Tubist instrumental to orchestra

NEW GLASGOW - Moreso than percussion or those whistling woodwinds and violins, it's often said that the low end of an ensemble is the most important.
Even though they're tucked in the back of an orchestra, a low brass section usually serves as the foundation of a musical arrangement.
When the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra arrives in Pictou County for a concert later this month, they will be propped up by tubist Kiana Casey.
Casey, a Grade 10 student at North Nova Education Centre, joined the provincial ensemble earlier this year. It was her intention to send in an audition tape to the orchestra but they, being short a tuba player for two summer concerts, asked her to come down anyway.
"I emailed the co-ordinator - she said come down and play with them during their 'boot camp.' And I auditioned with them. And now I'm in."
It's a different experience for Casey, who plays with the school band.
"This is my first time playing with an orchestra. It was really neat to play with the string instruments," she said. "We do full symphonies - it's a lot different and the pieces are a lot longer."
And, she said the pieces the orchestra prepares are more difficult. It's a challenge, Casey says, but "challenging yourself, I think, is always a good thing."
"There are always lots of people there who help, there are teachers and you can ask people in your section."
The orchestra will appear in North Nova's performance centre Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. Music lovers in Pictou County will recognize Paul Dukas' Sorcerer's Apprentice as one of the pieces to be played. Actually most people will know that one. It was the piece of music they used in the Disney film Fantasia, where Mickey Mouse is conducting the broom - that one.
Also to be played: Mozart's Piano Concerto, k.491 in C Minor - this will feature 2009 concerto competition winner Alyssa Phillips; and finally Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 in F minor, Op. 36.