With condolences and sadness...

It is our sad news to announce that Robert Raines, Brampton Symphony Orchestra’s maestro, passed the evening of April 16th, 2011. We offer condolences to his loved ones and will pass the information of arrangements on to our members when we know more.

BSO's Maestro Robert Raines & BAC's ED Marnie took a moment for a picture in 2005.

AGM, TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011 - 7:30

WRITTEN BY TERESA ALVES

The Annual General Meeting for BAC was held on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at the Brampton City Council Chambers. Members were pleasantly greeted by staff at reception where they received information packages and directed into Chambers.

The meeting was called to order by BAC President Licia Vreugde’s opening speech and detailed Annual General Report. The Audited Financial Statements were thoroughly presented by Treasurer Rob Filkin and followed by Secretary Jessica Heath announcing the Nominated Slate of Directors for 2011.

General questions were answered and upon adjournment, everyone gathered for a short reception in the lounge where TK’s Catering awaited to serve hors d’oeuvres and appetizing sweets. While Peter Gibson of Green Door Graphics generously donated his time and poured refreshments for attendees, voices and laughter harmoniously blended with the strumming of latin jazz performed by Hot Club de Brampton.

Everyone got comfortable, schmoozed and networked, marking another productive and successful year. Enthusiasm and satisfaction was at the forefront in the room for not only the evening but hopefully a great way to begin BAC’s upcoming events for the year.
Find more pictures here.

March 26th 2011

At 8:30 PM Saturday March 26th, 2011, a sudden hush descended on the crowded audience in the near darkness of Rose Theatre. Guest conducter Sabatino Vacca stepped onto stage with confidence and coat tails as he greeted the audience and began the business of music. The Brampton Arts Council Board and staff were on hand at Brampton Symphony Orchestra’s annual Earth Hour concert at the Rose Theatre to present this year’s Leon Argamasilla Bacardi Award of Excellence and enjoy the BSO’s musical talents. The Brampton Arts Council is also a sponsor of the Earth Hour concerts. Drawing young and old, the BSO commemorates Tschaikowsky while also celebrating the importance of the international Earth Hour phenomenon by turning off Rose Theatre’s lights for the first half of their concert. After intermission, the Brampton Arts Council formally presented hip hop dancer Jendayi Dyer with the Bacardi award. You can find out more about her here.

From 2011 Leon Bacardi Award/BSO Earth Hour Album

2011's Leon Argamailla Bacardi Award of Excellence Winner: Jendayi Dyer

Jendayi Dyer is a member of Jade’s Hip Hop Academy’s competitive team as well as their Performance Company. Jendayi is a remarkable award-winning dancer and gifted performer. She has shown outstanding dedication to her craft and her hard work has led to the perfection of her techniques, skills and showmanship.

At just 15 years old, her ability to captivate and move an audience is extraordinary. If there is one number that people will remember from any performance or competition, it will be Jendayi’s. She began her training at the age of 11. By the time she was 12, a solo artist had been born. Her first solo achieved great success in the competition circuit. At 13 years of age, she was given a challenge to embody various musical instruments throughout a new solo titled Musician.

Jendayi’s ability to grasp the depth of her character won her numerous awards, including all first place standings and many “overalls”. An “overall” award is the highest scoring routine out of all solos in any genre in any particular age category. This is not an easy feat and typically hip hop solos do not win against ballet, jazz, tap or lyrical, yet Jendayi has achieved winning “overalls” many times.

Jendayi is a role model at the Academy where she spends on average four to five days per week. Many of the dancers older and younger look up to her and admire her for her abilities and commitment. She also spends time volunteering as a Teacher assistant and student teacher in their pre-competitive and recreational classes. She plays a critical leadership role instructing the dancers and her Artistic Director is teaching her to choreograph as well.

What is additionally remarkable is that not only is Jendayi a talented and successful dancer she suffers from severe Asthma. This does not stop her from giving every practice and every performance 110%. Jendayi has proven she has a fighting spirit and that she will forever continue to pursue excellence. With her proven talent, volunteerism and her ability to overcome adversity, Jendayi Dyer is a perfect recipient of the Leon Argamasilla Bacardi Award of Excellence.