NEW HORIZONS BAND OF TORONTO

Online Class Schedule

Click on any class to get details ~ Avoid concurrent classes

Welcome to NHBT!

Summer Class Registration is Now Open

During our Regular Season (Sept – May) we offer band and musicianship classes in a range of experience from beginner to advanced – About Us

In addition, we have workshops and our Music for Life series of conversations with distinguished guest speakers  

Try our summer classes and then return for more fun in the Fall!

All class schedules are in local Toronto time

COVID-19 Policy Updates

NHBT policies and safety protocols have been updated as of May 15th, 2022  

The following safety protocols will be in place effective September 1, 2021:

  • As per the In-Person Class Vaccination policy, all participants in in-person classes or on the premises for NHBT business must be fully vaccinated.

  • Bell covers on woodwind and brass instruments are mandatory. Participants must provide their own bell covers. We are currently investigating viable options for flutes.

  • Masks must be worn unless you are playing a woodwind and/or brass instrument. Masks can be removed only temporarily to drink during break and outside of rehearsal space.

  • Participants must provide their own cloths and ensure no “spit” is left behind on the floors or chairs.

  • Mandatory screening (questionnaire) prior to entering the NHBT premises will be required. Anyone failing the screening questionnaire will not be allowed access to the NHBT premises that day.

  • In the event someone does contract COVID, all classes will be cancelled for the week and a thorough cleaning of the building will take place. The impacted class will be presented in a virtual setting only for 2 weeks and all participants will be restricted entry to the NHBT premises during that time. Everyone in the impacted class must follow local public health guidelines regarding self-isolation and self-monitoring. Participants may return to class after 2 weeks assuming they are feeling well and do not exhibit any symptoms of COVID.

  • Participants who feel unwell for any reason must not attend any in-person classes or enter the NHBT premises: the classes can be attended virtually until the participants are well.

  • Air filtration units will be in operation during class and breaks to ensure adequate air exchange.

  • Chairs will be placed (and must be maintained) at defined distances. 

  • No beverages or snacks will be provided during breaks. Please do not bring or consume any food on the premises.

  • Teaching staff remaining on the premises for multiple classes in one day may eat and drink on the premises but must do so in the NHBT office by themselves. All other participants must leave the rehearsal space and move to the foyer by the double doors or exit the building.

  • Social distancing must be observed at all times. During break, access to the main door foyer has been granted to minimize congestion in the hall area by the rehearsal room.

  • Please be mindful of social distancing in the washrooms and in the NHBT office space.

  • As the office is no longer available to store instrument cases, small instrument cases (flute oboe, clarinet, trumpet) should be placed directly underneath the member’s chair, together with any bags or purses. There will be designated areas outside the band room for larger instrument cases.

    Approved by the Board – May 15th, 2022

Anyone planning to attend in-person classes (members, guests, band directors) must be fully vaccinated: proof of vaccination is required. This requirement also extends to any person on the NHBT premises conducting business for NHBT or using the NHBT office space.

If an individual cannot be vaccinated due to valid medical reasons or is exempt on grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code, an accommodation can be requested. To ensure the on-going health and safety of all participants, the accommodation that will be offered will be to participate in the class virtually. Virtual classes are available for all who are unable or unwilling to attend in-person classes.

Partially vaccinated individuals may still register for in-person classes with the assumption that they will be fully vaccinated within 4 weeks of the start of the program. They will be required to participate virtually until they are fully vaccinated.

Definitions:

In-Person Classes – a class where all participants (students, guests, band directors) are physically in the same band rehearsal space. This may be a music performance class or any other in-person class.

Fully Vaccinated – participant has received their third dose of a 3-dose vaccine series. The participant has also observed the 2-week waiting period after vaccination during which time the body’s immune system mounts a full response to the vaccine. All vaccines must be Health Canada approved.

Partially Vaccinated – participant has only received their first dose of a multi-dose Health Canada approved vaccine.

