Introductory Alexander Technique Class for Choirs – October 2015

Posted on by

This month I had the pleasure of teaching an introductory Alexander Technique class for the student choir at Vancouver Community College.  I love combining my background as a professional musician with my long training and experience teaching movement, awareness, and ease.  This class was a perfect opportunity to introduce basic concepts of the Alexander Technique to these aspiring imagesmusicians: ideas about fluidity of movement, efficiency of design, natural support, and how we can move without tension or strain.  The class is experiential; highlighting students’ kinaesthetic awareness, having them explore movement, and using visual and tactile learning to understand basic anatomy.  It was a lot of fun as we explored how they can take these ideas into everyday moments and into their music making as well.  I look forward to teaching a longer Alexander Technique class at Vancouver Community College in 2016.

I am always happy to plan and deliver specialty workshops for any group, on Vancouver Island or on the mainland.  In Nanaimo, where I teach privately out of my home studio, there are many community choirs and musicians – I look forward to working with you all!

 

Alexander Technique “Embodied Musician” Class, October 2015

Posted on by

This month I have the great pleasure of teaching an Alexander Technique class for a course at Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Langely, B.C.  This course is taught by a colleague of mine, Paula Wise, who also plays in the Vancouver Opera Orchestra with me.  Paula and I both love working with musicians, exploring all the connections of mind/body/intellect/emotions…the whole SELF, in music and life. As in all my guest workshops and classes, I take the students through active exercises and experiments to explore kinaesthetic awareness, efficient design of the body, and ease in all activities to come back to natural, tension-free, poised movement.  What great fun!

Psychophysiology of Music Performance

Musician silhouettesStudents will explore the psychological/physical relationship in music performance as well as the mental and emotional factors that affect learning and teaching. They will develop body awareness (posture, movement, and breathing) and its relationship to musical performance, as well as learn how to amend their physical movements to play more efficiently with less effort. Students will also investigate different approaches in developing musical skill, expressivity, interpretation, musical memory, and motivation, as well as survey different techniques for managing, and utilizing, performance anxiety.

Vancouver Island Symphony in Nanaimo October 24, 2015

Posted on by

Join Heather as she performs as a core member:

Vancouver Island Symphony

Saturday, October, 24, 2015 | 7:30pm, Port Theatre, Nanaimo

VISO

VISO

GUEST ARTIST • Devon Joiner, Piano
TCHAIKOVSKY • Romeo and Juliet
De FALLA • Nights in the Gardens of Spain
RIMSKY-KORSAKOV • Scheherazade

Our season opens with an exotic and virtuosic concert! Each work tells a nocturnal story of its own, from Shakespeare to the One Thousand and One Nights tales. Nanaimo pianist Devon Joiner joins us for this lush celebration of words through music.

Join us for the Pre Concert Talk with conductor Pierre Simard.

When not performing music professionally, Heather Walker teaches the Alexander Technique to individuals who want to be free of tension, pain, bad posture, and injuries.  Explore the possibility of lightness and freedom of movement using the Alexander Technique to expand your awareness.  Use practical experiments to learn how to notice tightening, release muscle tension, re-establish better balance and move more efficiently.  Anyone can learn to recuperate from stress, prevent undue wear and tear, relieve back pain, improve posture, and use less effort in daily activities.

Upcoming Alexander Technique workshops, group classes, and private lessons: 250-716-3464 or www.soundbeingstudio.com

Vancouver Opera – Rigoletto, September & October 2015

Posted on by

Join Heather as she performs as a core member of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra…

Rigoletto – Tuneful. Dramatic. Tragic.

by Giuseppe Verdi

In Italian with SURTITLES ™ projected above the stage

Saturday, September 26 • 7:30pm
Thursday, October 1 • 7:30pm
Saturday, October 3 • 7:30pm
Sunday, October 4 • 2:00pm matinée

All performances at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Ticket Packages available now through the VO Ticket Centre:  604-683-0222

Approximate Running Time: 2 hours 40 minutes, including 2 intermissions.

Rigoletto is a court entertainer with a vicious tongue and a soft spot: he is hiding his vulnerable young daughter, Gilda, from the harsh world he inhabits. But his worst fear becomes reality: she is discovered by his boss, the predatory Duke of Mantua. When the Duke seduces Gilda, Rigoletto hires a hitman to kill him. It doesn’t work: Gilda has fallen in love, and she would rather die than see the Duke hurt.

Rigoletto is one of Verdi’s greatest achievements, powered with irresistible melodies, heartbreaking drama, and vivid characters: the cruel clown with a hidden heart, the morally bankrupt duke, the innocent Gilda, the sinister assassin and his voluptuous sister.

Featuring the return of sensational soprano Simone Osborne (The Magic Flute, Roméo et Juliette) and baritone Gordon Hawkins (Tosca).

