If you have been learning to play an instrument, you might find yourself asking the next obvious question – where can people go to play with a band, orchestra or ensemble? In this section of our website, you can find information about community bands and orchestras, jam bands, open mic nights, and ensembles that are currently seeking players of various levels. Many groups are open to people who are still learning music! We’ll include website links, rehearsal dates, and contact information for each group. What better reason to learn music than to go forth and play with other people!
Want your community orchestra, band, ensemble or group listed on this page?
Please contact me at: emma@prussinmusic.com
These groups are loosely arranged by location below.
Vancouver:
BROCKHOUSE ORCHESTRA
http://bhorchestra.webs.com/
Brock House Orchestra is a senior’s orchestra, open to musicians 55 or older. Members meet every Wednesday morning from 10 am to 12 noon at beautiful Brock House, 3825 Point Grey Road, by the water at Jericho Beach. Throughout the year, Brock House Orchestra plays many performances, including private and public performances of classics, show tunes and popular music.
Please check out Brock House’s website listed above for more information. Newcomers may either drop in at listed rehearsal times or make contact as directed on the website.
VANCOUVER CONCERT BAND
www.vancouverconcertband.ca
Vancouver Concert Band is an adult community band accepting players of any level without audition. This band suggests a minimum of 2 years experience but players are welcome to come and try it out!
Vancouver Concert Band is particularly in need of a set drummer, French Horns, a tuba player (or two!), as well as an oboe player (or two!). Any concert band musicians are welcome, however, as they’ve no restrictions on numbers.
Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:30 in Vancouver, at Killarney Secondary School, 6454 Killarney Street, Vancouver, BC, V5S 2X7.
Check out the Vancouver Concert Band’s website (listed above) or drop in to give it a try!
LITTLE MOUNTAIN BRASS BAND
http://lmbb.vabbs.org/index.php
From their site: Little Mountain Brass Band is a brass band ensemble from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. LMBB is a recreational, non-auditioned band that plays music arranged for British-style brass band. Instrumentation follows British brass band practice, with cornets, flugelhorn, Eb alto (tenor) horns, baritone horns, euphoniums, trombones, basses and percussion. However, the band has at times in the past included F horns and trumpets as well.
Little Mountain Brass Band is currently seeking a percussionist. The members rehearse typically on Thursdays in Vancouver. Check their website for dates, times and locations.
Please contact Gene H. Chan (genechan@vcn.bc.ca) for information on how to join this great band.
NIGHTSHIFT JAZZ
http://nightshiftjazz.com/
NightShift Jazz is a Vancouver BC community Jazz Big Band. Members range in skill from recent high school graduates to advanced amateur players. Member quote: “We play for fun of it, but in a positive setting with a great band leader.”
Rehearsals are Thursdays at 7:00pm in the new band room at Eric Hamber Secondary school (5025 Willow St, Vancouver BC). Nightshift players will meet for 10 to 15 rehearsals at a time, followed up with 1-3 gigs in various locations. New players are welcome to check us out and or sit in on a rehearsal. At present, Nightshift is seeking for Trombone & Trumpet players.
Contact Lindsay at jazzsax90@yahoo.ca for further info.
http://www.deltamusicmakers.org
Royal Westminster Regiment Band
The North Shore Chamber Orchestra directed by Charles Inkman, is an amateur string ensemble. The orchestra is open to string players of all ages and abilities & is currently seeking new members, especially on double bass. The rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:30 in the music room of Sutherland Secondary High School. The Northshore Chamber Orchestra plays two annual concerts (Christmas & spring) as well as concerts at seniors residences and other public venues.
