Band starts September 16th from 6-8 pm. at Grassy Plains School
Multigenerational Band
New this fall...funded by the New Horizons for Seniors Program a Unique opportunity for Seniors and Students of all ages to play together
This band is free for all participants. There are no tuition fees, music is supplied music stands are supplied (though you might want to get a wire one to use at home($14).We also have a good number of instruments that are available for participants that need one to use for the duration of the program.
Though this program is open to everyone in the area the grant is specifically for the southside so they get first choice of instruments then we will open that up for more distant participants. Some instruments were purchased by the society, some were donated or left to us it took many years to collect them all. This summer we are doing maintenance on them.
The program runs for 32 sessions (September-March- ish)
Instruction from professional musicians.
Contact us everyone can join call Simon at 250-694-3338 or 250-961-1810 cell/text or
Email always works. If you use cell phone it might be a while before I get the message.
Facebook Page: Southside Community Band
FAQ
Q: Who can play?
A: Anyone with one provision, you must be harmonious. All Alban Classical programs are safe for participants.
Q: Do I need to be able to play already?
A: No, this is a band for beginners or players returning to playing after many years. You don't have to read music to start.
Q: What age groups is this for?
A: All ages. Children often start band in elementary school grade 6- 7 so roughly 12 and up. This would be a great for a parent and/or a grandparent and child, both could play or any adult .
Q: If I can already play will I be bored?
A: No, I give lessons to players who have studied for many years including professionals there is always something new to learn, even for me.
Q: Can I pick my instrument?
A: Yes, up to a point. I keep the band in balance (so everyone can not play saxophone for example) and we only have a finite number of instruments to loan out. (26)
Q: What else do I need to bring with me?
A: A pencil and reeds if your instrument needs them (though we do have reeds to get everyone started) and of course your music (music is supplied)
Q: What do I need to do to get an instrument?
A: If you are getting one from us you need to call us (250-694-3338) or 250-961-1810 or email (always works) and talk to us about which instrument you would like to play.
If you get one from us you will sign a standard instrument rental contract except the fee will be $0. If you damage the instrument you are responsible for it. You may have one already, if so we can check it over for you.
Q: What instruments can be in the Band?
A: Standard band instruments are flute, oboe, clarinet (bass clarinet), saxophones (Alto Tenor Bari), trumpet, trombone, french horn, baritone, keyboards/piano, bass (electric or string), bassoon , oboe and percussion( drum kit bass drum, snare drum, snare drum and bells). Some pieces have guitar parts( jazz band). Violin players can play flute or oboe parts and cello players can play bassoon parts. Guitar players play of the piano guitar book to start.
Q: What kind of music do we play?
A: It's like driving, first you learn how then later you can drive to where you want to go. You could drive to classical town or Jazz town, folk town..... As the conductor (Home - Simon Cole Composer Clarinetist (simoncolemusic.com)} it's my job to get you there.
First we start of with a basic band method book get good at reading music( with more than a few people this makes thing go way faster, I'm thinking back to my garage band days) then figure out how the instrument works. The AC society has a lot of music in a lot of different styles. Some players will not have played at all some will be experienced and they can help.
Q: Which instruments do you have that I can use for free?
A: Here is what we have so far ( I have more instruments I am repairing): Of course it's first come first serve and we will eventually run out. Sight and Sound and Long & McQuade rent instruments. The reason we are supplying some instruments is so that the cost of getting one is not a obstacle to participation.
| Bb clarinets | 7 |
| Flutes | 5 |
| Alto saxophone | 3 |
| Tenor saxophone | 3 |
| trumpet | 3 |
| trombone | 1 |
| Tuba | 2 |
| Baritone | 2 |
| keyboards | 1 |
| snare | 1 |
| bass drum | 1 |
| bells | 0 |
| electric bass w amp | 1 |
| Drum kit | 1 |
| music stands | 20 |
| Timpani | 1pair |
| music books | 30 |
Q: Can I keep my music book and Instrument?
A: The instrument and book must be returned at the end of the program so we can keep this going.
Q: Does this include private lessons?
A: No private lessons are great you will do much better if you have them but they are not necessary for this band or included.
Q: Where and when are rehearsals?
A: Monday evenings not sure where yet we are waiting on word about that
Q: Will there be concerts?
A: Yes.
Q: Who is teaching this?
A: 1. Simon Cole for the most part there are other players I would like to get involved as well we are talking about it. Possibly some of the Senior Musicians from the Alban Classical New Horizons Band in PG could come and play as well. These players have been performing and studying under my direction for up to 12 years. The NHB band plays together and in tune, players have good sounds they blend together and are very sophisticated musically.
One of our players
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Alan Buswell
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2. Simon Cole conductor composer plays sax clarinet flute. 3. Erica Skowron Oboe trumpet .4 others as needed.
Q: When the Band ends in March what then?
A: Well the idea is to keep it going, we are working on it.....
In the event of any disruption meetings continue online.