VYC Kindred Community Workshop

Since 1978, the New Orchestra Workshop Society (NOW) has presented free music improvisation workshops, offering space for exploration in inclusive, participant-focused environments. We encourage the creation of non-hierarchical music through instantaneous collaboration. We invite local and international improvisers to facilitate the workshops, such as Pauline Oliveros, Eyvind Kang, Lori Freedman, Kris Davis, Ava Mendoza, Satoko Fujii, Luke Stewart, Fay Victor, Lisa Harris, Ingrid Laubrock, Douglas Ewart, Peggy Lee, Jesse Zubot, Lan Tung, Parmela Attariwala, Ben Brown, Ron Samworth, Nikki Carter and Lisa Cay Miller.

NOW presents workshop series at 8EAST and online. We also present workshops to children and youth in schools and private workshops, such as at the St. James Music Academy in Vancouver's DTES, and Tahayghen Elementary School, Skaadgaa Naay Elementary, Skidegate and Gidgalang Kuuyas Naay Secondary in Haida Gwaii.

Our workshops are for improvisers of all levels of ability and ranges of experience, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, age, race or religion. We protect privacy in our workshops and adopt the We Have Voice Collective Code of Conduct.