let's groove! drum &
Percussion class
DROP-IN GROUP
TUESDAY 1:00-3:00pm
Let’s Groove! This drum & percussion class will help you find your inner drummer. We will play various hand drums and percussion instruments and learn a few African and Latin rhythms. Playing together and listening to create a fun groove is an awesome way to tune the mind-body connection.
This program is divided into 2 parts to accommodate more players at different skill levels:
1:00-1:45pm – Learning the Basics Beginners who are starting completely from scratch, can join for the first 45mins (1:00-1:45pm) to learn all the basics of drumming.
*15 min break*
2:00-3:00pm – Beyond the Basics
After the break, the drumming will go beyond the basics and offer more challenging, multi-layered grooves.
Everyone is welcome to either or both sessions. The first session is more instructional while the second hour involves a more holistic rhythmic experience.
Directed by Lauri Lyster. We meet on Tuesday’s from 1-3pm.
moodswing orchestra
PERFORMANCE GROUP
THURSDAY 7:30-9:00pm
A group of about 15 musicians who enjoy playing the music of the big band era. This performance group offers the opportunity to learn to play with an orchestra. Get in touch with us if you have any further questions about joining this group: info@friendsofmusic.ca
Rehearsals are Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Most sections are open (vocals, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpets, trombone, French horn, clarinet and guitar). Directed by Ben Beaudet.
recovery rock band
PERFORMANCE GROUP
WEDNESDAY 5:00-7:00pm
This low-barrier rock band is for adults recovering from mental illness or addictions and for anyone who wants to play rock music in support of mental health. They rehearse on Wednesdays from 5:00-7:00pm (with some exceptions, see the program calendar in Get the Beat Newsletter for current updates).
moodswing chorus
PERFORMANCE GROUP
TUESDAY 7:00-9:00pm
This well-run, long-established group of mixed voices enjoys performing locally and attracts a wide variety of adult singers. They have a full-time keyboard accompanist, and their repertoire is taken from popular musical theatre, uplifting and folk styles. No previous experience is necessary, and all are welcome. Joe Hatherill directs this group with 8-15 singers for rehearsals on Tuesdays from 7-9 pm.
ukulelians
PERFORMANCE GROUP
TUESDAY 5:00-6:30pm
This group welcomes those who are feeling comfortable on the ukulele and enjoy singing along. Play for the fun of it and receive some instruction at a higher level. This group will prepare to perform at community concerts and special events. They meet Tuesdays from 5:00-6:30 pm.
New members are welcome on an ongoing basis with the option to attend in-person or on Zoom.
Directed by Avram McCagherty.
minds at work
PERFORMANCE GROUP
3:30-5:30pm
A rhythm and blues band composed of 6 to 10 musicians. They rehearse weekly on Fridays from 3:30-5:30 pm and have openings in every section, including sax, vocals, trumpet, low brass, percussion., piano, guitar, trombone and second trumpet. Directed by Ben Beaudet.
the eclectics
PERFORMANCE GROUP
THURSDAY 10:45am-12:15pm
A relaxed group of musicians who develop a varied repertoire that suits the tastes and skills of the various members. As their name suggests, they are not defined by a particular genre. They welcome singers and instrumentalists able to play in concert pitch, and off of a lead sheet. This group currently incorporates accordion, guitar, percussion, c-alto sax, recorder and an unauditioned chorus.
They perform several public concerts during the year and rehearse Thursdays from 10:45am-12:00pm. Directed by Avram McCagherty
jazz improv
PERFORMANCE GROUP
WEDNESDAY 1-3pm
This group performs Jazz Standards from The Real Book. Open to players who know their instrument, may be familiar with Jazz, and are looking for a challenge or want to try improvisation. We currently have openings for wind instruments and percussionists. New members are welcome, but please phone or email us ahead to let us know when you plan to stop by. We meet every Wednesday from 1-3pm.
Directed by Jon Ziffle.
Contact: info@friendsofmusic.ca
the haywires
PERFORMANCE GROUP
FRIDAY 1:30-3:30pm
The Haywires is a country-inspired group that likes to sing and swing! There are current openings for a violinist, drummer, pianist and mandoline. They rehearse Fridays from 1:30–3:30 pm. Directed by Ben Beaudet.
the fundamentals
DROP-IN GROUP
THURSDAY 1-3pm
This group parties every Thursday from 1-3 pm. Members socialize, develop musical skills, gain self-confidence and enhance their self-esteem in an informal environment. There is room for pianos (provided), bass (provided), drums (kit provided), guitars (provided), instrumental soloists and vocalists (all lead sheets in concert pitch). Directed by Nick La Riviere. Coffee and snacks are served at 2 pm.
learn more about our talented music directors!
Check out our Music Director’s page for their full bios.
