The Comox Valley Youth Music Centre is entering its 44th season of making music.

Since 1967, CYMC has enabled thousands of dedicated young performers to hone their talents and bring outstanding music and drama to appreciative audiences in the Comox Valley and elsewhere on Vancouver Island. These summer camp programs strive to develop acting and musical skills in intensive collaborative sessions, culminating in the fine performances for which CYMC is famous.

This year, CYMC is again offering its spectacular annual raffle. WestJet has contributed the Grand Prize 鈥� a round trip for two people to anywhere in their 71 destination Canadian, U.S., Mexico and Caribbean network. The winner could fly from Comox to Toronto, Florida, or many exotic holiday spots like St. Lucia, the Bahamas, or Jamaica.

The 2011 raffle has 15 prizes, including gift certificates for clothing and fine dining at local restaurants, hotel stays, or tickets to some incredible performances. Pick up your tickets from the CYMC office above the Comox Valley Art Gallery in Courtenay.

You can also visit Early Bird Caf茅, Searles Shoes, Benjamin Moore House of Colour, Laughing Oyster Bookstore, Long and McQuade, and Videos 鈥楴鈥� More for tickets.

The annual raffle is CYMC鈥檚 biggest fundraiser. Proceeds are used to create bursaries for many deserving students so they may attend summer music camp.

Talented alumni include Diana Krall, Nancy Argenta, and Christopher Millard. Many of our alumni credit the CYMC for improving their talents during the earliest days of their careers.

Last summer, students in the classical program treated audiences to top-notch chamber music and orchestral performances. Jazz students showed off their ingenuity and improvisation skills at every show. Musical Theatre students performed the 鈥渄electable鈥� Sweeney Todd and wowed appreciative audiences in Courtenay, Duncan, and Victoria.

Last summer, students in the classical program treated audiences to top-notch chamber music and orchestral performances. Jazz students showed off their ingenuity and improvisation skills at every show. Musical Theatre students performed the 鈥渄electable鈥� Sweeney Todd and wowed appreciative audiences in Courtenay, Duncan, and Victoria.

Two programs have been added for 2011: the piano program has returned by request, taught by renowned local pianist Sarah Hagen, and CYMC introduces its first vocal jazz program, taught by award-winning music educator and vocalist Janet Warren. Musical Theatre will perform two shows for 2011, the famous A Chorus Line, winner of nine Tony awards, and Glee Club, an original 鈥渏ukebox鈥� musical with story by Kris Epps and Lori Mazey.

CYMC has been a major cultural influence in the Comox Valley for decades. They acknowledge the support they have received from Valley residents.

Summer camp programs are able to continue due to support from ticket sales at the performances, the incredible generosity of members and benefactors and an annual raffle.

Visit www.CYMC.ca for more information about the 44th Summer Music Camp and Festival. Watch for the summer concert schedule on the website.

鈥� Comox Valley Youth Music Centre