Conducted by Jonathan Darlington | Directed by Nancy Hermiston

When not performing music professionally, Heather teaches Alexander Technique in Nanaimo, B.C.  Explore freedom of movement and lightness of being with this incredible tool.  You CAN change inefficient habits of movement, and direct yourself to wellness!

Alexander Technique at International Music Academy, June 2015

Posted on by

I am excited and pleased to announce that I will be the Alexander Technique instructor at a prestigeous international music academy in June of 2015. The venue is “Le Domaine Forget”, situated about 1.5 hours drive east of Quebec City, Quebec.

Le Domaine Forget is first and foremost an International Music and Dance Academy for young students and future professionals. It is recognized internationally for its pedagogical excellence. It is nestled in the heights of Charlevoix, east of Quebec City, and only a few steps from the St. Lawrence River. Le Domaine Forget offers an exceptional setting conductive to creativity and musical practice, far from the busy crowd. Masterclasses, private and group classes, conferences and concerts are programmed.

academie-generalAs a pre-professional music student, I spent a number of years in Quebec City studying at the Conservatoire de Musique. It was during those years that I also took advantage of the amazing environment, world-class professors, and unique learning opportunities that “Le Domaine Forget” offered. Later, as an injured professional musician and then an Alexander Technique teacher, I often thought of the academy and wished there had been some instruction on the use of our bodies as our primary instrument – to avoid tension, strain and injury while playing and throughout our lives.

This year will be the first time “Le Domaine Forget” will have an Alexander Technique teacher on staff. I will be teaching one and a half weeks of the Brass Camp (June 4th – 14th) and one week of the woodwind camp (June 14th – 21st). The Alexander Technique teaching will include masterclasses, group lessons, and private lessons. I very much look forward to it! – Heather Walker

For more information, go see the 2015 session roster now!
www.domaineforget.com

Vancouver Island Symphony at the Port Theatre, April 18th, 2015

Posted on by

Join Heather as she performs as a core member of the Vancouver Island Symphony:

The Vancouver Island Symphony presents From Pierre with Love

Saturday, April 18th   7:30 pm, Port Theatre, Nanaimo

 The Vancouver Island Symphony with Guest Artists Ariel Barnes, Cello and the VIS Symphonic Choir, Patricia Plumley, Director

Hear musical pFrom Pierreictures of life, legends, wondrous landscapes, gracious flowing waters. Then with an ear to the future, composer Dorothy Chang brings a delicious concerto for the soulful cello; to the past, the voices of the Symphonic Choir soar with the most beautiful choral music known. Then to the present with the fireworks and cannons of the grandiose and absolutely spectacular 1812 Overture, bringing a harmonious, magnificent and rousing close to this 20th Season celebration. Yes! What a party!

Tickets: $33-$59 / Students $20 / eyeGO $5

https://vancouverislandsymphony.com      or    https://www.porttheatre.com

When not performing professional music, Heather teaches Alexander Technique in Nanaimo, B.C.  “Whether you are suffering from back pain, poor posture, stress-related symptoms, repetitive strain injuries, or many other problems, the Alexander Technique can help you.  You will learn to “un-do” these habits of imbalance, tension, and inefficient use of your co-ordination and energy to rediscover poise and ease within yourself.  More than a simple remedy for tension and poor posture, the Alexander Technique also changes ingrained thinking patterns and clears the way for a better quality of life.  It can be used by anyone.”

 

Joelle Rabu – Port Theatre, Nanaimo, with VISO, March 21, 2015

Posted on by

Join Heather as she performs as a core member of the Vancouver Island Symphony:

The Vancouver Island Symphony presents Tonight …Piaf

with Guest Artist Joëlle Rabu, Actor and SingerVIS-Piaf-matinee

At last! Tonight… Piaf arrives on stage with a full orchestra in this premiere performance with music arranged by Nico Rhodes. This highly acclaimed and extensively toured hit show is co-written by and stars Joëlle. It is a story about embracing life without fear, an intimate musical drama re-creating Edith Piaf’s final New York concert in 1961 at the Waldorf Astoria. Joëlle’s award-winning portrayal of the legendary French songbird will leave you breathless!

3:00pm Performance Tickets: $44
Festival Nanaimo Passes: 4 shows $108
Call the Ticket Centre for more info: 250-754-8550

7:30pm Performance
Tickets: $42- $74 / Students $20 / eyeGO $5

https://vancouverislandsymphony.com

Port Theatre Nanaimo Main

When not performing music professionally, Heather Walker teaches the Alexander Technique to individuals who want to be free of tension, pain, bad posture, and injuries.  Explore the possibility of lightness and freedom of movement using the Alexander Technique to expand your awareness.  Use practical experiments to learn how to notice tightening, release muscle tension, re-establish better balance and move more efficiently.  Anyone can learn to recuperate from stress, prevent undue wear and tear, relieve back pain, improve posture, and use less effort in daily activities.

