Gillian Hunter Gibbs, host and performer
Michelle Goddard, clarinet
Vincent Vohradsky, trumpet
J. Warren Long, bass
Michael Jarrett, percussion
Join Teacher Gillian, The Silly Scientist, as she tries to rival the musicians of the VSO with her own silly musical creations. Kids will be introduced to the basic science of sound and the instrument families of the orchestra with the music of Holst, Saint-Saëns, Mendelssohn and more.
Gillian Hunter Gibbs, host and performer
Gillian Hunter-Gibbs brings her love of classical music, teaching and fun to the VSO’s Little Kids Concerts. A Vancouver native, Gillian studied voice and violin at UBC before moving to the UK where she completed a master's degree in Music Education at Cambridge University. Following her studies, Gillian worked in arts administration and education in the UK for 12 years, most recently running the renowned education program for City of London Sinfonia, before returning to her hometown of Vancouver to take up a position at the VSO School of Music in 2017. The flagship programs she spearheaded at City of London Sinfonia focused on the areas of Early Childhood Music Education, developing a series of workshops and concerts for ages 0-5 which toured the UK, as well as health and wellness, bringing musicians into hospitals, care homes and hospices in London and beyond.
Gillian is an experienced Early Childhood Music Educator, having taught music classes to hundreds of children from newborns to age 6, as well as private violin teaching to young children. She believes in a child centered approach to learning, encompassing the best of respected music education methodologies including Kodaly, Suzuki, Orff, Dalcroze and Colourstrings, preparing even the youngest students for a lifelong love of music, something she has brought to the VSO School of Music’s Early Years program.
Gillian currently serves as Director of the VSO School of Music, a role which allows her to be involved in every aspect of the School, from babies to seniors, classical to jazz and world music. Gillian believes passionately in music education in its broadest sense – it’s never too early or too late! In addition to her work and musical pursuits, Gillian is mom to two young children, 6-year-old Ellie and 3-year-old Myles, both budding young music lovers!
Michelle Goddard, Acting Assistant Principal Clarinet
Taryn Brodie Chair
Music was a constant in Michelle’s house growing up and after an early start on the piano she chose to learn the clarinet at age 11. Following this passion, Michelle attended the University of British Columbia where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in music. She then received her Master’s degree from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, studying with world-renowned clarinetist James Campbell. During her time at IU, Michelle was the Associate Instructor of the clarinet studio where she taught classes and private lessons.
Between school years Michelle spent multiple summers studying music at the Banff Centre. From 2012 to 2017, Michelle held the position of 2nd/Utility Clarinet with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and was sessional faculty at the University of Manitoba. In 2017 Michelle joined the Vancouver Symphony as the 2nd/Eb clarinetist after a successful audition for her hometown orchestra.
Along with her career as a symphony musician, Michelle is a sought-after chamber musician, and has enjoyed performing with numerous touring Broadway companies. Michelle is an active teacher, clinician, and adjudicator throughout British Columbia and is on faculty at the VSO School of Music.
Vincent Vohradsky, Trumpet
W. Neil Harcourt in memory of Frank N. Harcourt Chair
In 2011 Vincent Vohradsky became the second trumpet with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his position with the VSO he is a member of the Vancouver Symphony Brass Quintet, and the Vancouver Brass Project. He has performed with the Calgary Philharmonic, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Victoria Symphony Orchestra, and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.
Vincent received a Bachelors Degree from Brandon University under the tutelage of Alan Ehnes and earned a Masters Degree from the University of British Columbia as a pupil of Larry Knopp. In 1999 and then again in 2002, Vincent was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada where he studied with Vincent Cichowicz. Vincent has a keen interest in teaching and aspires to further the musical cause in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.
J. Warren Long, Double Bass
Veteran Bassist J. Warren Long was born into a musical family. First Studies began on trumpet at age 10. While studying classical guitar in college he was intrigued by the sound of the Double Bass. Inspired by legendary Bassist Gary Karr Warren has been fortunate to choose a career he enjoys.
A graduate of Western Washington St. College, Warren has studied with many gifted teachers including Orin O’Brien, Kenneth Friedman, Eugene Levinson and Ronald Simon.
While not preparing for his next VSO concert, Warren is on the VSO Faculty of Music where he teaches double bass. He likes spending his free time taking personal training with Robbie Trainer Hannon.
The joy of music and being surrounded by talented musicians has made living in Vancouver a Wonderful Experience. Warren loves animals and lives in Kit’s with Princess Pretty Kitty.
Michael Jarrett, Percussion
Michael Jarrett is a percussionist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Growing up in Atlanta, Michael began by studying the drum set at age 12.
As a high school student, he found his love for orchestra while playing percussion in the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. Michael then went on to study with members of the Cleveland Orchestra while attaining his bachelor’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
He furthered his education and experience at the Manhattan School of Music, and received his master’s degree studying under the prestigious MSM percussion faculty. Prior to joining the VSO percussion section, he was a fellow with the New World Symphony for one year.
