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Collegiate to open new campus space for expanded performing arts program

UW-MCMBeginning next year, The Collegiate at UWinnipeg will offer an expanded performing arts program and a newly-renovated space that will enable high school students to take music lessons and earn credits on its downtown campus. The announcement was made by UWinnipeg President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lloyd Axworthy at the start of yesterday’s campus concert by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.

Bryce Hall will be renovated from January through May 2014, creating a modern, acoustically-treated suite of ten studios, a large classroom and office space to accommodate the music program. The Collegiate will use the large, newly constructed music room for its ensembles and classes. The new 4,800 square foot facility will cover two floors and is to be shared by both The Collegiate and the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts, which will relocate from its current space in the Exchange District.

The Collegiate’s expanded music program will offer high quality musical instruction to students during school hours and the Conservatory will continue to deliver individual and group music programming throughout the day, evenings and weekends. The partnership will present new opportunities for collaborative programming, sharing of resources, and excellent quality instruction — ensuring the best possible music education experience for students of the Conservatory, the Collegiate and UWinnipeg.

“The University is a stronghold of support for the arts, so we are very excited to offer an expanded music program to Collegiate students here on our campus,” said Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice-Chancellor of UWinnipeg. “The synergies created with the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts will surely enhance our vision to make The University of Winnipeg home to a truly world-class training program for the performing arts.”

“The Conservatory is thrilled to be expanding its partnership with UWinnipeg and the newly renovated central location is a perfect setting to nurture and develop musicians,” said MCMA President, Kathy Randall. “Increasing accessibility to quality music programs supports the Conservatory’s goal of building a musical community by encouraging enjoyment, creativity and expression through music. We look forward to welcoming existing and new students to our new home at the University.”

The expanded curriculum will begin next Fall with offerings in instrumental music and choral music to Collegiate students in grades 9 through 12. Eventual plans include the addition of musical programs including concert band as well as jazz, choral music, and wind ensembles. Dual credits in music are also being planned for future.

“The Collegiate has developed many rewarding partnerships within the local arts community. Similarly, our expanded partnership with the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts will help nurture among our students a grounding in performing arts and an appreciation for culture — part of the well-rounded education for which our institution is renowned,” said Rob Bend, Dean of The Collegiate.

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UWinnipeg is one of Canada’s leading post-secondary institutions, consistently recognized by both  Maclean’s magazine  and The Globe and Mail. UWinnipeg is noted for academic excellence, Indigenous scholarship, environmental commitment, small class sizes and campus diversity. UWinnipeg is committed to improving access to post-secondary education for all individuals, especially those from non-traditional communities. Find out more at uwinnipeg.ca. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

The Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts is Manitoba’s premier institution dedicated to providing excellent and accessible music education to the community, continually striving for the highest quality of programming for all skill levels and ages. Visit our website at mcma.ca to learn more.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Norine Harty, Executive Director, Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts
P. 204.943.6090, E: director@mcma.ca