INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS

Lake City Orchestra

Dartmouth’s Inclusive String Orchestra

 

Now Accepting New Members for Winter 2026!

Accepting New Members for Winter 2026

Lake City Orchestra is currently accepting new members for Winter 2026. No auditions required!

START DATE

  • January 5, 2026

REHEARSALS

  • Mondays (no rehearsal on February 16, 2026 for Family Day)
  • 6:00 to 7:15PM

SKILL LEVEL

  • Advanced Beginner & Intermediate Players
  • No auditions required

CONCERT DATES

  • Saturday, March 28, 2026 (tentative)

MEMBERSHIP FEES

  • We offer a sliding scale on our membership fees to make the group more accessible! Feel free to choose either rates of $10, $15 or $20 per rehearsal.
  • Total Sliding Scale Range: $110 to $220 (11 weeks + concert)

The Lake City Orchestra Experience

Lake City Orchestra is an inclusive string orchestra for intermediate musicians aged 14 and up—including adults—who want to grow as players in a supportive, stress-free environment. Whether you’re a student looking to expand your ensemble experience, or an adult returning to your instrument after time away, this group offers a welcoming space to reconnect with music and community.

Led by experienced teaching artists, Connor Cornick and Adam LeBlanc, Lake City Orchestra focuses on improving individual technique while building essential skills for ensemble performance—like listening, blending, and following a conductor. Rehearsals emphasize learning through encouragement, collaboration, and joyful music-making, without the pressure of auditions or competition.

Each term introduces a fresh and varied repertoire, from classical works (Baroque, Romantic, and Modern) to arrangements of film scores, pop/rock songs, and musical theatre hits. Players will strengthen their confidence and musicianship while preparing for a relaxed public performance at the end of the term.

Participation includes weekly rehearsals and light at-home practice (1–2 hours/week is plenty for most). If you’re ready to make music in a fun, low-pressure setting with like-minded players, Lake City Orchestra is the perfect place to start.

Our Team

Connor Cornick

Conductor

Connor Cornick is a professional cellist and teacher from Halifax, Nova Scotia. Connor completed his undergraduate studies at Acadia University and is a recent graduate of Memorial University where he completed his M.Mus in cello performance. Connor has extensive performing experience, both solo and in ensembles, and has been teaching for 9+ years. He has held positions with several private institutions, non-profit groups, and has also taught through the Halifax Regional School Board. While primarily a cellist, Connor also teaches violin and has taken advanced pedagogy courses in this area.

Connor enjoys performing in both chamber groups and orchestras and has been an active member of a number of youth and community groups throughout his career both as a performer and as a teacher. While studying in St. Johns, Newfoundland, Connor also held a seat with the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra for two years. Connor is an avid believer in music as a tool for creative and personal growth and strives to help his students on their own musical journey.

Adam LeBlanc

Assistant Conductor

Adam has been playing the violin for over twenty years. Originating from Southeastern New Brunswick, he has trained as a fiddle and classical violinist. During this time, Adam has competed several times at the invitational Canadian Grand Masters Fiddling Championship in Ottawa, ON. He has also competed in several competitions in the Maritime provinces, such as the Maritime Fiddle Festival.

2025 Highlights