What is a community orchestra?

An amateur orchestra with a past.

More than 40 years ago Elva Fitzpatrick, an educator with a passion for music, founded music programs at Brock House. All the groups she formed are still active and functioning today at Brock House. Her son, Don Fitzpatrick, and former student, Barbara Paterson, continue to be members of the orchestra.

Past Conductors

We have had the good fortune to be conducted by many successful conductors, for example:
Ernie Fiedler (Passed Away in August 2024), Jeffrey Tseng (Vancouver Sinfonietta), Jaelem Bhate (PEI), Monica Chen (Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra) and Josh Rauw (Surrey Schools District, and Fraser Valley Wind Ensemble).

Ernie Fiedler joined the Brock House Orchestra in 1998. Ernie took over when things were in a bit of disarray. He was able to sort everything out and the orchestra gradually became established as a small chamber orchestra. He broadened the repertoire to include both classical works and selections from musicals. He took the group “on the road” to seniors’ residences and community centres, even going as far as Richmond and New Westminster!

News

Congratulations are due to our current conductor, Cheng Xin Ip, on two recent achievements:
1. He has been selected into the third cohort of the Orchestre Métropolitain's Orchestral Academy, and
2. Appointed as a Sessional Lecturer at UBC teaching Undergraduate Conducting.

Congratulations are also due to the whole orchestra for performing challenging repertoire in our highly enjoyable and successful 2024 season.

Brock House orchestra members January 2024

New orchestra members welcome

Our Conductor    Concertmeister 

 Concerts          Members only

 Cello Encore at Seventy-four

After about 40 years of on and off playing the cello (different orchestras and ensembles), I experienced a physical problem with my shoulder that I thought was permanent, so sold my beautiful 18^th Century German instrument and ‘retired’ from the wonderful world of strings.  As I also play the piano, I thought that would be enough.

Then:  I heard about Brock House Society!

Eureka!  Dreams can be revived!  Who knew?

When I read on the website that there was a Brock House Orchestra and a Chamber Group my heart skipped a beat.  I had no cello and even if I did, could I still play?

I wrote a letter to Barb Duzy and MaryAnn Carter.  They were both so inviting that I decided to risk a look.  I attended a rehearsal of the orchestra, sans instrument, and was captivated by the musicians, the fabulous conductor, and the collegial sound!

But I hadn’t played for over 6 years since my injury, could I still play?  I decided my best bet was to try the smaller group first – the Chamber Group – and see if I could play even if my shoulder was no longer a problem.

Midori Oba came to my rescue.  The wonderful ‘jack-of- all-trades’ lady lent me her cello for my first day with the Chamber Group.  Wonder of wonder – my hands remembered what my head didn’t!  It was a wonderful day!  But the cello was too big – I realized that right away as it was a full size and I’d always played a 7/8 size.

Midori to the rescue again – she had a ¾ size cello she could lend me.  The next week I tried it, and it was dandy!  

I am now the happy owner of a small cello that makes my heart sing!

Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly – including a new-comer with hospitality and kindliness.  

Brock House Music – a wonderful place to renew your dreams! 

Brass section - new members welcome





Our Conductor    Concertmeister 

 Concerts          Members only