The Symphony Orchestra is a group consisting of violins, violas, cellos, and basses in a standard 5-part string orchestration plus 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2-4 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, tuba, and percussion.
The string parts involve multiple players on each part, whereas the woodwinds, brass, and percussion are one player on each part. This group plays the standard repertoire for orchestra from the 1600s to the present and there is a conscious effort to include a variety of styles and genres. The main need is for string players as the string sections can be of any size.
Musicians must join the Grande Prairie Music Society at a cost of $10/year to join the Symphony Orchestra.
There is a participant contribution of $125/session required for all ensemble members. Payment can be made by e-transfer to admin@gpmusicsociety.com, by cash, or by cheque made out to Grande Prairie Music Society.
Dr. Robert (Bob) Howey is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in clarinet, saxophone, and flute, as well as conducting, singing, and music education. His focus has been performing in and conducting music ensembles such as concert bands, jazz bands, jazz combos, choirs, rock and country bands, orchestras, and pit orchestras. As an educator, he has taught K-12 music, including general music, choir, and concert and jazz bands. His post-secondary teaching includes woodwind, music ensembles, music history, music theory and aural skills.
Dr. Bob’s extensive music education includes B.Mus. (Performance), UAlberta, B.Mus. (Mus. Ed.), USask, MMA and DMA (Instrumental Music Education), ASU. A Grande Prairie native, he currently directs the Grande Prairie Symphony Orchestra, and the Grande Prairie Symphonic Wind and Jazz Ensembles.
