While Whispering River runs several programs, (summer camp, private music lessons, inter-arts workshops), the community orchestra is its most powerful tool for enabling the whole community to participate in music. To make this programming accessible and culturally relevant to the Parry Sound region, where Anishnaabek, Métis, French, and English Settler communities intersect, the orchestra combines direct music education that is accessible to the community as a whole with immersive arts events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The orchestra’s flagship events are the Summer Solstice CultureFest and Bert Weir Family ArtsFest (named for the influential McKellar painter),  2-day outdoor family festivals that use hands-on participation to immerse attendees of all ages in contemporary and authentic traditional Canadian music/folk songs. The Summer Solstice Celebration is co-created with WRM’s Ancestor’s Circle and incorporates Métis, Anishnaabek, and Settler cultures. Both events strengthen the orchestra’s relationship with the community, provide an entry point for new musicians of all cultures, and fulfill the orchestra’s mission of making music accessible and engaging.

 

The orchestra’s foundation is the training provided by professional local musicians who conduct free group classes and clinics, giving amateurs the skills and self-confidence to join. The orchestra rehearses twice weekly and performs two further concerts annually plus pop-up community performances.