Unvaccinated – individual has not received any doses of a Health Canada approved vaccine.

Proof of Vaccination – at this juncture, the Ministry of Health vaccination slip is the only valid proof of vaccination.

Approved by the Board – May 15th, 2022

Summer Class Registration

Registration for Regular Program (Sept to May)

Register for Membership and Classes

NHBT is proud to offer a rich selection of classes offered in different formats  

Our 2021-22 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 – new for 2021-22.

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. 

For the 2021-22 season: Term 1 was 12 weeks from September to December.  Term 2 runs 19 weeks from January to May. 

Our online courses are organized into four quadmesters that are each 6 weeks in duration.  Online class details will be announced at a later date. 

See the Weekly Agenda below for details

Class Information and Schedule

Click to toggle open or close the information sections below 
 

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

T2

 Jan 18, 25, Feb 1, 8, 15, 22 Mar 1, 8, 22, 29 Apr 5, 12, 19, 26 May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31Jan 19, 26 Feb 2, 9, 16, 23 Mar 2, 9, 23, 30, Apr 6, 13, 20, 27 May 4, 11, 18, 25 Jun 1Jan 20, 27 Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 Mar 3, 10, 24, 31 Apr 7, 14, 21, 28 May 5, 12, 19, 26 Jun 2

10am-12pm

B09 T2 21 Symphonic Band Tues. Morn 10:00am-12:00pm ~ Donna

J01 T2 21 Beginner Big Band Wed 10:00am-12:00 pm ~ Pat

B05 T2 21 Concert Band Thur Morn  10:00am-12:00pm ~ Marianne

1-3 pm

B13 T2 21 Wind Ensemble Tues Aft 1:00-3:00 pm ~ Donna

J03 T2 21 Intermediate Big Band Wed 1:00-3:00 pm ~ Pat

B03 T2 21 Beginner II Thur Aft 1:00pm-3:00pm ~ Marianne

4-5:30 pm

B02 T2 21 Beginner I Tues Aft  4:00pm-5:30pm

  

7-9 pm

B11 T2 21 Symphonic Band Tues. Eve 7:00-9:00 pm ~ Donna

B07 T2 21 Concert Band Wed Eve 7:00pm-9:00pm ~ Garry

B04 T2 21 Beginner II Thur Eve 7:00pm-9:00pm ~ Donna

 

Quadmester 1

Quadmester 2

  
 

Sep 13, 20, 27 Oct 4, 18, 25

Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Dec 6

  

10-11am

M51 Q1 21 20th Century Music Mon 10-11:00 am  – Donna

M52 Q2 21 Popular Music History Mon 10:00am-11:00am – Donna

  

12-1 pm

M47 Q1 21 Renaissance History Mon 12:00-1:00 pm – Dan

M50 Q2 21 Romantic History Mon 12:00-1:00 pm – Dan

  

2-3 pm

M09 Q1 21 Beginner Theory Mon 2:00-3:00 pm – Dan

M49 Q2 21 Classical History Mon 2:00-3:00 pm – Dan

  

4-5 pm

M48 Q1 21 Baroque History Mon 4:00-5:00 pm – Garry

 M11 Q2 21 Intermediate Theory Mon 4:00-5:00 pm – Marianne  

4-5:30 pm

NOTE Dates and Day

M54 Q1 21 Duets Thurs 4:00-5:30 pm – Maggie and Craig

Sep 23, 30 Oct 7, 14, 21, 28

M54 Q2 21 Duets Thurs 4:00-5:30 pm – Maggie and Craig

Nov 4, 12, 18, 25 Dec 2, 9

 

7-9 pm

Music for Life

Music for Life

  
       
 

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

T1

Sep 21, 28 Oct 5, 12, 19, 26 Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Dec 7

