During our Regular Program we offer concert band classes in a range of experience from beginner to advanced
NHBT is proud to offer a rich selection of classes offered in different formats
Our 2024-25 season includes in-person band classes with the option of remote participation as well as online courses
In-person classes take place in our dedicated rehearsal space at 662 Victoria Park Ave (Danforth & Victoria Pk – Victoria Park transit and ample local parking).
We maintain a large music library as well as an extensive collection of percussion and other shared instruments and equipment. Music stands, chairs designed for musicians and facilities needed for the comfort of our members are provided (including extensive air filtration).
We celebrate our progress at every level of achievement with concerts for each other and our community.
Online classes are offered using free Zoom conferencing software (hosted by NHBT).
We livestream all performance classes to allow remote musicians to participate in band rehearsals.
Access to your membership and class information is made available to you via your account login at our Members page after order completion.
Our regular season runs from September to May over two terms for in-person / virtual (remote) band classes.
See the Weekly Agenda below for details
All class schedules are in local Toronto time
Term 2 | Monday | Tuesday Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 Mar 5, 12, 19, 26 Apr 9, 16, 23, 30 May 7, 14, 21, 28 | Wednesday Feb 7, 14, 21, 28 Mar 6, 13, 20, 27 Apr 10, 17, 24 May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Thursday Feb 8, 15*, 22*, 29 Mar 7, 14, 21, 28 Apr 11, 18, 25 May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 *Instrument workshop Feb 15 **Green Band 1 starts Feb 22 |
10am-12pm | Symphonic Band 10:00am-12:00pm ~ Dan | Big Band 1 10:00am-12:00pm ~ Pat | Concert Band 10:00am-12:00pm ~ Marianne | |
1-3pm | Wind Symphony 1:00-3:00pm ~ Dan | Big Band 2 1:00-3:00 pm ~ Pat | Green Band 1 1:00-3:00pm ~ Marianne | |
7-9pm | Symphonic Band 7:00-9:00pm ~ Cathy | Concert Band 7:00pm-9:00pm ~Sean | Green Band 2 7:00-9:00pm ~ Cathy |
Term 1 | Monday | Tuesday Sept 10, 17, 24, Oct 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Nov 5, 12, 19, 26 Dec 3, 10 | Wednesday Sep 11, 18, 25 Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Nov 6, 13, 20, 27 Dec 4, 11 | Thursday Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Nov 7, 14, 21, 28, Dec 5, 12 |
10am-12pm | Symphonic Band Tues. Morn 10:00am-12:00pm ~ Marianne | Big Band 1 Wed 10:00am-12:00 pm ~ Pat | Concert Band Thur Morn 10:00am-12:00pm ~ Marianne | |
1-3pm | Wind Symphony Tues Aft 1:00-3:00 pm ~ Marianne | Big Band 2 Wed 1:00-3:00 pm ~ Pat | ||
7-9pm | Symphonic Band Tues. Eve 7:00-9:00 pm ~ Cathy | Concert Band Wed Eve 7:00pm-9:00pm ~Sean | Green Band 2 Thur Eve 7:00pm-9:00pm ~ Cathy |
About Our Classes
New Horizons Band of Toronto is a music education and performance program for mature adults who wish to play a concert band instrument in a friendly group setting: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba, bells, xylophone, drums & many other percussion instruments.
We offer band classes at 4 levels ranging from absolute beginner to advanced levels, taught by experienced, professional music educators. Classes are held once per week in the daytime and evening – you choose when and where you fit…NO AUDITIONS!
Teacher: To be determined
Times: To be determined
Description: This class is open to absolutely new players, and those who are returning. FYI, many of our members have come back to “band” after decades away. This class is also perfect for anyone who wishes to try or learn a new concert band instrument. This class will also perform in two NHBT concerts per year. The class will use a method book and will learn to play music to the grade 1.0 level. Appropriate theory will be explained and practiced.
No musical experience is necessary. We start in Book 1, page 1 and take you from there. This is an excellent opportunity to dust off those rusty skills and get back in the game. The class will cover everything from putting your instrument together and taking care of it, to basic technique, to music reading and playing in a group.
Instrument Loaner Program: For new registrants in the Green Band 1 class, we have a limited number of instruments available to loan for one term, if needed, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Our instrument “Petting Zoo”: This is an Instrument Workshop – a chance to try any or all of the instruments, and our teachers will be on hand to help you pick the one that is right for you! See our home page for the date of the next “petting zoo”
Teachers: Cathy Whiteside
Times: Evening: Thursdays 7 pm to 9 pm
Description: This class is open to those who are continuing their Green Band 2 journey. This course is also perfect for anyone who has recently started playing again but feels a beginner class would be too basic. This class will also perform in one NHBT concert by term’s end. The class will continue to use the method book and will learn to play music to the grade 1.5 level. Appropriate theory will be explained and practiced.
Teachers: Marianne Spilberg (day), Sean King (evening)
Times: Day: Thursdays, 10 am to 12 pm, Evening: Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm
Description: This class welcomes players of any concert woodwind, brass, or percussion instruments with some current band experience on their instrument. 1-2 years of instruction is recommended. Music from grade 1 to grade 2.5 levels will be studied and played. Appropriate theory will be explained and practiced.
This band is for those who wish to continue developing skill on their instrument and explore a wide range of musical styles in traditional concert band instrumentation. Appropriate theory will be taught and practiced. This class performs in public at two NHBT concerts per year.
Prerequisites:
Or permission of the teacher.