While maintaining an active performance schedule with the VSO and various ensembles in Vancouver, Michael has also made guest appearances in the Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony percussion sections. And during the summers, he has participated in music festivals such as the Tanglewood Music Center, National Repertory Orchestra, and Music Academy of the West.
As an educator, he works with students at the VSO School of Music and has been a faculty member for the VSO Orchestral Institute. Michael is thrilled to be living, performing, and teaching in Vancouver.
The musical pieces in this concert include short excerpts from some of our favourite works for orchestra! Learn more about these pieces and share the “Little Program Notes” below with the VSO’s youngest audience members.
Scherzo from A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
When he was just 17 years old, Mendelssohn read Shakespeare’s tale of fairies and forest spirits and star-crossed lovers, and then he wrote this enchanting piece. Imagine a magical hummingbird flying to and fro, followed by a sparkling trail of pixie dust!
Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from The Planets
Gustav Holst ( 1874-1934)
Holst taught music at St. Paul’s Girls’ School in London for nearly 30 years. This jolly sounding tune from his work The Planets also became famous as the patriotic hymn “I vow to thee my country.” during World War I.
Fossils from Carnival of the Animals
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
“Fossils” is a movement from Saint-Saëns’ Le carnaval des animaux (Carnival of the Animals). He wrote the piece for fun, for a private party, and did not allow it to be published in his lifetime. Such silly music might damage his reputation as a “serious” composer. The xylophone helps to conjure up the sound of rocks and bones and fossils being chipped out of the earth! If you would like to hear the VSO’s full performance of Carnival of the Animals, look for the Origino Kids Concert at theconcerthall.ca.
Winter from The Four Seasons
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Like Holst, Antonio Vivaldi dedicated many years of his career teaching music to young people. The Orphanage where he worked helped boys to learn a trade, while the most talented young girls became members of the Ospedale’s renowned orchestra and choir. The music from his suite The Four Seasons includes this teeth-chattering moment from the section titled Winter.
The Elephant from Carnival of the Animals
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
“The Elephant” is another movement from Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals). Here the slow moving, low notes of the Double bass imitate the steady gate of the largest land mammal on earth! If you would like to hear the VSO’s full performance of Carnival of the Animals, look for the Origino Kids Concert at theconcerthall.ca.
Twinkle Twinkle
Traditional
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is an English Lullaby nearly as old as the stars themselves! The famous French version – “Ah vous dirai-je, Maman?” is even older and was used by Mozart for a set of piano variations. Did you know that same tune is also used for Baa, Baa, Black Sheep and the Alphabet song ( A-B-C D-E-F-G…)?
Gillian Hunter Gibbs, host and performer
Michelle Goddard, clarinet
Vincent Vohradsky, trumpet
J. Warren Long, bass
Michael Jarrett, percussion
Join Teacher Gillian, The Silly Scientist, as she tries to rival the musicians of the VSO with her own silly musical creations. Kids will be introduced to the basic science of sound and the instrument families of the orchestra with the music of Holst, Saint-Saëns, Mendelssohn and more.
Gillian Hunter Gibbs, host and performer
Gillian Hunter-Gibbs brings her love of classical music, teaching and fun to the VSO’s Little Kids Concerts. A Vancouver native, Gillian studied voice and violin at UBC before moving to the UK where she completed a master's degree in Music Education at Cambridge University. Following her studies, Gillian worked in arts administration and education in the UK for 12 years, most recently running the renowned education program for City of London Sinfonia, before returning to her hometown of Vancouver to take up a position at the VSO School of Music in 2017. The flagship programs she spearheaded at City of London Sinfonia focused on the areas of Early Childhood Music Education, developing a series of workshops and concerts for ages 0-5 which toured the UK, as well as health and wellness, bringing musicians into hospitals, care homes and hospices in London and beyond.
Gillian is an experienced Early Childhood Music Educator, having taught music classes to hundreds of children from newborns to age 6, as well as private violin teaching to young children. She believes in a child centered approach to learning, encompassing the best of respected music education methodologies including Kodaly, Suzuki, Orff, Dalcroze and Colourstrings, preparing even the youngest students for a lifelong love of music, something she has brought to the VSO School of Music’s Early Years program.
Gillian currently serves as Director of the VSO School of Music, a role which allows her to be involved in every aspect of the School, from babies to seniors, classical to jazz and world music. Gillian believes passionately in music education in its broadest sense – it’s never too early or too late! In addition to her work and musical pursuits, Gillian is mom to two young children, 6-year-old Ellie and 3-year-old Myles, both budding young music lovers!
Michelle Goddard, Acting Assistant Principal Clarinet
Taryn Brodie Chair
Music was a constant in Michelle’s house growing up and after an early start on the piano she chose to learn the clarinet at age 11. Following this passion, Michelle attended the University of British Columbia where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in music. She then received her Master’s degree from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, studying with world-renowned clarinetist James Campbell. During her time at IU, Michelle was the Associate Instructor of the clarinet studio where she taught classes and private lessons.
Between school years Michelle spent multiple summers studying music at the Banff Centre. From 2012 to 2017, Michelle held the position of 2nd/Utility Clarinet with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and was sessional faculty at the University of Manitoba. In 2017 Michelle joined the Vancouver Symphony as the 2nd/Eb clarinetist after a successful audition for her hometown orchestra.
