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!

Classes will begin the week of September 11, 2023

Green Band (Beginner level)

Teachers: Cathy Whiteside (evening)

Times: Evening: Thursdays 7 pm to 9 pm

Description: These classes are 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 1.5 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: Each new registrant in the beginners’ program will be provided with a loaner instrument for the first term.  Some conditions may apply. This instrument loan program was funded in part by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Our instrument “Petting Zoo”: This is 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!

It will take place on Thursday September 14th, 7:00-9:00 pm at our rehearsal location; 662 Victoria Park (corner of Victoria Park and Danforth).

If you would like a reminder email for this event, or if you would like to register, leave a message here: Contact Us

Classes for this level begin on Thursday, September 21st, 2023.

Concert Band (Beginner II and Intermediate level)

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:

• Wind Instrument Players: rent/own your own instrument.
• Percussion Players: own a stick/mallet kit – hard and soft
• Be able to read notes in the clef of your instrument, including up to two ledger lines above and below the staff
• Have enough music theory/background to be able to play one octave major scales to 3 flats and 2 sharps, play rhythms to eighth notes/rests, read basic times signatures, and play in time.
• Play with a good tone at dynamic levels from p to ff

Or permission of the teacher.

Symphonic Band (Advanced level)

Teachers: Dan Kapp (day), Sydney Surajam (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:

• Wind Instrument Players: rent/own your own instrument
• Percussion Players: own a stick/mallet kit – a variety of hard to soft mallets
• Be able to read notes in the clef of your instrument, including ledger lines above and below the staff
• Have music theory/background to be able to play:

Or permission of the teacher.

Wind Symphony (Advanced Plus level)

Teacher: Dan Kapp

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:

• Wind Instrument Players: rent/own your own instrument
• Percussion Players: own a stick/mallet kit – including a good range of mallet densities
• Be able to read notes in the clef of your instrument, including ledger lines above and below the staff
• Have music theory/background to be able to play:

Or permission of the teacher.

Big Band 1 (Intermediate level)

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:

• be able to sight read grade 2 music or higher or permission of the teacher
• Facility with major scales of up to 4 flats and 4 sharps.

Maximum Class Size: 35

Registration Process: until June 30, seat priority will be given to those who were enrolled in a jazz course this past season or who have enrolled in a large ensemble, Concert Band or higher, for the 2023-24 season.  

After June 30, open seats will be filled by anyone who wishes to register, regardless of whether or not they are enrolled in a large ensemble. Seats will be assigned by the teacher.

Big Band 2 (Advanced level)

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: be able to sight read grade 3 music or higher, have experience playing swing in a big band setting, facility with all 12 major scales,  or permission of the teacher.

Maximum Class Size: 35

Registration Process: Until June 30, seat priority will be given to those who were enrolled in a jazz course this past season or who have enrolled in a large ensemble, Symphonic Band or higher, for the 2023-24 season.  Seats will be assigned by the teacher.

After June 30, open seats will be filled with members who wish to register, regardless whether or not they are enrolled in a large ensemble.