Hello ONHB Members:
This email contains important information on how registration for ONHB bands will work for the fall session. Please read this note carefully, as the process will be different from what you’re used to in some significant ways.
As you no doubt know, the number of ONHB members grew last fall from previous years, despite some big changes to our organization and operations. All four concert bands were over 50 members and approached the capacity of some of our rehearsal facilities, particularly at Brookfield High School. The jazz bands also maintained or increased their numbers despite the establishment of a new band, Jumpin’ Jazz. While we can’t know if our numbers will continue to increase this fall, we do have to plan for the possibility to ensure that all bands continue to offer a rewarding musical experience.
So here’s how registration for the fall will work. The registration page on our website (ottawanewhorizons.com) will appear on August 1. Members who played in any ONHB band in the Fall 2017 or Winter 2018 sessions and wish to continue in the program are strongly encouraged to register by August 10, after which date registration will be opened to the general public. If you are travelling or otherwise occupied during that period, it is strongly recommended that you make registration a priority or find a friend to register for you. Each band leader will monitor registrations as they arrive. Bearing in mind the size of their rehearsal space, each band leader will make a judgment as to when to alert new registrants that the band is filling up and that their registration cannot be guaranteed. Every effort will be made to ensure that all musicians have an appropriate band placement. Band leaders will give highest priority to those returning to the same bands who have registered early. Depending on numbers, access to the band of choice may not be guaranteed to others, including existing ONHB members who wish to switch bands or add a band. Band leaders will do their best to accommodate everyone’s first choices as to bands and instruments, but equally, nobody benefits if a rehearsal space is over-crowded.
At this writing, four band leaders from the winter session will not be returning as band leaders to ONHB. While it is sad to see capable and valued leaders leave, we do have a talented and exciting line up of band leaders. Although band assignments are not finalized, we are delighted to tell you that the band leaders for Fall 2018 will be:
- Adrian Cosstick
- Jean Francois Fauteux
- Laurie Hamilton
- Felicia Persaud
- Laurel Ralston
- Rocco Romeo
- Sheila White
- Cathy Wilcox
Watch the website for announcements of who will be leading which band. The website will also display information on a new concert band planned for the fall, which will fit in between the Bytown Beginners and the current intermediate-level bands to provide an easier stepping-stone for beginner musicians who are ready for a new challenge. Finally, check the website for confirmation of each band’s rehearsal day, time and location as some changes are likely, in part to fit in our eighth and newest band.
Thank you all for a wonderful year, our first as an independent organization and our largest in terms of members and bands. There is every reason to be hopeful that Ottawa New Horizons Band will continue to grow and prosper, offering ever more people in the region the opportunity to learn and play music in a band setting. Have a great summer and see you in the fall!
The ONHB Team
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