Along with her career as a symphony musician, Michelle is a sought-after chamber musician, and has enjoyed performing with numerous touring Broadway companies. Michelle is an active teacher, clinician, and adjudicator throughout British Columbia and is on faculty at the VSO School of Music.
Vincent Vohradsky, Trumpet
W. Neil Harcourt in memory of Frank N. Harcourt Chair
In 2011 Vincent Vohradsky became the second trumpet with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his position with the VSO he is a member of the Vancouver Symphony Brass Quintet, and the Vancouver Brass Project. He has performed with the Calgary Philharmonic, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Victoria Symphony Orchestra, and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.
Vincent received a Bachelors Degree from Brandon University under the tutelage of Alan Ehnes and earned a Masters Degree from the University of British Columbia as a pupil of Larry Knopp. In 1999 and then again in 2002, Vincent was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Canada where he studied with Vincent Cichowicz. Vincent has a keen interest in teaching and aspires to further the musical cause in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia.
J. Warren Long, Double Bass
Veteran Bassist J. Warren Long was born into a musical family. First Studies began on trumpet at age 10. While studying classical guitar in college he was intrigued by the sound of the Double Bass. Inspired by legendary Bassist Gary Karr Warren has been fortunate to choose a career he enjoys.
A graduate of Western Washington St. College, Warren has studied with many gifted teachers including Orin O’Brien, Kenneth Friedman, Eugene Levinson and Ronald Simon.
While not preparing for his next VSO concert, Warren is on the VSO Faculty of Music where he teaches double bass. He likes spending his free time taking personal training with Robbie Trainer Hannon.
The joy of music and being surrounded by talented musicians has made living in Vancouver a Wonderful Experience. Warren loves animals and lives in Kit’s with Princess Pretty Kitty.
Michael Jarrett, Percussion
Michael Jarrett is a percussionist with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Growing up in Atlanta, Michael began by studying the drum set at age 12.
As a high school student, he found his love for orchestra while playing percussion in the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. Michael then went on to study with members of the Cleveland Orchestra while attaining his bachelor’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
He furthered his education and experience at the Manhattan School of Music, and received his master’s degree studying under the prestigious MSM percussion faculty. Prior to joining the VSO percussion section, he was a fellow with the New World Symphony for one year.
While maintaining an active performance schedule with the VSO and various ensembles in Vancouver, Michael has also made guest appearances in the Cleveland Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, National Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Toronto Symphony percussion sections. And during the summers, he has participated in music festivals such as the Tanglewood Music Center, National Repertory Orchestra, and Music Academy of the West.
As an educator, he works with students at the VSO School of Music and has been a faculty member for the VSO Orchestral Institute. Michael is thrilled to be living, performing, and teaching in Vancouver.
The musical pieces in this concert include short excerpts from some of our favourite works for orchestra! Learn more about these pieces and share the “Little Program Notes” below with the VSO’s youngest audience members.
Scherzo from A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
When he was just 17 years old, Mendelssohn read Shakespeare’s tale of fairies and forest spirits and star-crossed lovers, and then he wrote this enchanting piece. Imagine a magical hummingbird flying to and fro, followed by a sparkling trail of pixie dust!
Jupiter, the Bringer of Jollity from The Planets
Gustav Holst ( 1874-1934)
Holst taught music at St. Paul’s Girls’ School in London for nearly 30 years. This jolly sounding tune from his work The Planets also became famous as the patriotic hymn “I vow to thee my country.” during World War I.
Fossils from Carnival of the Animals
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
“Fossils” is a movement from Saint-Saëns’ Le carnaval des animaux (Carnival of the Animals). He wrote the piece for fun, for a private party, and did not allow it to be published in his lifetime. Such silly music might damage his reputation as a “serious” composer. The xylophone helps to conjure up the sound of rocks and bones and fossils being chipped out of the earth! If you would like to hear the VSO’s full performance of Carnival of the Animals, look for the Origino Kids Concert at theconcerthall.ca.
Winter from The Four Seasons
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Like Holst, Antonio Vivaldi dedicated many years of his career teaching music to young people. The Orphanage where he worked helped boys to learn a trade, while the most talented young girls became members of the Ospedale’s renowned orchestra and choir. The music from his suite The Four Seasons includes this teeth-chattering moment from the section titled Winter.
The Elephant from Carnival of the Animals
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
“The Elephant” is another movement from Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals). Here the slow moving, low notes of the Double bass imitate the steady gate of the largest land mammal on earth! If you would like to hear the VSO’s full performance of Carnival of the Animals, look for the Origino Kids Concert at theconcerthall.ca.
Twinkle Twinkle
Traditional
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star is an English Lullaby nearly as old as the stars themselves! The famous French version – “Ah vous dirai-je, Maman?” is even older and was used by Mozart for a set of piano variations. Did you know that same tune is also used for Baa, Baa, Black Sheep and the Alphabet song ( A-B-C D-E-F-G…)?
