first rehearsal of season 2  is September 15 2025 at Grassy Plains School

  This year has 3 session, each session is a commitment for min of 10 rehearsal /lessons. Cost is $10/session or $100 for all 10.  Session 1 starts Sept 15. Minimum enrollment needed to proceed. The band is still loaning out instruments to active participants at no cost including annual servicing. 

Please register before the first session to enable us to plan.

We have 3 bands to supply with instruments. Act now now while supplies last! 

We have purchased 2 new Yamaha single French horns! We also received donations of an electronic drum set and more band music.

If there is a meeting at the school there will be no band. There will be some Mondays that are holidays so the school will be closed. Last year if I was out of town performing I would make a special trip back for band and then go back to work. I can't do that this season so there will be some gaps in the schedule 

Instruction from professional musicians.

Contact us : Simon at 250-694-3338 or 250-961-1810 cell/text or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Facebook Page: Southside Community Band

FAQ

Q: Who can play?

A: Anyone with one provision, you must be harmonious. All Alban Classical programs are safe for participants. 

Q: Do I need to be able to play already?

A: No, this is a band for beginners or players returning to playing after many years ad also advanced players. You don't have to read music to start. Many players are advanced. As a beginner its way easier to play and learn when more experienced players are leading the way. Music takes time but it's worth it. Just show up hang in there practice at home and you will soon will be running with the pack. We can take 1 advanced level guitar player good at reading music. some pieces have no guitar part you would be in the percussion section for those ones (SOP).

First 30 minutes of every rehearsal is just beginner level.

Q: What age groups is this for?

A: All ages. Children often start band in elementary school grade 6- 7 so roughly 10 and up. This would be a great for a parent and/or a grandparent and child, both could play or any  adult . In most places the majority of new and young players start on the flute or clarinet from ages 8 and up.

Q: If I can already play will I be bored?

A: No,  I give lessons to players who have studied for many years including professionals there is always something new to learn. As a Pro I am not at all bored playing beginner music.

Q: Can I pick my instrument?

A: Yes, up to a point. I keep the band in balance (so everyone can not play saxophone for example) and we only have a finite number of instruments to loan out. 

Q: What else do I need to bring with me?

A: A  pencil and reeds if your instrument needs them (though we do have  some reeds to get everyone started) and of course your music (music is supplied)

Q: What do I need to do to get an instrument?

A: If you are getting one from us you need to call us (250-694-3338) or 250-961-1810 or email  and talk to us about which instrument you would like to play.

 If you get one from us you will sign a standard instrument rental contract except the fee will be $0.  If you damage the instrument you are responsible for it. You may have one already, if so we can check it over for you.

Q: What instruments can be in the Band?

A: Standard band instruments are flute, oboe, clarinet (bass clarinet), saxophones (Alto Tenor Bari), trumpet, trombone, french horn, baritone, keyboards/piano, bass (electric or string), bassoon , oboe and percussion( drum kit bass drum, snare drum, snare drum and bells). Some pieces have guitar parts( jazz band). Violin players can play flute or oboe parts and cello players can play bassoon parts. Guitar players play of the piano guitar book to start. Not all pieces have guitar parts usually for those works the guitarist plays percussion or another instrument.

Q: What kind of music do we play?

A: It's like driving, first you learn how then later you can drive to where you want to go. You could drive to classical town or Jazz town, folk town..... As the conductor (Home - Simon Cole Composer Clarinetist (simoncolemusic.com)} it's my job to get you there. The more advanced the band gets the more choices it has.

First we start of with a basic band method book get good at reading music( with more than a few people this makes thing go way faster, I'm thinking back to my garage band days) then figure out how the instrument works. The AC society has a lot of music in a lot of different styles. Some players will not have played at all some will be experienced and they can help.

Q: Which instruments do you have that I can use for free?

A: Here is what we have so far ( I have more instruments I am repairing): Of course it's first come first serve and we will eventually run out. Sight and Sound and Long & McQuade rent instruments. The reason we are supplying some instruments is so that the cost of getting one is not a obstacle to participation. 

Q: Can I keep my music book and Instrument?

A: The instrument and book must be returned at the end of the program or if you quit, so we can keep this going.

Q: Does this include private lessons?

A: No private lessons are great you will do much better if you have them but they are not necessary for this band or included. Of course I do give private lessons.

Q: Where and when are rehearsals?

A:  Monday evenings 6-8 at Grassy plains School

Q: Will there be concerts?

A: Yes.

Q: Who is teaching this?

A: 1. Simon Cole solo clarinet/PGSO Erica Skowron Solo Oboe/PGSO for the most part there are other players I would like to get involved as well, we are talking about it. 

In the event of any disruption meetings continue online.