YAPCA Chamber Program
The YAPCA Chamber Program offers students from the age of 13 up to university level an opportunity to master their skills in small chamber ensembles. Students explore a wide range of string literature to challenge and inspire a high level of technical finesse and musicianship, enriching their growth as instrumentalists, under the tutelage of a dynamic faculty and guest artists.
Masterclasses with guest artists enhance and inspire perspectives in musicianship and performance practice.
YAPCA is committed to the development of young artists, whether they are preparing for a career in music or seeking to realize their potential whatever their future holds.
Young Artists Orchestra
YAO, the Young Artist Orchestra is a vital part of the YAPCA programming intended to provide a wide range of orchestral skills and foster friendships among budding musicians.
Anyone between the ages of 6 and 17 who plays a symphonic instrument (strings, winds, brass) is invited to join us, to get together, play with peers, and further develop individual skills as an instrumentalist within an orchestra. Some of our students are in their early years of playing their instrument, while others are well on their way towards playing more advanced repertoire.
If you are a young string, wind or brass player, you’ll have a great time building musical memories for a lifetime in the Young Artists Orchestra.
New to YAPCA
If you are thinking about joining YAPCA please contact us. During the term, we invite you to meet our faculty and visit the orchestra to see us in action. Between terms, we are happy to arrange a meeting, in person or by zoom, with either our conductor or director to discuss our program in detail.
String players - For the chamber program you must have a private teacher. For YAO, we strongly encourage that our students have a private teacher; however, we make these decisions based on individual assessment and consideration. Please contact us. Upon your initial inquiry or registration, we will begin the process of ensuring appropriate placement by setting up a short meeting to hear the student play.
Winds - You will need to have played for at least a year to get the most out of YAO. If you have been playing for 1-2 years or more, we will schedule a meeting to hear where you are at. More advanced players may have the opportunity to play in a chamber group. Please contact us.
Our goal is to thoughtfully place every student in an environment where they will thrive.
2026-2027 Information
Two terms per year
Fall term - Weekly sessions every Wednesday at Central Secondary School begins September 16, 2026 through to November 26, 2026.
WINTER CONCERT will be held December 2, 2026 at the Metropolitan Church.
Winter term - Weekly sessions resume Wednesday evenings at Central Secondary School from January 13, 2027 through to March 31, 2027. No rehearsals during March Break, March 17th.
SPRING CONCERT will be held April 7, 2027 at the Metropolitan Church.
Schedule
5:00 - 6:15 PM - orchestra and chamber rehearsals
6:15 - 7:30 PM - recital, chamber music rehearsals continue for students in the chamber program
Please arrive for rehearsals early enough to unpack your instrument, tune and organize your music.
Location
Our rehearsals will be held at Central Secondary School located at 509 Waterloo Street in London, Ontario. We have the privilege of holding our Senior Piano Chamber Group rehearsals on the Vlad Grand at the Metropolitan Church, 468 Wellington Street, London, Ontario.
CONCERTS will be held at the Metropolitan United Church, 468 Wellington Street, London, Ontario,
Traffic is often heavy at 5 PM so give yourself a few extra minutes to arrive on time.
Annual Tuition 2026-2027 season
Orchestra only $490
Orchestra and one chamber music class $880
Two chamber music classes $1000
One chamber music class only $640
A $20 deduction applies for each additional sibling.
An Early Bird discount on tuition until August 1:
Orchestra only $470
Orchestra and one chamber music class $860
Two chamber music classes $980
One chamber music class only $620
Tuition may be paid via e-transfer to info@yapca.ca.
If you prefer to pay by personal cheque, please bring a cheque written out to “Young Artists Pre-College Academy” on the first day of rehearsal. Please contact us about a fee reduction if you have multiple children participating.
NOTE: TUITION IS NON-REFUNDABLE AFTER SEPTEMBER 1
Absences, illness and notification
Due to the nature of chamber music and orchestra rehearsals, the coaches, conductors, and group peers depend on each player’s distinctive contribution. Students’ full participation in classes and recitals is essential to ensure the weekly advancement of the group. Students are expected to prioritize their attendance at YAPCA when there is a conflict in their schedule.
If you must miss a rehearsal for any reason, please let us know in advance by emailing us at info@yapca.ca. Please also inform your coach and/or conductor as well, so they can plan accordingly.
Please do not miss rehearsals for upcoming school examinations; planning in advance will avoid this sort of absence.
If you are ill, please wear a medically-approved mask or do not come to rehearsal.
A parent will be notified if the student is absent without prior notice. If a student misses more than 3 rehearsals per term, their participation in the concert will be left to the discretion of the conductor.
Students are expected to arrive early at each class with all required materials to allow enough time for proper setup.
We understand that unpredictable situations arise, and are more than happy to discuss individual circumstances.