Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band at Fort Richmond Collegiate is made up of students in Grades 11 and 12, playing the full range of concert band instruments (flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, bari sax, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, percussion).  The Symphonic Band is a collaborative group in which personal expression and striving for excellence comes alongside being a part of an effective team in a supportive community.  
 
 Typically, the Symphonic Band students participate in many concerts and festivals throughout the year, culminating in an optional trip to National Finals, which takes place every year at a major Canadian city (prior examples are:  Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, Niagara Falls, Calgary).  Additionally, students in the Symphonic Band have a multitude of opportunities throughout the year for community performances, volunteer opportunities and mentorship with the youth in our community.  
 
 Although prior experience is certainly an asset to be a part of the Symphonic Band, the band program at FRC welcomes beginner students at all levels.  Students will receive remedial instruction until they are ready for the large group music, at which point they will be a part of the larger ensemble.  Interested students with no prior experience are asked to chat with Mrs. Ferguson to discuss how to try out various instruments in the concert band to find the best fit.  

Band 30s/ Band (.5) 31 G & Band 40s/ Band (.5) 41 G

It is desirable that a student in Band 30S/ Band (.5) 31G has completed Band 20G or its equivalent. The course is a continuation of Band 20G with a higher degree of difficulty and musical complexity. The Band 30S/Band (.5) 31G class meets together with the Band 40S/ Band (.5) 41G class, forming a group known as the ‘Symphonic Band’. The Symphonic Band is FRC’s largest performing instrumental music group and it participates in all the types of performances outlined for Band 20G in addition to taking part in an annual band exchange or tour, often including participation in the National Finals at Musicfest Canada

Band 40S/ Band (.5)41G students have traditionally carried a heavy share of the responsibility for providing the leadership and inspiration necessary to effectively carry out the many activities of the bands. The Symphonic Band consists primarily of Band 40S/ Band(.5) 41G and Band 30S/ Band (.5) 31G students. A large percentage of the membership of the Wind Ensemble and the Senior Jazz Band tends to consist of Band 40S/Band (.5) 41G students. It is desirable that Band 40S/ Band (.5) 41G students have Band 30S/ Band (.5) 31G or its equivalent.