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 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 ~ Dermot | |
1-3pm | Wind Symphony Tues Aft 1:00-3:00 pm ~ Marianne | Big Band 2 Wed 1:00-3:00 pm ~ Pat | ||
7-9pm | Woodwind Band Tues. Eve 7:00-9:00 pm ~ Barbara | Concert Band Wed Eve 7:00pm-9:00pm ~Sean | Green Band 2 Thur Eve 7:00pm-9:00pm ~ Cathy |
May 2025 | Monday May 5, 12, 26 Jun 2 | Tuesday May 6, 13, 20, 27 | Wednesday May 7, 14, 21, 28 | Thursday May 8, 15, 22, 29 | Friday May 2, 9, 16, 23 |
10am-12pm | Beginner Ukulele ~ Cathy | Intermediate Jazz Workshop ~ Pat | |||
1-3pm | Djembe ~ Lisa | Pop Choir ~ Cathy Clarinet Technique and Ensemble ~ Nick Arrigo | Rhythm and Blues Ensemble ~ Pat | ||
7-9pm | Introduction to Improvisation (not Jazz) ~ Lisa |
Djembe Drumming
Teacher: Lisa Jones
Monday 1-3 pm
This class is for anyone interested in learning or improving basic musicianship skills such as reading simple note values, listening, focusing, and improving co-ordination. You will explore and experience the elements of music: timbre (tone, bass, slap), tempo and dynamics of music, and learn to experiment with the techniques of call and response, ostinato, call, break, improvisation, and syncopation.
No previous music experience required, nor is there any need to practise outside of class. A Djembe drum will be provided for you, but they cannot leave the building.
Beginner Ukulele
Teacher: Cathy Whiteside
Tuesday: 10am -12pm
This class is for people with little or no prior ukulele experience. We will learn the fundamentals of playing, including tuning, proper hand position, basic chords, strumming patterns and simple song accompaniment.
Ukulele students must have their own Concert Ukulele (a Soprano Ukulele is fine if you already own one) to participate in the class. Long and McQuade sell a variety of Ukuleles starting at $55.00.
Pop Choir
Teacher: Cathy Whiteside
Tuesday: 1-3 pm
This class is for people who like to sing! Through choral singing (both accompanied and a cappella), we will focus on breathing, posture, tone and vocal exercises while learning to sing in harmony with others.
Band for All
Tuesday 7-9 pm
Teacher: Sean King
Thursday 10am-12pm
Teacher: Marianne Spilberg
This class will play the most popular charts played by our bands between 2010 to 2021. It will be sight reading for some members and an opportunity for others to measure how much they have improved since first playing them! To help ensure the band is balanced, registration will be based on a first-come-first-served basis for each instrument section. There will be a variety of musical genres and will be best suited to a skill level of our regular concert band classes and above. This will be a great opportunity to meet, play, and learn from other members!
Clarinet Technique and Ensemble
Tuesday 1-3pm
Teacher Nick Arrigo
This class has both technical and ensemble elements and is directed at players with intermediate skills and beyond.
Technical aspect for clarinet focus on instrument technique: tuning, tone production, dynamics, articulation and musicality.
The clarinet ensemble entails learning to play music arranged for groups of clarinets (typically quartets or quintets) with parts doubled as necessary for balance and coverage of all the parts.
Intermediate Jazz Workshop
Wednesday 10am-12 pm
Teacher: Patricia Wheeler
This class is a Jazz Improvisation ensemble, for rhythm section players and woodwind and brass soloists with previous experience in the idiom.
Provided music will consist of lead sheets and all participants must be able to interpret chord symbols.
The musical style of the group will be based on the classic small ensembles of the mid-20th century Jazz movement, represented by such artists and recordings as Miles Davis Kind of Blue, Dexter Gordon, Our Man in Paris and Hank Mobley, Soul Train.
Rhythm and Blues Ensemble
Wednesday 1-3 pm
Teacher: Patricia Wheeler
This group will explore the music that has become known as “R&B”, rooted in the gospel music tradition and stretching itself into rock and roll.
Repertoire will include You Can’t Hurry Love – The Supremes, Stand By Me – Ben E. King, Midnight Hour – Wilson Picket, I Heard it Through the Grapevine – Gladys Knight
Vocalists are welcome, and instrumentation will include drums, bass, guitar, keyboard, woodwind and brass instruments.
A portion of the material will be learned by ear, as this type of music is rarely fully notated.