Sep 22, 29 Oct 6, 13, 20, 27 Nov 3,10, 17, 24 Dec 1, 8

Sep 23, 30 Oct 7, 14, 21, 28 Nov 4, 11, 18, 25 Dec 2, 9

10am-12pm

B09 T1 21 Symphonic Band Tues. Morn 10:00am-12:00pm – Donna

J01 T1 21 Beginner Big Band Wed 10:00am-12:00 pm – Pat

B05 T1 21 Concert Band Thur Morn – 10:00am–12:00pm – Marianne

1-3pm

B13 T1 21 Wind Ensemble Tues Aft 1:00-3:00 pm – Donna

J03 T1 21 Intermediate Big Band Wed 1:00-3:00 pm – Pat

B03 T1 21 Beginner II Thur Aft – 1:00pm–3:00pm – Marianne

4-5:30 pm

B02 T1 21 Beginner I Tues Aft – 4:00pm–5:30pm – Donna

    

7-9 pm

B11 T1 21 Symphonic Band Tues. Eve 7:00-9:00 pm – Donna

B07 T1 21 Concert Band Wed Eve – 7:00pm–9:00pm – Garry

B04 T1 21 Beginner II Thur Eve – 7:00pm–9:00pm – Donna

B02 T1 21 Beginner I Tues Aft – 4:00pm–5:30pm – Donna

B03 T1 21 Beginner II Thur Aft – 1:00pm–3:00pm – Marianne

B04 T1 21 Beginner II Thur Eve – 7:00pm–9:00pm – Donna

B05 T1 21 Concert Band Thur Morn – 10:00am–12:00pm – Marianne

B07 T1 21 Concert Band Wed Eve – 7:00pm–9:00pm – Garry

B09 T1 21 Symphonic Band Tues. Morn 10:00am-12:00pm – Donna

B11 T1 21 Symphonic Band Tues. Eve 7:00-9:00 pm – Donna

B13 T1 21 Wind Ensemble Tues Aft 1:00-3:00 pm – Donna

J01 T1 21 Beginner Big Band Wed 10:00am-12:00 pm – Pat

J03 T1 21 Intermediate Big Band Wed 1:00-3:00 pm – Pat

M09 Q1 21 Beginner Theory Mon 2:00-3:00 pm – Dan

M11 Q2 21 Intermediate Theory Mon 4:00-5:00 pm – Marianne

M47 Q1 21 Renaissance History Mon 12:00-1:00 pm – Dan

M48 Q1 21 Baroque History Mon 4:00-5:00 pm – Garry

M49 Q2 21 Classical History Mon 2:00-3:00 pm – Dan

M50 Q2 21 Romantic History Mon 12:00-1:00 pm – Dan

M51 Q1 21 20th Century Music Mon 10-11:00 am – Donna

M52 Q2 21 Popular Music History Mon 10:00am-11:00am – Donna

M54 Q1 21 Duets Thurs 4:00-5:30 pm – Maggie and Craig

M54 Q2 21 Duets Thurs 4:00-5:30 pm – Maggie and Craig

Beginner I 

Woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments welcome
Open to anyone who wishes to learn a new instrument

What this band does: Basic instrument technique and music reading instruction are the focus of this group

Prerequisites: Willingness to learn both an instrument and notation. Rent/own an instrument or purchase a stick/mallet kit if playing percussion
No experience necessary

Beginner II 

Woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments welcome
Open to anyone who has a moderate amount of band experience on their instrument – 1-2 years playing in a Concert Band setting

What this band does:
The focus is on playing together as a group and following the conductor
A wide range of musical styles are explored in traditional concert band instrumentation.

