Volume 19 Issue 9 - June/July/August 2014

does it look like.” After each intermission these audience memberswould locate the instruments in the orchestra, and be more awareof the role each played. It was a great way to get the audience andplayers involved.New Horizons: During the past month I had the opportunity tolearn more of New Horizons’ activities in this part of the country. Firstit was off to Peterborough to experience a day in their lives. What aday, even as an observer without playing a note, it was almost nonstop.In the morning there were two large distinct bands preparingfor concerts in two parts of the building. After an hour lunch break itwas back observing two different, more senior, groups in rehearsal.Devon Wilkins and herguide dog VestorEvery once in a while, someone would getup from a seat in the band and move to theother room, pick up a baton and conductthat other band. All of this was in preparationfor their final concert on May 30.My hat, which I rarely wear, must go offto Dan Kapp of the Toronto group for hisenergy and commitment. From that beginningsingle small group, he has guided theorganization, taught and conducted to thepresent situation with 160 members inseven band classes. He is looking forwardto the next group of prospective memberswith this year’s “Instrument ExplorationWorkshop” scheduled for the evening ofFriday, September 12.One of the most impressive aspectsof both of these New Horizons groupsthat I visited was the open door inclusionof many who would never ordinarilyhave the opportunity to play music ina group. Canes, walkers and wheelchairsare a common sight. Two people in particular are worthy of specialmention. Randal Pilson of the Toronto band and Devon Wilkins inPeterborough are totally blind. Of all of the instruments that he mighthave chosen, Randal plays the bass trombone, while Devon playsflute. In Devon’s case, her guide dog, Vestor, lies quietly by her sidethroughout the performance. Devon also serves on the board of theband. When you see that in a musical group, you know that there iscomplete inclusion and acceptance.Just down the road: Then there is the NABBSS. The North AmericanBrass Band Summer School is a new venture jointly supported by theRoyal Nova Scotia Tattoo Society and the Buffet Group. The summerschool is based on well-established models in Britain. Participants willreceive tuition from a team of Buffet soloists on the traditional Britishall-brass band style, and will explore some of the newest brass bandrepertoire in a series of workshops and rehearsals. Although participantswill not be doing any marching, they will be dressed in uniformand perform on the tattoo stage together with the massed bands. Forthose not familiar with it, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoohas been an annual event in Halifax for 35 years and is billed as the“World’s Largest Annual Indoor Show.”The camp will be under the direction of noted conductor Dr. RobertChilds, supported by a group of clinicians on all of the instruments ofa traditional brass band. Among the instructors will be euphoniumsoloist David Childs, son of Dr. Childs, who was the featured soloistwith the Hannaford Street Silver band a couple of years ago. It alltakes place in Halifax from June 28 to July 8. Our household isalready signed up and plans are well developed to get ourselves andour instruments ready for what promises to be an interesting newapproach to our music making.Looking ahead: Toronto is to have a new community band. To belocated in the west end of the city, the Toronto Concert Band willrehearse Tuesday evenings in John G. Althouse Middle School, startingin September. With its tag line, “We Love to Play,” the Toronto ConcertBand’s stated mission is “to create a positive and supportive environmentin which to cultivate musicianship.” In short, TCB promises anenriched musical experience for its members. Everyone is welcome tojoin, including amateur community players, post-secondary studentsand professionals who want to play in the community. The foundingconductors are Ken Hazlett and Les Dobbin, both with long careers inmusic education. For more information visit their website:torontoconcertband.com.Steve Fuller: It is with sadness and a sense of loss that we announcethe passing of Steve Fuller, another longtime member of the bandcommunity in Toronto. A retired high school biology teacher, Steve’slife was focused around music. After open heart surgery some yearsago, he worked hard at recovery and began active playing again. Then,about a year ago, he was back in hospital for some weeks. Shortlyafter his release, I was speaking with him and he was back playingand talking about reactivating his beloved saxophone quartet. I hadn’theard from him for a while and was going to call when I received thenews of his passing.DEFINITION DEPARTMENTThis month’s lesser known musical term is: col legno: An indicationto cellists to hold on tight with their lower extremities. We invitesubmissions from readers. Let’s hear your daffynitions.Jack MacQuarrie plays several brass instruments andhas performed in many community ensembles. He canbe contacted at bandstand@thewholenote.com.FESTIVAL INSIDERSTuesday-Friday at 2pm, Edward Johnson Building,University of TorontoDaily access to behind-the-scenes Festival events includingcasual interviews with the artists, guest lectures, andmasterclasses. Tickets $10 to $20 at the door.THEJuly 22 –August 12AGESHUFFLE CONCERTSWednesday-Friday at 5:00pm, Heliconian HallInformal, eclectic sampler performances by festival artists,special guests and next-generation emerging artists.Pay What You CanFREE LUNCHTIME CONCERTSJuly 25, 31, August 1, 7 at 12:00pm, Heliconian HallDon’t miss these popular concerts featuring our giftedTSM Academy Fellows and guest artists!TORONTOSUMMERMUSIC.COMthewholenote.com June 4, 2014 – Sept 7, 2014 | 33