PROGRAMS
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2026 SPRING SESSIONS
New Horizons Band Guelph Program Descriptions
Concert Bands $160 for 10 weeks (including concert)
NOTE: All CONCERT BANDS wii be at Lakeside Church for the Spring Session
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) 9:30 - Conductor - Ethan Burnside
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 - Conductor - Dr. Brent Rowan
Open to anyone who has a moderate amount of band experience with 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 - Conductor - Dr. Brent Rowan
This band is for those who wish to be challenged with more advanced music. 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 - $150 FOR 9 weeks (including concert)
NEW!! Three progressive levels of Jazz Improv. Reach out to Brent if you have questions or are unsure where you fit into this program. While the program is designed to flow from The Blues, to Beyond the Blues, to Playing the Standards, a balanced instrumentation will always be considered.
The Blues - Monday at 9:00 am, Lakeside. Conductor - Dr. Brent Rowan
A welcoming entry point to jazz improvisation is the blues. In this program, participants will learn how to improvise using the blues scale and the basic 12 bar blues chord progression. Participants will develop an understanding of the jazz feel and the difference between straight and swing in a jazz context. We encourage rhythmic exploration while emphasising the importance of the conversational component of improvisation. Familiarity with a few major scales will be an asset in this program. Examples of tunes that may be played are C Jam Blues, Sonny Moon For Two, and Blue Monk
Beyond the Blues - Monday at 1:00 pm, Lakeside. Conductor - Dr. Rowan
For the jazz improviser that feels comfortable creating rhythmic ideas that follow the blues chord progression, the Beyond the Blues program takes a deep dive into the basics of jazz theory. Concepts explored include modes, chord functions, the cycle of 5ths, and melodic improvisation. Familiarity with major scales will be an asset in this program. As in the Blues program, we will continue to stress the conversational component of improvisation. Examples of tunes that may be played are Autumn Leaves, Cantaloupe Island, and So What.
Playing the Standards- Monday at 11:00 am, Lakeside. Conductor - Dr. Brent Rowan
This program will focus on developing the standard jazz repertoire. Participants of this program are expected to have a firm understanding of modes, chord functions, and the conversational components of improvisation. Theory concepts may include bebop scales, tritone substitution, chord extensions, or other harmonic exploration. However, the focus of this program will be on playing tunes with the possibility of sharing our music with the general public. Examples of tunes that may be played are All the Things You Are, Corcovado, and What is This Thing Called Love.
Big Band - (Audition band) Grade 3+, $160 for 10 weeks (including concert) Conductor - Dr. Brent Rowan
Wednesday 1:00 PM Lakeside Church
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 3:00 PM Lakeside Church - $150 FOR 9 weeks (including concert) Conductor - Martin Lacoste
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 relaxing musical experience.
Woodwind Ensemble Monday 11:00 AM Lakeside Church - $150 FOR 9 weeks (including concert). Conductor - Jennifer Rodrigues
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.