Prerequisites: Rent/own an instrument or purchase a stick/mallet kit if playing percussion
Be able to read notes in the clef of your instrument, including above and below the staff.
Play the Concert B-flat Major scale, one octave
Read rhythms in 3/4, 2/4, and 4/4 time including whole, half, quarter, and eighth notes
Should not be writing in note names, fingerings, slide positions
For percussion: Vic Firth rudiments – single stroke roll, flam, paradiddle (both hands), scales as above on mallet instruments

Concert Band 

Woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments welcome
Open to anyone who has some band experience on their instrument – 2+ years playing in a Concert Band setting

What this band does:
The focus is on performing pieces with dynamics, articulation, and expression
This band is for those who wish to be challenged on their instrument
A wide range of musical styles are explored in traditional concert band instrumentation

Prerequisites: Rent/own an instrument or purchase a stick/mallet kit if playing percussion
Be able to read notes in the clef of your instrument, including up to two ledger lines above and below the staff
Be able to follow a conductor
Play the Concert B-flat Major scale, two octaves
Play Concert C, F, and E-flat Major scales (one or two octaves)
Play Concert g minor scale – all three forms
Read rhythms in 3/4, 2/4, 4/4, and 6/8 time including whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes and dotted rhythms
For percussion: Vic Firth rudiments – double stroke roll, ratamacue, paradiddle (both hands), scales as above on mallet instruments

Symphonic Band 

Woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments welcome
The focus is on developing a diverse repertoire and moving at a quicker pace while still creating enjoyable musical experiences
Open to anyone who has significant band experience on their instrument – 4+ years playing in a Concert Band setting

What this band does:
The focus is on performing pieces at tempo with good intonation, style, and expression
This band is for those who wish to be challenged on their instrument
A wide range of musical styles are explored in traditional concert band instrumentation

Prerequisites:
Rent/own an instrument or purchase a stick/mallet kit if playing percussion
Play with a characteristic tone.
Play the Concert B-flat Major scale and Concert g minor scale (all three forms) two octaves, from memory
Play Concert C, F, and E-flat Major scales (one or two octaves), and their relative minor scales
Read rhythms in simple, compound, and cut time. Mixed meter is used frequently
For percussion: Vic Firth rudiments – double stroke roll, ratamacue, paradiddle (both hands), scales as above on mallet instruments, timpani skills

Wind Ensemble 

Woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments welcome
The focus is on developing a diverse repertoire for performance and moving at a quicker pace while still creating enjoyable musical experiences
This ensemble is limited to players with significant band experience on their instrument – 4+ years playing in a concert band setting


What this band does:
The focus is on performing pieces at tempo with good intonation, style, and expression
This band is for those who wish to be challenged on their instrument
A wide range of musical styles are explored in traditional concert band instrumentation

Prerequisites:
Rent/own an instrument or purchase a stick/mallet kit if playing percussion
Play with a characteristic tone
Play Concert Major and minor scales from five flats to three sharps – two octaves where possible, minor all three forms – from memory
Read rhythms in simple, compound, and cut time. Mixed meter is used frequently 
For percussion: Vic Firth rudiments – double stroke roll, ratamacue, paradiddle (both hands), scales as above on mallet instruments, timpani skills

Beginner Big Band 

The ensemble is open to woodwind and brass musicians from the Beginner II through Symphonic Bands who would like to begin their exploration of the jazz idiom. 
Beginner II musicians who wish to participate are encouraged to contact Patricia Wheeler in order to discuss comfort levels. 

What this band does:  
This class introduces and develops rhythms, styles, and repertoire endemic to the jazz tradition, in a concert band setting, and is open to the full range of instruments found in a concert band.   
Material consists of studies, drills, games, and repertoire modelled after swing and dance band literature, such as that found in the Essential Elements Jazz Ensemble series.  
The class does not require improvisation, but notated solos will be played by the willing, not the forced.