Introduction to Improvisation for Band Instruments (this is not Jazz)
Teacher: Lisa Jones
Wednesday 7-9 pm
It’s time to take risks, to explore, to experiment, to discover, to create your own music, to generate ideas, to understand music from the inside out, all while building musicianship skills in The Elements of Music- Melody, Harmony, Rhythm, Timbre, Form, and Accompaniment (Texture)
Certain parameters and “limits” for improvisation will be given to develop certain musicianship skills or musical concepts and fundamentals.
These “limits” serve as points of departure for students to interpret and explore while learning to adapt to anything happening in the ensemble.
This are some of things you will work on:
Call and response, Produce extreme contrasts in music, Imitation or echo (aural abilities), create/generate your own ideas, Play over a drone no pulse or pulsed, Ostinato-build, hold and change an ostinato figure, Improvise over simple harmonies, Play simple forms ABA, do something then do something different, Play simple forms ABA, do something then do something different, Beginning, middle and endings, Acquire a vocabulary of extended techniques, Work on accompaniment roles
Brass Technique and Ensemble
Friday 10am-12:00pm
Teacher: Bob Gray
Course will include, review and introduce new warm-up routines/ techniques, sight read and work on several brass ensemble pieces, close examination of specific brass techniques as it pertains to the repertoire.
Term 2 | Monday | Tuesday Jan 7, 14, 21, 28 Feb 4, 11, 18, 25 Mar 4, 18, 25 Apr 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 | Wednesday Jan 8, 15, 22, 29 Feb 5, 12, 19, 26 Mar 5, 19, 26 Apr 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | Thursday Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 Mar 6, 20, 27 Apr 3, 10, 17, 24 May 1 |
10am-12pm | Symphonic Band 10:00am-12:00pm ~ Marianne | Big Band 1 10:00am-12:00pm ~ Pat | Concert Band 10:00am-12:00pm ~ Dermot | |
1-3pm | Wind Symphony 1:00-3:00pm ~ Marianne | Big Band 2 1:00-3:00 pm ~ Pat | ||
7-9pm |
| Concert Band 7:00pm-9:00pm ~ Sean | Green Band 2 7:00pm-9:00pm ~ Cathy |
Wind Instrument Ensembles
Instrument Ensemble | 1st quartile (8 weeks) | 2nd quartile (8 weeks) | Ensemble Coach |
Flute | Thursday 1-2:30pm Jan 9, 16, 23, 30 Feb 6, 13, 20, 27 | Thursday 1-2:30pm Mar 6, 20, 27 Apr 3, 10, 17, 24 May 1 | Marianne Spilberg |
Clarinet | Monday 10-11:30am Jan 6, 13, 20, 27 Feb 3, 10, 17, 24 | Thursday 12:30-2pm Mar 6, 20, 27 Apr 3, 10, 17, 24 May 1 | Naomi Higgins |
Saxophone | Dermot O’Halloran |
Wind Instrument Workshops
Instrument Workshop | 1st quartile (8 weeks) | 2nd quartile (8 weeks) | Workshop Leader |
Brass | Friday 10-11:30am Feb 14, 21 | Bob Gray |
Percussion Workshops
Workshop | 4 weeks | 8 sessions over 16 weeks – alternate weeks starting Jan 15 | Workshop Leader |
Djembe Drumming | Monday 1-2:30pm Jan 6, 13, 20, 27 | Lisa Jones | |
Interactive Drumming Playshop | Wednesday 3:30-5pm Jan 15, 29 Feb 12, 26 Mar 19 Apr 2, 16, 30 | David Bryson |
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:
Times: Day: Thursdays, 10 am to 12 pm, Evening: Wednesdays, 7 pm to 9 pm
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)
Times: Tuesdays, 10 am to 12 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: 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: 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.
Wind Instrument Ensembles
Teacher: Marianne Spilberg
Times: see schedule above
Description:
The flute ensemble is open to NHBT flute players who have a minimum of three years playing experience in our intermediate or advanced band classes (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Big Band II) – or the equivalent playing experience. This class is for those who wish to further develop their technical and musical skills by working closely with others in an ensemble environment. There will be a focus on balance and blend with attention given to tuning and tone production; listening across the ensemble; developing a good dynamic range; and the accurate reading of rhythms and various articulations. There may also be opportunities to work without a conductor – to apply the skills acquired – in a collaborative and supportive way.
Repertoire chosen for the class will include original music written for flute ensembles as well as arrangements of music from the Renaissance up to the modern period covering a variety of genres and forms (classical, traditional, pop, jazz, marches, ballads,sonatas, etc.). The music will range from three – six parts, with multiple players per part – as well as the opportunity for solos.
