commitment should I expect? PVA music students typically attend 1-3 morning or after-school rehearsals per week in addition to their daily classes. Daily practice outside of class is expected. Students participate in several concerts, events, and annual tours. Attendance to these events is important and mandatory.

What is Leadership in the Arts 35? All PVA Music 30 students complete Leadership in the Arts 35 to receive the CBE Fine and Performing Arts Certificate. This course runs alongside your PVA classes throughout high school (not scheduled separately) and includes:

Creation of your own artist statement and head shot
Development of your own artistic personality and story
Planning and performance in the senior recitals your Grade 12 year
Personal portfolio creation
Final exit interview

This comprehensive portfolio prepares you for a life enriched by music, whether you pursue post-secondary music studies or not.

Do I need to own my own instrument? Instruments are available for all string classes through CBE rental ($100 per school year). Many students choose to rent or purchase their own instruments as they advance.

Can I participate in outside music programs? Absolutely! We actively encourage students to maintain private lessons and participate in Calgary's excellent youth orchestras and chamber music programs. Our program is designed to complement—not replace—these valuable experiences.