july 2023 - summer programs
JULY 2023 SUMMER PROGRAMS WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON – STAY TUNED!
IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH US.
july 2023 - summer programs
All Summer Programs will be held in the EMP Theatre at 2328 Trent St. Please use the Fort Street entrance. We have a spacious air-conditioned Theatre. Some programs (ie: those with wind instruments) may be held outdoors under the trees.
Register by emailing info@friendsofmusic.ca with the programs you’re interested in, the instrument you plan to play (if applicable) and your experience level.

Summer Woodwind Clinic with our woodwind specialist, Joe Hatherill
TUESDAY JULY 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th – 10:30-12:30pm
Calling all Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Saxophone and oboe players! All levels of woodwind players are welcome to join in. This would be really useful to beginners, who are wanting to get a jump start on the September Beginner Band Lessons as well as experienced players looking for tips to improve their playing.
We’ll practice outdoors on the grass outside EMP Theatre, if the weather is nice (otherwise indoors at EMP Theatre)
What to bring: Your instrument. Some instruments available on loan.

Advanced Ukulele with Avram McCagherty
TUESDAY JULY 11th, 18th, 25th only – 1:00-3:00pm
We’ll be learning licks, tricks and advanced chords. There will be a bit of theory, but don’t worry, it will be painless.
Tues July 11th – Transposing and playing campfire songs by ear
Tues July 18th – Licks and Endings
Tues July 25th – Movable Chords

Composing / Recording with Nick La Riviere
WEDNESDAY JULY 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th from 11:00-1:00pm
Work on recording demos of original songs! Participants with songs already composed can show them to the rest of the group, and together we’ll record them one instrument at a time to make a demo using Logic Pro. We can record guitars, piano, bass, and drums (or use synth drums in Logic if there isn’t a drummer in the group). Participants who don’t have original songs ready are still welcome – we can work together on the recordings, and where possible, incorporate your instrument in to the track. We can also work together to compose songs from scratch as a group, or fine tune ideas that people have already. These recordings will be shared with all group members, and you’ll be able to download them from home.
What to bring:
- Your instrument
- Headphones with a wire (not bluetooth headphones unless you can also connect them with a wire). If you don’t have headphones let us know and we’ll see if we can get some donated.

Summer Tune-Up with Nick La Riviere
WEDNESDAYS from 1:00-3:00pm
Wed July 5th from 1-3pm Back to the Sixties
Wed July 12th from 1-3pm Sing-a-long with Elvis
Wed July 19th from 1-3pm Sing-a-long to the Beatles
Wed July 26 from 1-3pm FOM goes Country
This group includes a non-auditioned chorus and a rhythm section. Singers, drummers, guitarists, bass players, piano players & really, any instrumentalist or singers are welcome, whether you play what’s written or play by ear. This is a low-key group that welcomes all skill levels. This is a great chance to meet new people.
For current news, updates and latest FOM program calendar see our bi-monthly issue of ‘Get the Beat’ Newsletter
past summer programs - july 2021
Summer Woodwind Clinic with our woodwind specialist, Joe Hatherill
Mondays in July from 2-4pm
The woodwind clinic will be outdoors if COVID Safety protocols keep us from meeting indoors.
Calling all flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone and oboe players! All levels of woodwind players are welcome to join in. This would be really useful to beginners who are wanting to get a jump start on the September Beginner Band Lessons as well as experienced players looking for tips to improve their playing.
Songwriters’ Circle with Steve Fissel
Mondays in July from 4-6pm
Get your creative on for this acoustic experience. You’ve got something to share, and music might just be how you’ll do it. There will be opportunities to share your original material, work on new material, inspire others, be inspired, collaborate and learn a little along the way. This is open to those who write melody or lyrics, those who play instruments or sing, and for complete newbies. Steve will make it work.
Summer Tune-Up with Nick La Riviere
Tues July 6th from 1-3pm Back to the Sixties
Wed July 7 from 1-3pm Sing-a-long with Elvis
Wed July 14th from 1-3pm Sing-a-long to the Beatles
Wed July 21 from 1-3pm FOM goes Country
This group includes a non-auditioned chorus and a rhythm section. Singers, drummers, guitarists, bass players, piano players and really any instrumentalist or singers are welcome, whether you play what’s written or play by ear. This is a low-key group that welcomes all skill levels, and it’s a great chance to meet new people. We hope that wind instruments will be welcome, but that is dependent on Island Health mask rules in place in July.
Brass Clinic with Nick La Riviere
3 classes only on Wed July 7th, 14th and 21st from 12-1 pm.
The brass clinic will be outdoors if COVID Safety protocols keep us from meeting indoors. Either way, this is an in-person experience.
You play trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone or tuba, and you want a chance to get together with other brass players. This clinic is all about you. All tips and hints will be relevant to brass players.
Summer Jazz Improv with Jon Van Ziffle
Thursdays in July, starting July 8th from 1-3 pm
This super chill Jazz Improv group will meet in person at EMP Theatre. You play your instrument, and you want to experiment with improv. This is a quieter group that will have minimal instruction, no printed music, and is heavily influenced by the blues. This group will not be the same without you. Give it a try.