YAPCA Chamber Program
The YAPCA Chamber Program focuses on offering students between the ages of 13 and 18 years old an opportunity to master their skills with small 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 and is intended to provide preparatory orchestral skills and foster friendships among budding musicians.
Anyone between the ages of 6 and 16 who plays any symphonic instrument - strings, winds, and brass is invited to join us to get together, play with friends, and learn the skills of orchestral playing. Some of our students are in their first year of playing their instrument. Others are well on their way towards playing in more advanced ensembles.
If you are a young string, wind or brass player, you’ll have a great time in the Young Artists Orchestra.
New to YAPCA
If you are thinking about joining YAPCA or want to see if it is a good fit for you contact us. If you are interested in YAO, you can come and try out the orchestra before committing.
String players - For both the chamber program and YAO, it’s best if you have a private teacher although for YAO please contact us. For the chamber program, we require at least a RCM level 5 or Suzuki book 4. For YAO, you should have been studying long enough to read music fairly well. Once you contact us, we will set up a meeting either in person or by zoom to hear you play. This will help get you in the perfect section.
Winds - You will need to have played for at least a year to get the most out of YAO. If you’ve been playing between 1-2 years, we will schedule a meeting to check where you are and possibly hear a little of your playing. More advanced players may have the opportunity to play in a chamber group. Please contact us.
2026-2027 Information
Two terms per year
Fall term - Weekly sessions every Wednesday. Begins September 16, 2026 through to December 2, 2026.
Winter Concert will be held December 2, 2026.
Winter term - Weekly sessions resume Wednesday evenings from January 13, 2027 through to April 7, 2027. No rehearsals during March Break, March 17th.
Spring concert will be held April 7, 2027.
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. Whether or not you are in chamber music rehearsals in the second half of the evening, please stay for the recital each week. It’s an opportunity to support all of the players.
Location
Our rehearsals will be held at Central Secondary School located at 509 Waterloo Street in 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, so that you 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 THAT TUITION IS NON-REFUNDABLE AFTER SEPTEMBER 1
Absences, illness and notification
Due to the nature of chamber music and orchestra that depend on each player’s distinctive contribution, students’ full participation in classes and recitals is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the groups. Students are expected to prioritize their attendance at YAPCA when there is conflict in schedule.
If you must miss a rehearsal or concert for any reason, you must let us know by emailing us at info@yapca.ca. Tell your coach or conductor AND email them as well, to create a record which can serve as a reminder.
Please do not miss rehearsals for upcoming school examinations; instead , try to plan your schedule enough in advance that this sort of absence is not necessary.
If you are ill, please do not come to rehearsal. Its not worth the risk of infecting your colleagues who are playing alongside you in close quarters.
A parent will be notified if the student is absent without prior notice. If a student misses more than 3 rehearsals per term without good reason, they will not be allowed to perform in the concert, at 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.