Prerequisites:
Rent/own an instrument or purchase a stick/mallet kit if playing percussion. 
Play with a characteristic tone. 
Play Concert Major scales from three flats to three sharps. 
Read rhythms in simple and compound time signatures

Intermediate Jazz 

The ensemble has (must have) a rhythm section (piano and/or guitar, 2+bassists, drum kit, percussion) and is open to 30 woodwind and brass musicians from the Beginner II through Symphonic Bands who would like to begin their exploration of the jazz idiom 
Beginner II musicians who wish to participate are encouraged to contact Patricia Wheeler in order to discuss comfort levels 

What this band does:  
This class continues to develop rhythms, styles, and repertoire endemic to the jazz tradition, in a concert band setting, and is open to the full range of instruments found in a concert band 
Those who participated in the Big Band in the past may find this a fun and challenging next step   
Material consists of studies, drills, games, and repertoire modelled after swing and dance band literature, such as that found in the Essential Elements Jazz Ensemble series  
Notated solos are encouraged from all players 
This class will also encourage improvisation

Prerequisites: Rent/own an instrument or purchase a stick/mallet kit if playing percussion 
Play with a characteristic tone 
Play Concert Major scales from four flats to four sharps 
Read rhythms in simple and compound time signatures

M09 Q1 21 Beginner Theory – Mon 2:00-3:00 pm Sept 13, 20, 27 Oct 4, 18, 25 – Dan
Beginner Theory ~
Who this class is best for: Any members who have an interest in learning more about how music is created.
Open to anyone from any band level.
Ideal for those who are just learning how to read music (Beginner I and Beginner II).
What this class does: This class will teach members about the staff, note values and rhythms, time signatures, and the construction of Major scales.
This is a non-performance course.
Prerequisites: Have writing materials, including staff paper. No experience necessary.
Any Software Requirements? Breezin’ Thru Theory – access provided
M11 Q2 21 Intermediate Theory – Mon 2:00-3:00 pm Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Dec 6 – Marianne
Intermediate Theory ~
Who this class is best for: Any members who have an interest in learning more about how music is created.
Open to anyone from any band level.
Ideal for those who can read music and want to learn more about the notes on the page (Concert Band and up).
What this class does: This class will teach members about the intervals, chords, the minor scales, modes. Ear training is also a part of this course This is a non-performance course.
Prerequisites: Have writing materials, including staff paper. Have taken Beginner Theory or have a good understanding of music rudiments\nMust be able to read in treble and bass clef
Any Software Requirements? Breezin’ Thru Theory – access provided
M47 Q1 21 Renaissance History Mon 12-1:00 pm Sept 13, 20, 27 Oct 4, 18, 25 – Dan
Renaissance History –
Learning more about the music of any time period also includes learning about the social, cultural, and historical aspects of that time as well. In this course, you will learn about the characteristic music styles, important composers, and musical trends of the Renaissance period. The course includes listening to recordings, and learning in a non-performance setting with your instructor.
Open to all. No prerequisites.
M48 Q1 21 Baroque History Mon 4:00-5:00 pm Sept 13, 20, 27 Oct 4, 18, 25 – Garry
Baroque History –
Learning more about the music of any time period also includes learning about the social, cultural, and historical aspects of that time as well. In this course, you will learn about the characteristic music styles, important composers, and musical trends of the Baroque period. The course includes listening to recordings, and learning in a non-performance setting with your instructor.
Open to all. No prerequisites.
M49 Q2 21 Classical History Mon 4:00-5:00 pm Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Dec 6 – Garry
Classical History –
Learning more about the music of any time period also includes learning about the social, cultural, and historical aspects of that time as well. In this course, you will learn about the characteristic music styles, important composers, and musical trends of the Classical period. The course includes listening to recordings, and learning in a non-performance setting with your instructor.
Open to all. No prerequisites.
M50 Q2 21 Romantic Music Mon 12-1:00 pm Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Dec 6 – Dan
Romantic History –
Learning more about the music of any time period also includes learning about the social, cultural, and historical aspects of that time as well. In this course, you will learn about the characteristic music styles, important composers, and musical trends of the Romantic period. The course includes listening to recordings, and learning in a non-performance setting with your instructor.
Open to all. No prerequisites.
M51 Q1 21 20th Century History Mon 10:00-11:00 am Sept 13, 20, 27 Oct 4, 18, 25  – Donna
20th Century History –
Learning more about the music of any time period also includes learning about the social, cultural, and historical aspects of that time as well. In this course, you will learn about the characteristic music styles, important composers, and musical trends of the 20th Century. This includes an exploration of the development of band music during this time and an introduction to the different non-traditional harmonic systems that were developed in this time. The course includes listening to recordings, and learning in a non-performance setting with your instructor.
Open to all. No prerequisites.
M52 Q2 21 Popular Music History Mon 10:00-11:00 am Nov 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Dec 6 – Donna
Popular Music History –
POPULAR! You will be in the know about what is fab and hip and rad and cool in the music world from 1900-NOW! Take a trip through time as we explore the music that was made for the people, by the people. Each week will focus on a different 20 year period with lots of recordings, links and fun facts about this history of popular music.
Open to all. No prerequisites.
M54 Q1 21 Duets – Thur 4:00-5:30 pm – Maggie and Craig
Duets –
If you have missed performing live with other musicians, this is your chance! In this course, you will have the opportunity to play duets with Maggie Thompson (alto saxophone). Each week, you will explore new pieces from various genres. Maggie will take you through a comprehensive warm-up routine, share interesting facts about the music and offer suggestions for further practice and listening throughout the week. The music will be sent to you in advance should you wish to practise ahead of time.
Best suited to Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble members
M54 Q2 21 Duets – Thur 4:00-5:30 pm – Maggie and Craig
Duets –
If you have missed performing live with other musicians, this is your chance! In this course, you will have the opportunity to play duets with Maggie Thompson (alto saxophone). Each week, you will explore new pieces from various genres. Maggie will take you through a comprehensive warm-up routine, share interesting facts about the music and offer suggestions for further practice and listening throughout the week. The music will be sent to you in advance should you wish to practise ahead of time.
Best suited to Symphonic Band or Wind Ensemble members

