Have fun with us playing music
in one of our bands.
No matter the band you'll choose (Initiation, Adagio or Allegro), it'll provide a friendly and pressure-free learning environment in which you will be able to grow, thrive, and make new friends. No prior musical experience required for the Initiation band.
Which band is right for me?
The Initiation group is for people who never played music before and are starting a wind or percussion instrument for the very first time. It is also for people who learned music in their childhood and want to re-learn how to play after a break of a few decades. In this group, musicians learn the basic technique on their instrument (including posture, fingerings, breathing techniques, etc.) as well as how to read notes and understand music theory. At the end of the term, musicians are able to play 1 or 2 easy band pieces.
The Adagio Band is the next step after initiation. It goes further into the instrumental technique: musicians start to expand their range on the instrument, build endurance to play for longer periods of time, explore sight-reading and improvisation, etc. They also start performing more pieces, usually 4 to 6 per semester. The repertoire is mostly classical music, with incursions in other styles such as jazz, film music and broadway musicals.
The Allegro band is the most advanced level. It is for people who are intermediate musicians and who want to start challenging themselves a little more. The repertoire changes every semester, is varied (classical, jazz, world music, contemporary, theme music, etc.) and often includes original compositions or arrangements. There are multiple opportunities to perform each term, in full concert band and smaller groups.
Which instruments are allowed in the band?
We are primarily a wind band, so the usual wind instruments (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, etc.) as well as percussion are all welcome! However, if you already play a different instrument (bass, violin, piano, etc.) send us a message and we will likely be able to accommodate you. If you need help choosing an instrument, check out the instrument demonstrations halfway down this page (French only).
Where can I get an instrument?
You can rent or buy an instrument from our partners at Twigg Musique. Check your local library as they sometimes have instruments available to loan.
When/where are rehearsals?
You can find rehearsal details on this page!
How can I pay? How do I know my payment has been accepted?
We only accept payments by email (Interac) and those instructions are sent once you fill out the registration form. You will receive an automated confirmation email from Interac once your payment has been accepted. For our full policies regarding payments, see the Terms & Conditions at the bottom of the registration page.
Still have questions?
For the fall and winter sessions, we offer an in-person orientation session where you can ask all your questions before joining the band (where to get the instrument, rental programs, etc.).
