PCSS Alumni Association

A message from Andrew Kizas, Director, Regional Strings

The Regional Strings Program began in September 2003, building upon a long-standing tradition of musical excellence at Port Credit. Graduates of the music program at Port Credit include: Jeremy Bell, violinist with the Penderecki String Quartet; Krisztina Szabo, soprano soloist with the Canadian Opera Company; and Suhashini Aurlanandam, violinist with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra.

All students seeking admission to the program must undergo an interview (Beginning Strings), or an audition and interview (Intermediate Strings and Chamber Strings). This ensures that students are placed at a level that most suits their current abilities. However, students are given an opportunity to progress from the Beginning or Intermediate Strings Program to the advanced Chamber Strings program over the course of their four years at the school.

The Regional Strings Program is the only program of its kind in the Peel District School Board. Musical opportunities include: touring; professional coaching sessions; attendance at live concerts and rehearsals; master classes with professional musicians; and, an educational excursion to Europe in alternate years. Students receive a certificate upon completion of the four year program. This program is a two-credit package; students take music in both semesters!

In addition to providing our students with an opportunity to excel in music, students in the Regional Strings Program develop long-lasting friendships with their fellow musicians that continue throughout their years at Port Credit and beyond. Moreover, while some of our students have chosen to pursue post-secondary education in music, many others have sought out challenging career and educational opportunities in the humanities, sciences, law, and medicine. As you probably know, research has shown that studying music improves academic ability, self-discipline, motivation, and self-confidence.

The Regional Strings Program at Port Credit Secondary School is open to all students in the Peel District School Board, regardless of where they live. In keeping with the Board's policy for regional programs, bussing is not provided. Paid transportation, however, is available to students through Trott Transit. Please note that Peel District School Board policy states that students who choose to leave a Regional Program must return to their "home" school, and may not continue at the Regional program school if they are not participating in the program.