Welcome to NHBT!

During our Regular Program we offer concert band classes in a range of experience from beginner to advanced

Registration for Regular Program (Sept to May)

Term 2 Membership and Class Registration for 2023-2024 Open

We’re especially looking for those wishing to join specific classes with specific instruments

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

Our 2023-24 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. 

Term 1 runs from September to mid January.  Term 2 runs from start of February to end of May. 

See the Weekly Agenda below for details

Class Information and Schedule for 2023-2024

Click to toggle open or close the information sections below 

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 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

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 

Concert Band 7:00pm-9:00pm ~Sean

Green Band 2 7:00-9:00pm ~ 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!

Green Band 1 (beginner level)

Teacher: Marianne Spilberg 

Times: Afternoon: Thursdays 1 pm to 3 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 1.0 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 weekly agenda for date of the “petting zoo” 

Green Band 2 (continuation from Green Band 1)

Teachers: Cathy Whiteside 

Times: Evening: Thursdays 7 pm to 9 pm

Description: These classes are open to those who are continuing their Green Band journey from Term 1. 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.

Concert Band (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), 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:

  • 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:
a) one/two octave major scales to 4 flats and 3 sharps,
b) rhythms to sixteenth notes/rests at moderate to quick tempos,
c) basic simple and compound time signatures,
d) in time with excellent tone,
e) dynamic levels from pp to ff
f) Percussionists:
i) snare drum rudiments – e.g. double stroke roll, ratamacue, paradiddle (both hands), OR,
ii) solid timpani skills, OR,
iii) auxiliary percussion skills, AND
iv) scales as above on mallet instruments

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:
a) two octave major scales, when possible, to 5 flats and 4 sharps,
b) minor scales as used in the repertoire
c) rhythms to sixteenth notes/rests at moderate to quicker tempos,
d) simple, compound, cut time and irregular time signatures,
e) in time with excellent tone,
f) dynamic levels from pp to ff
g) Percussionists:
i) snare drummers: command of rudiments – e.g. double stroke roll, ratamacue, paradiddle (both hands), OR,
ii) exceptional timpani skills, OR,
iii) precise auxiliary percussion skills, AND
iv) scales as above on mallet instruments

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.

Green Band (Beginner level)

Teachers: Cathy Whiteside (evening)

Times: Evening: Thursdays 7 pm to 9 pm

Looking for: All Concert Band Instruments

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

Looking for:

Thursday Morning – Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Oboe, Tuba 

Wednesday evening – Bassoon, French Horn, Oboe, Percussion, Sax-baritone, Tuba

Symphonic Band (Advanced level)

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

Wind Symphony (Advanced Plus level)

Teacher: Dan Kapp

Time: Tuesdays, 1-3 pm

Looking for:

Wednesday Afternoon – Clarinet, Oboe, Sax-baritone

Big Band 1 (Intermediate level)

Teacher: Dr. Patricia Wheeler

Time: Wednesdays 10 am – 12 pm.

Looking for:

Wednesday Morning – Trumpet

{no additional saxophones at this time}

Big Band 2 (Advanced level)

Teacher: Dr. Patricia Wheeler

Time: Wednesdays 1 pm – 3  pm.

Looking for:

Wednesday Afternoon – Piano, Trombone

{no additional saxophones at this time}

Online Class Schedule