Bryn2587

Hi there.

My name's Bryn, I'm currently living in South Africa and my family is immigrating to Toronto (actually just outside I think) in February next year.

I play the trumpet, I'm 19 in a few weeks and I passed a Trinity Guildhall grade 8 practical exam a few years ago so I think I'm around an average playing level for my age. I'm using a Yamaha 4series and a Bach Megatone 1.5c and I'm hoping there are some provincial youth orchestras or similar to play in when I get there but I don't currently have any intention of studying music or becoming a professional player. But this doesn't have anything to do with me.

My brother, Dylan, is 16 years old this year and plays the French Horn. He is UNBELIEVABLY good. I went with him to the International Horn Symposium in Cape Town 2 years ago and was told that he is by far the best player they've ever seen in his age group in the world. That was THEN. He's now in grade 10 at one of the best schools in the country and is doing his grade 8 Trinity exam later this year. He SMASHED (94/100) his mid-year practical exam a few days ago and he had to perform everything he has to in the Trinity exam (2 accompanied pieces, 1 unaccompanied study, scales, sight reading, transposition & aural). He's currently being taught by the horn professor at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, as the head of music at his high school doesn't believe he would do him justice.

He has played in a dozen music competitions that are open to anyone under the age of 25 and has come in the top 3 every time, has played in the Eastern Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra for 2 years, is the 1st horn in his high school symphonic wind band and orchestra and has just been appointed 1st horn for the South African National Youth Orchestra (also, open to anyone under 25). He has a very decent Yamaha horn if that's of any importance.

Dylan loves his music, has already made several stunning arrangements of Shostakovich, Tchaikovsky, Strauss II, Dvorak etc. and has started composing his own works. He's only finished a brass quintet so far but his music teacher raved about it for weeks. His CV is as thick as my arm and he's only getting started. He's a terrific kid with a fantastic attitude.

I'm hoping that someone on this forum is familiar with the music setup in the Toronto area and could offer advice as to what his best options would be for the near future? I know that things like which high school and music school you attend are very important in claiming the world stage as a classical musician. Is there a particular high school he must definitely apply to or any world class horn teachers that my parents could contact? My parents want to get him placed as soon as possible.

My family isn't poor but he'd probably have to rely on bursaries to go to a prestigious academy or school. He's an A student so I doubt it would be a problem. What's the best route to having his talent realised?

Please, please. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Even from professional musicians somewhere else that have something to say about breaking into the system. Thanks in advance. I'm hoping I haven't posted this in the wrong place. This forum is a bit confusing.




Edit: I posted here because I saw Andrew McCandless is in Toronto. Hope that's reason enough.

Happy Canuck

Hi Bryn,

A lot will be based on where in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) you will be living.

There are a number of excellent brass teachers in the GTA and some excellent youth bands such as the Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra tywo.ca - the toronto youth wind orchestra and every summer the National Youth Band of Canada National Youth Band of Canada 2008

But schools will normally depend on where you live. Give us your new location and that should help.

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Bryn2587

Thanks. The location would be of little significance. I'll be moving out the house near whichever university accepts me, hopefully being U of T. My parents will decide where to move based on where Dylan needs to go.

amtrpt

Bryn,
Good luck with the move to Canada. I can only speak for myself, but I really love it here.
I don't have any information on schools because I don't teach that age and I don't have any kids. I would however reccomend a horn teacher for your brother. His name is Gabe Radford and he plays horn in the TSO. He's a great guy, player and teacher. If you would like to get his contact information pm me and I'll get it to you.
Best of luck with the move.
Andrew