Classes + Courses | Fall 2025

B6

n WESTMAN THIS WEEK

n THE BRANDON SUN

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2025

It’s all about the joy of making music » Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music

and up, including adult singers in the Bel Canto Choir. Our popular Suzuki Talent Education Program delivers innovative experiences for student violinists, cellists, guitarists and pianists. For students involved in school band and jazz programs, we are ready to help you play and sing your best! Learning music helps build self-confidence and emotional re- silience through meaningful inter- actions with peers and mentors. We are ready to offer safe in-person and remote instruction according to your family’s needs, and we embrace learners with exceptionalities. For updated information about our programming, please visit our website at BrandonU.ca/E-Gre. You can also contact Conservatory Di- rector Dianna Neufeld at 204-727- 7366 or NeufeldDi@BrandonU.ca. We look forward to connecting with you!

The Eckhardt-Gramatté Conser- vatory of Music is delighted to invite Westman students to another year of quality musical instruction. Through our unique partnership with Brandon University’s renowned School of Music, the Conservato- ry sets developing musicians on a path to success with outstanding instructors, facilities, resources, per- formance opportunities, and acces- sible financial aid. We take pride in our inclusive community and are al- ways overjoyed to welcome new stu- dents and families to our programs. Whether students participate in individual or group instruction, they experience the joy of music-making and the motivation of learning new skills. We are always expanding our programming to encourage new musicians to join us and share in our enthusiastic, supportive communi- ty. The Brandon Conservatory Cho- rale welcomes students aged five

The Eckhardt-Gramatté Conservatory of Music invites students to another year of musical instruction. (Supplied)

All Kids Musicals auditioning for The Magical Land of Oz » Mecca Productions produces two kids’ shows per year

“There is something really special about bringing kids from so many communities to- gether to create something as a cast,” Vascon- celos said. “Kids who met during our first few kids’ mu- sicals forged lifelong friendships. We love that! Community, friendship and fun are what our shows are all about!’ While an audition is required for those who want to be part of Mecca shows, the audition process for Kids’ Musicals is low-pressure and focused on getting to know each young per- former as the cast list is created. There are still a few spots for our September auditions. Mecca produces two kids shows each year. The Little Mermaid takes to the WMCA stage in May 2026. Our kids’ musicals are the major fund- raiser for Mecca Arts Project, a board-run, registered non-profit who work to remove financial bar- riers to theatre arts programming and support the creation of live theatre at the WMCA. Fund- ing support for families is available by applica- tion. Email the committee at meccaartsproj- ect@gmail. com To register for an audition or find out more information about the show and rehearsal process, visit our Kids’ Musical page at mec- ca-productions.com

tions, invites you to join the fun! “Our kids’ musicals give kids who have never stepped on the WMCA stage before the chance to experience a ‘real show’ in an incredible, professional venue,” Vasconcelos said. “The Magical Land of Oz is open to all kids in grades 1 and older, regardless of experience. Being part of the show is rewarding and fun — for the kids and for us! The growth kids experience through the process and on stage is truly in- credible.” The production team for Mecca Kids’ Musi- cals is led by Mecca instructors, who are also experienced performers. They love sharing what they know about performing and musical theatre. ‘A team of more than a dozen dedicat- ed adults work together behind the scenes on our kids musicals. They are some of the most experienced arts educators in our region. They LOVE musical theatre and it shows! “We chose The Magical Land of Oz because it has so many supporting roles and it’s a VERY funny show! We are so excited to see more kids shine on stage,” Vasconcelos said. “There are so many talented young people in our region, we want to highlight as many as we can.” Young performers from across western Man- itoba — including Minnedosa, Virden, Souris, Neepawa, Portage and Dauphin — travel to the Mecca Studio at 110 Sixth St. to join the cast.

Work with and learn from some of Westman’s most experienced musical theatre educators & performers as you prepare for opening night at the WMCA. It’s the ultimate ‘learn by doing’ performing arts experience led by trained ed- ucators. Our non-denominational All Kids’ Musicals welcome young performers up to grade 12 of all backgrounds and experience levels. SHINE on the beautiful WMCA stage as part of a diverse and inclusive cast as you discover the magic of musical theatre as we create an incredible performance for audiences! If you can make the commitment to attend the rehearsals, we will teach you what you need to know to have an amazing experience on stage and off! It’s as much fun as it looks. Rehearsals begin in September and con- clude with a fun and performance-filled week at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditori- um. Lisa Vasconcelos, founder of Mecca Produc-

Scene from a recent Mecca Productions mu- sical (Supplied)

Where Passion Meets Positivity

Recitals, Festivals, Competitions, Productions, Recreational, Competitive, Intensives & Workshops

photography by Keywest Photo @keywestphotoibd

PROGRAMS

REGISTRATION

Classes Start Monday September 8th To Register: Email: studiosevendance@outlook.com Webpage: studiosevendance.ca In Studio Registration: - August 23rd 2pm-6pm - September 4th 2pm-6pm Beginner to Experienced Welcome

Jazz for Acro Fairytale Ballet 3-4 Pre-Ballet 5-6

Jazz Lyrical Contemporary Beginner Flamenco Adult Classes Acrobatics Hip Hop

Me and My Shadow 18 months - 2 1/2

Music for Kids 18 months - 3 Storybook 2-4 (Ballet/Tap) Triple Threats 5-6 (Ballet/Tap/ Jazz) Leaps and Beats 5-6 (Ballet/ Jazz) Future Stars 7-9 (Ballet/Tap/Jazz) Movers and Groovers 5-8 (Hip Hop/ Ballet)

Primary Ballet 6-8 Showstoppers 5-7 (Musical Theatre/Stage Dance) Stage Bound 8-11 (Musical Theatre/Stage Dance) Broadway Bound 12+ (Musical Theatre/Stage Dance)

New: Community Outreach Drop In, New: Kids Ballroom, Beginner Rhythmical Gymnastics Hand Balancing

Ballet Pointe Modern Tap

Creative Dance l 4-5 Creative Dance ll 6-7

Flexability Cheer Pom

Quality Instruction With Caring Professionals

Accredited Teachers in: AL Gilbert, ADAPT, CDTA, Cechetti, RAD, Acrobatics, ADA Hand Balancing, Alixa flexibility Quality Instruction With Caring and Experienced Professionals: Linda Kearns, Alana Moorehead, Kylie Hardy Csversko, Tori Wright, Ashley Geisbrecht, Raine Kearns, Mindy Choy and more

Email: studiosevendance@outlook.com

Find us on:

Studio Seven

Unit D-10 800 Rosser Ave. Brandon MB Phone: 204-717-0297 Directors: Linda Kearns, Alana Moorehead, Kylie Hardy Csversko

Instagram:

studioseven.dance

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