Upcoming Alexander Technique workshops, group classes, and private lessons: 250-716-3464 or www.soundbeingstudio.com

Vancouver Opera: Die Fledermaus, February & March 2015

Posted on by

Heather Walker is honoured to perform as a core member of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra

Die Fledermaus

Laughter, love and sweet revenge… while waltzing!

by Johann Strauss, Jr.
In German with English dialogue, with English lyrics projected above the stage.

Saturday, February 28 • 7:30pm
Thursday, March 5 • 7:30pm
Saturday, March 7 • 7:30pm
Sunday, March 8 • 2:00pm matinée

All performances at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver

Approximate running time: 3 hours 27 minutes (including two 20 minute intermissions)

In high society Vancouver – call it “Viennacouver” – every night is party night! Lighthearted, romantic, and wickedly funny, Die Fledermaus has the power to lift our spirits. Strauss’s melody-filled music, especially his famous waltzes, is effervescent and intoxicating. Be prepared to laugh! Featuring soprano Joyce El-Khoury as Rosalinde, tenor Roger Honeywell as Gabriel von Eisenstein, and Christopher Gaze as the tipsy jailer, Frosch.

When not performing music professionally, Heather teaches Alexander Technique in Nanaimo, B.C.  Explore freedom of movement and lightness of being with this incredible tool.  You CAN change inefficient habits of movement, and direct yourself to wellness!

Symphony Valentine’s Concert – Qualicum, Duncan, Nanaimo, 2015

Posted on by

Heather is pleased to perform as a core member of the Vancouver Island Symphony Orchestra in their upcoming February concert.

The Vancouver Island Symphony presents He Sings, She Sighs – A Romantic Comedy

Thursday February 12th, 7:30 pm in Duncan

Friday, February 13th   7:30 pm at The Qualicum Beach Civic Centre

Saturday, February 14th  7:30 pm at the Port Theatre, Nanaimo

The Vancouver Island Symphony with Guest Artists Nadya Blanchette, Soprano and Ken Lavigne, Tenor

Sidebar

Everybody loves a special someone. Has Ken found his match? Vancouver Island’s own and

compelling tenor Ken Lavigne teams up with diva extraordinaire Nadya Blanchette, former Cirque du Soleil diva and renowned international chanteuse in a one-of-a-kind show. On stage, their charm, complicity and passion will conquer your senses in dazzling performance featuring beloved love songs and duets. Seductive, powerful, breathtaking and funny! He sings, she sighs; we melt.

When not performing professional music, Heather teaches Alexander Technique in Nanaimo, B.C.  “Whether you are suffering from back pain, poor posture, stress-related symptoms, repetitive strain injuries, or many other problems, the Alexander Technique can help you.  You will learn to “un-do” these habits of imbalance, tension, and inefficient use of your co-ordination and energy to rediscover poise and ease within yourself.  More than a simple remedy for tension and poor posture, the Alexander Technique also changes ingrained thinking patterns and clears the way for a better quality of life.  It can be used by anyone.”

Vancouver Island Symphony Education Concert, Feb. 13th, 2015

Posted on by

An all new Education Program and Show “My Symphony”

vis20140213_edcon-mysymphony_pstr-vert_3This year the Vancouver Island Symphony’s Outreach and Education is launching a four-part integrated music education program in partnership with three school districts (# 68, 71 and 72, Aspengrove, Ecole Océane & Nanaimo Christian Schoo) on the Island. On February 13th 2015, ALL Grade 4 students from these districts will be attending the Symphony. In addition, the Vancouver Island Symphony will be sending a musician to perform at each school (SD68) prior to students attending the new education show called My Symphony. “My Symphony will be introducing the musical instruments of the orchestra in a fun way to the students,” says Patricial Plumley, VIS Grade 5 Choir Conductor. “It features some of Rick Scott’s favourite music. Rick has eight award-winning children’s albums and several nominations for Juno Awards. Composer-director Nico Rhodes is doing the arrangements, Pierre Simard will be conducting the orchestra, and the Vancouver Island Symphony Grade 5 Choir will be singing along with Rick.”

Heather Walker is a professional horn player with the Vancouver Island Symphony.  When not performing music, she teaches the Alexander Technique. With the Alexander Technique you can be poised without stiffness, move gracefully with less effort, and be alert and focused with less strain. The Alexander Technique is a simple and practical method for self-improvement and self-help. Anyone can benefit. Reduce tension, strain, injuries, and back pain by re-educating your coordination. Breathing and speaking become easier, and movement becomes freer, lighter and more enjoyable. You can improve how you move, perform, look and feel.