Teachers: Marianne Spilberg (day), Cathy Whiteside (evening)
Times: Tuesdays, 10 am to 12 pm, Tuesdays 7 pm to 9 pm
Description: This class welcomes players of any concert woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Open to anyone who has ample band experience on their instrument – 3+ years playing in our Concert Band class or equivalent.
In this class, the focus is on developing a diverse repertoire and moving at a quicker pace while still creating an enjoyable musical experience. The class will perform pieces at tempo with good intonation, balance, style, and expression. Appropriate theory will be taught and practiced.
This band is for those who wish to be challenged on their instrument and explore a wide range of musical styles in traditional concert band instrumentation. This class performs in public at NHBT concerts and for special events in the community.
Prerequisites:
Or permission of the teacher.
Teacher: Marianne Spilberg
Time: Tuesdays, 1-3 pm
Description: This class welcomes experienced players of concert woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. Players need to have significant band experience on their instrument – 2+ years playing in the Symphonic Band class or equivalent.
This class aims to perform challenging pieces at various tempos with excellent intonation, balance, style, and expression. Appropriate advanced theory will be taught and practiced.
This class is for those who wish to be well challenged on their instrument and explore a wide range of musical styles in traditional concert band instrumentation. This class performs in public at NHBT concerts and may perform at public events throughout the year. This class also creates reference recordings for other classes.
Prerequisites:
Or permission of the teacher.
Teacher: Dr. Patricia Wheeler
Time: Wednesdays 10 am – 12 pm.
Description: This instrumentally balanced group will be introduced to the popular large dance band music of the 20th century that finds its roots in the African Diaspora. Repertoire will focus on music genres such as Swing, Latin, and Rhythm & Blues. The class will focus on playing and listening skills appropriate to each genre, as well as developing instrument technique.
Requisite:
Maximum Class Size: 35
Registration Process: Registration by prior arrangement with the teacher. Be in touch to see if this is the right class for you. You can use the Contact Us form if needed.
Seat priority will be given to those members who are enrolled in a concert band class and concurrently looking to enrich their learning by also taking this class.
Once priority positions are addressed, there will be open seats to be filled by anyone who wishes to register, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled in other classes. Seats will be assigned by the teacher.
Teacher: Dr. Patricia Wheeler
Time: Wednesdays 1 pm – 3 pm.
Description: This instrumentally balanced group will continue to explore music characteristic of the popular large dance band music of the 20th century that finds its roots in the African Diaspora. Repertoire will focus on music genres such as Swing, Latin, and Rhythm & Blues, at a more advanced level. The class will focus on playing and listening skills appropriate to each genre, as well as developing instrument technique.
Requisite:
Maximum Class Size: 35
Registration Process:
Registration by prior arrangement with the teacher. Be in touch to see if this is the right class for you. You can use the Contact Us form if needed.
Seat priority will be given to those members who are enrolled in a concert band class and concurrently looking to enrich their learning by also taking this class.
Once priority positions are addressed, there will be open seats to be filled by anyone who wishes to register, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled in other classes. Seats will be assigned by the teacher.
Term 1 | Monday | Tuesday Sept 12, 19, 26 Oct 3, 17, 24, 31 Nov 7, 14, 21, 28 Dec 5, 12, 19 Jan 9, 16 | Wednesday Sep 13, 20, 27 Oct 4, 18, 25, Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Dec 6, 13, 20 Jan 10, 17 | Thursday Sept 14, 21, 28, Oct 5, 19, 26, Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, Dec 7, 14, 21, Jan 11, 18 |
10am-12pm | Symphonic Band Tues. Morn 10:00am-12:00pm ~ Dan | Big Band 1 Wed 10:00am-12:00 pm ~ Pat | Concert Band (Beg II and Intermediate Level) Thur Morn 10:00am-12:00pm ~ Marianne | |
1-3pm | Wind Symphony Tues Aft 1:00-3:00 pm ~ Dan | Big Band 2 Wed 1:00-3:00 pm ~ Pat | ||
7-9pm | Symphonic Band Tues. Eve 7:00-9:00 pm | Concert Band (Beg II and Intermediate Level) Wed Eve 7:00pm-9:00pm ~Sean | Green Band Thur Eve 7:00pm-9:00pm ~ Cathy |
Teachers: Cathy Whiteside (evening)
Times: Evening: Thursdays 7 pm to 9 pm
Looking for: All Concert Band Instruments
Teachers: Marianne Spilberg (day), Sean King (evening)
Times: Day: Thursdays, 10 am to 12 pm, Evening: Wednesdays, 7pm to 9pm
Looking for:
Thursday Morning – Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Oboe, Tuba
Wednesday evening – Bassoon, French Horn, Oboe, Percussion, Sax-baritone, Tuba
Teachers: Dan Kapp (day), Sydney Surajam (evening)
Times: Tuesdays, 10 am to 12 pm, Tuesdays 7 pm to 9 pm
Looking for:
Tuesday Morning – Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Euphonium, French Horn, Oboe, Percussion, Sax-tenor, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba
Tuesday Evening – Clarinet, Oboe, Percussion, Sax-baritone, Sax-tenor, Trombone, Trumpet
Teacher: Dan Kapp
Time: Tuesdays, 1-3 pm
Looking for:
Wednesday Afternoon – Clarinet, Oboe, Sax-baritone
Teacher: Dr. Patricia Wheeler
Time: Wednesdays 10 am – 12 pm.
Looking for:
Wednesday Morning – Trumpet
{no additional saxophones at this time}
Teacher: Dr. Patricia Wheeler
Time: Wednesdays 1 pm – 3 pm.
Looking for:
Wednesday Afternoon – Piano, Trombone
{no additional saxophones at this time}
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