Donna Dupuy is thrilled to be a part of the leadership team at New Horizons Band of Toronto in the role of Head of Education.  Donna has taught university, high school and New Horizons classes for over 27 years.  She holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas with a double major in music performance and theory.  Donna is a bassoonist!  She has performed with the San Angelo Symphony and the University of North Texas Faculty Winds. 

Dan Kapp passionately oversaw the implementation and development of the New Horizons Band of Toronto program for its first 8 years as it grew from one band of 17 members to 13 band classes with 250+ members. He now serves as Director Emeritus, as well as teacher, to NHBT. Dan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from York University. He also holds a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University and has studied at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.

Garry Page holds Honours music degrees in Trumpet Performance, Academics and Teaching from the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, England. He immigrated to Canada in 1997 at which point he became a member of the Stratford Festival Orchestra. Garry is active as a freelance performer, teacher, adjudicator, clinician, university lecturer, and examiner

Marianne Spilberg is a retired teacher from the York Region District School Board. She holds an Honours Music Degree from Western University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. During her 32 years as a professional educator, she had the opportunity to teach all grade levels, kindergarten to grade 12; and has taught band, vocal, guitar, recorder and piano. She enjoys teaching students of all ages. 

Craig Thompson has recently retired after having taught instrumental music at Fairbank Middle School and De La Salle College Oaklands for over 27 years. He obtained a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree, a Bachelor of Education and an Honours Specialist in Music Education at Western University. He is a brass specialist and freelance trumpet player and has been on the faculty for the National Music Camp of Canada since 2001.

Maggie Thompson retired from classroom teaching and is proud to have taught Music at St. Clement’s School and for the Toronto District School Board.  She holds an Honours Music Education Degree and Bachelor of Education from Western University. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Music Educators’ Association and has been part of the National Music Camp of Canada family since 1981 as a camper, staff and faculty member.

Patricia Wheeler has performed throughout North America with artists that include Michael Burgess, Patty Page and Regis Philbin.  Patricia holds a B.F.A. (Honours), M.A. and a PhD in music and teaches at Centennial College and Ryerson University. Her compositions and arrangements have been performed by big bands, concert bands, choirs and soloists.

Category: Term 2

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Donna Dupuy, Head of Education 

705-706-2292

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