We have so much to celebrate in our 10th year! Our new Fall Session 2018 includes 5 concert bands, 3 jazz bands, and a Theory Workshop for our intermediate musicians. Over 200 of our members are returning musicians and we have many new friends who are joining in the fun. We have a dynamic team of band leaders and clinicians who will lead the music-making and learning. New this Fall is a concert band on Wednesday evenings called Riverside Rondos, led by Laurel Ralston. This is the place to be to enjoy getting back to playing your instrument after a break, or as a stepping stone to our more senior bands. Laurie Hamilton and Rocco Romeo are two new band leaders who also bring a wealth of experience to ONHB. Welcome to all, whether you are new or returning!
Our 10th year started in January, 2018. It was marked by the inaugural rehearsal of the Jumpin’ Jazz Band. Close to 30 musicians came together to form an awesome first year jazz ensemble. They made quite a sound, and learned “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).”
On Sunday, April 15 we held our 10th Anniversary Celebration at Woodroffe United Church, amidst whirling ice and snow! The mood was celebratory and the music was great. Special refreshments were served, and we posed for an all-members photo of the whole gang. Congratulations to the planning team and our talented members. See photos (courtesy of Harry Turner).
Throughout April, May and June, several community outreach concerts were held, including a fund-raiser dance for Guide Dogs for the Blind, a concert at Woodroffe United Church, and concerts at several local seniors’ residences , one public school, and local park bandstands.
On June 18, 35 ONHB musicians representing all bands, along with 9 spouses who are loyal fans and roadies, departed for Dublin, Ireland and a 13 day tour which included four concerts in Belfast, Ballinasloe, Killarney and Dublin. Three of these concerts were joint concerts, and ONHB were the treated royally as featured guests. Money was raised at some of these events towards worthy local charities, and friendships formed with local musicians. Great fun was had by all on this amazing musical journey organized by Steve Snell and Cathy Wilcox, with Ellison Travels. See photos.
In this very successful first year as a non-profit organization, we thank our board members, Steve Snell (Chair), Dave Chaplin (Vice Chair), Brian Carr (Secretary), Leslie Scott (Treasurer), and Cathy Wilcox (Band Leader Rep). These people have met on a monthly basis as they make plans for current and upcoming sessions as well as next steps in Ottawa New Horizons Band.
Special thanks to Jody Gomber , our official communications officer, for keeping us up-to-date through our wonderful website, which includes a calendar of events and serves to keep band leaders and musicians in touch through weekly band notes.
We can be very proud of our ONHB community! Enjoy the coming session.
Cathy