Hello Musicians! This space is a blog-type post from Yours Truly, so unless you send me ideas of what you would like to see in this space, you will be subject to my whims, wonderings, website wanderings, suggestions of a few concerts and local events that are “Cathy’s picks”. Most will be free or by donation. Fortunately for all of us in this beautiful National Capital area, there are many from which to choose! This month, I am writing about the joy of meeting new friends and making music outside of the Ottawa scene.
Report on our Trip to Potsdam
On October 29, NHB groups from Montreal, Oswego and Ottawa travelled to Potsdam, NY for a fun afternoon of music-making. Following the music reading session, all 80 musicians made their way to a nearby church hall for a delicious potluck dinner provided by our hosts, the NHB of Northern NY. Thanks to Ron Berry, his associates, and the musicians of the New Horizons Band of Northern New York for an unforgettable day!
New Horizons International Music Association
What are other New Horizons Bands are doing? Read interesting articles in their newsletter, and find out about upcoming band camps and more here. Please consider paying the nominal $10 annual membership to support music initiatives through NHIMA.
Mark Your calendar for a four-day New Horizons Fall Music Camp from September 10-14, 2017, starting Sunday afternoon and departing after Thursday lunch. It will be at Orford Music Center/Orford Musique, located 122 km south of Montreal – a beautiful location with excellent facilities for a music camp. Ron Berry, the band leader of New Horizons Band of Northern NY , and I are honoured to be members of the faculty at this event. I hope to see lots of Ottawa musicians there!
ONHB Brunch Bunch
Would you like to participate in a monthly get-together for brunch, or maybe just keep it simple – a coffee break mid-morning on a Saturday, perhaps between walking at the Experimental Farm and running weekend errands? Please send me your feedback (subject line: BRUNCH BUNCH) at Catherine.wilcox@sympatico.ca I am proposing the first Saturday of each month, at 10:30 a.m. Members of the Bytown Beginner Band met for a coffee break from 10:30 – 11:30 at MacDonald’s at Prince of Wales and Meadowlands…. Good coffee and a quiet place to chat!
Remember the NHB motto: Your best is good enough!
Cathy