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 Largo Band is the next step after Initiation. This level introduces beginner band repertoire at a slow pace, with a focus on teaching musical concepts. Continuing to develop fundamental skills on their instruments, musicians in will receive individual coaching and feedback.

• The Adagio Band is still a beginner band, but 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 regisration and payment via the platform Zeffy. Once you have registered you will receive an acknowledgement containing important links to this website, and to the shared drive where you will find the music and details of the scheduled activities during rehearsals. 

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.).