Prerequisites:
– Ability to read and play chromatically all notes from the lowest written pitch of the
flute to a concert G above the treble clef
– Have music theory/background to be able to play:
1. one/two octave major scales to four flats and three sharps,
2. rhythms to sixteenth notes/rests at moderate to quick tempos,
3. basic simple and compound time signatures
Teacher: Naomi Higgins
Times: see schedule above
Description:
The clarinet ensemble is open to NHBT clarinet players who have a minimum of three years playing experience in our intermediate or advanced band classes (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Big Band II) – or the equivalent playing experience. This class is for those who wish to further develop their technical and musical skills by working closely with others in an ensemble environment. There will be a focus on balance and blend with attention given to tuning and tone production; listening across the ensemble; developing a good dynamic range; and the accurate reading of rhythms and various articulations. There may also be opportunities to work without a conductor – to apply the skills acquired – in a collaborative and supportive way.
Repertoire chosen for the class will include original music written for clarinet ensembles as well as arrangements of music from the Renaissance up to the modern period covering a variety of genres and forms (classical, traditional, pop, jazz, marches,ballads, sonatas, etc.). The music will range from three – six parts, with multiple players per part – as well as the opportunity for solos.
Prerequisites:
– Ability to read and play chromatically all notes from the lowest written pitch of the clarinet to a concert D above the treble clef
– Have music theory/background to be able to play:
1. one/two octave major scales to four flats and three sharps,
2. rhythms to sixteenth notes/rests at moderate to quick tempos,
3. basic simple and compound time signatures
Teacher: Dermot O’Halloran
Times: see schedule above
Description:
The saxophone ensemble is open to NHBT saxophone players who have a minimum of three years playing experience in our intermediate or advanced band classes (Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Big Band II) – or the equivalent playing experience. This class is for those who wish to further develop their technical and musical skills by working closely with others in an ensemble environment. There will be a focus on balance and blend with attention given to tuning and tone production; listening across the ensemble; developing a good dynamic range; and the accurate reading of rhythms and various articulations. There may also be opportunities to work without a conductor – to apply the skills acquired – in a collaborative and supportive way.
Repertoire chosen for the class will include original music written for saxophone ensembles as well as arrangements of music from all periods up and covering a variety of genres and forms (classical, traditional, pop, jazz, marches, ballads, sonatas, etc). The music will range from three – six parts, with multiple players per part – as well as the opportunity for solos.
Prerequisites:
– Ability to read and play chromatically all notes from the lowest written pitch of the saxophone to a concert D above the treble clef
– Have music theory/background to be able to play:
1. one/two octave major scales to four flats and three sharps,
2. rhythms to sixteenth notes/rests at moderate to quick tempos,
3. basic simple and compound time signatures
Wind Instrument Workshops
Workshop Leader: Bob Gray
Times: see schedule above
Description:
This is a two-part workshop for brass players at all levels, intended to help brass players with instrument technique and musical expression, taught by a brass specialist.
Brass ensemble music will be provided (for download) in advance of the workshop that will be used to illustrate workshop topics.
There is a minimum enrollment of 8 people for this workshop to run.
Percussion Workshops
Workshop Leader: Lisa Jones
Times: see schedule above
Description:
This class is for anyone interested in learning or improving basic musicianship skills such as reading simple note values, listening, focusing, and improving co-ordination. You will explore and experience the elements of music: timbre (tone, bass, slap), tempo and dynamics of music, and learn to experiment with the techniques of call and response, ostinato, call, break, improvisation, and syncopation.
No previous music experience required, nor is there any need to practise outside of class. A Djembe drum will be provided for you, but they cannot leave the building.
Workshop Leader: David Bryson
Times: see schedule above
Description:
We are pleased to introduce a new member-led ‘playshop’ focused on group interactive drumming.
The playshop is open to all NHBT members, at any level of musical experience, with or without experience playing percussion instruments.
The playshops will introduce participants to a variety of percussion instruments that will be used in facilitated sessions that are intended to develop rhythm skills, musical ensemble skills, and provide a safe space for participants to express their musical creativity. The sessions are neither an unguided drum circle that you might see in a public park nor a traditional (e.g. West African or Cuban) drumming class, but will draw on aspects of both. Most importantly, the sessions are intended for participants to have fun!!
The workshops will be facilitated on a volunteer basis by David Bryson, a percussionist in a number of ensembles including NHBT’s Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony, and a student of community drumming and drum circle facilitation techniques. Percussion instruments will be provided, although participants are welcome to bring their own instruments if they wish.
The workshops will run every 2 weeks, for 90 minutes. The class fee supports NHBT.
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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