New Horizons Band Guelph Program Descriptions
Concert Bands $170
Woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments are welcome. Repertoire is fun with a wide range of musical styles explored in a traditional large concert band instrumentation.
(Concert Band repertoire is graded on difficulty from 0-6.)
Green Band - Grade 0-1.5 (Beginner) - Tuesday & Thursday (1 hour each) mornings - Three Willows & Lakeside Church
Woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments welcome, open to anyone who wishes to learn a new instrument. Basic instrument technique and music reading instruction are the focus of this group. No experience necessary.
Red Band - Grade 1 - 3 - Tuesday morning 9:30 - Three Willows Church
Open to anyone who has a moderate amount of band experience on their instrument. 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.
Blue Band - Grade 2.5 - 4 Thursday Morning 9:30 - Lakeside Church
This band is for those who wish to be challenged on their instrument. The focus is on developing a diverse repertoire and moving at a quicker pace while still creating enjoyable musical experiences. A wide range of musical styles are explored in traditional concert band instrumentation.
Jazz Improvisation - $170
Monday 90:00 - Lakeside
(Beginner 5 week session starting February - $85 - Monday 10:30 - Lakeside)
Learn how to improvise in a jazz setting. The focus is on playing jazz blues tunes and learning how to interact with others to create a jazz solo. Using blues scales and reading chord changes are taught while learning some basic fun jazz tunes. Any level of experience is welcome but an introductory level of music theory would be beneficial. The level of music reading is not a challenge; more emphasis is placed on listening and creating a musical reaction to what you hear.
Big Band - (Audition band) Grade 3+, Wednesday 1:00 PM Lakeside Church - $170
In the style of a traditional Jazz Big band or Swing Band, this ensemble will have a focus on developing a large and diverse repertoire that can be performed in a wide variety of venues. Membership in the ensemble is by audition or invitation. The ability to adapt to a variety of musical styles as well as instrumentation will be a factor for membership in this group. The focus of this ensemble will be on reading music in a jazz big band style with some opportunities for improvisation. It is expected that the members will be able to retain a large and diverse repertoire. Instrumentation will consist of up to 4 rhythm section, 4 saxophones and 4 brass players.
Brass Ensemble Monday 1:30 PM Lakeside Church
Think "Canadian Brass" only a bigger group and less travelling! A wide range of brass choir styles will be explored for Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Euphonium and Tuba. The focus will be on blending and balancing the brass sound with a fun and relax musical experience.
Woodwind Ensemble Monday 11:00 AM Lakeside Church
Classical and popular music with Flutes, Clarinets, Saxophones, Oboes and Bassoons. Enjoy the richness of sound made by the fellowship of collaborating woodwind instruments. Experience how the various timbres of sound in the woodwind section fit together to create beautiful music. Approximately grade 2-3.
Funk Bucket Percussion Ensemble - (Not currently offered)
Do you have a heartbeat? Can you hit a bucket with a stick? Then you are OVER-qualified to join Adam for an exploration of rhythm reading, groove, time and fun! Enjoy the connection of group drumming, on buckets of course. All are welcome.
Music Theory - (Not currently offered)
This 10 week series of music theory lessons will help develop an understanding of basic music theory as it pertains to playing music in a concert band, choir or other traditional music ensemble. The content will focus on music notation, key signatures, time signatures and musical structures. Participants will also have ample opportunity to ask questions based on their current understanding of music theory.
Music is provided, and you are encouraged to practice on your own time as well.
We are a "Learning Band", not a "Performance Band". The primary focus is on learning and enjoyment. We do occasionally have performances where we invite family, friends and guests to hear us, or share our music with the broader community.