Information

TDSB All-City Community Ensembles: An exceptional musical learning experience for Grade 6-8 instrumental students.

Grade 6-8 instrumental students in TDSB band and strings programs are encouraged to apply for the All-City Community Ensemble program. All-City brings TDSB students together to collaborate towards a culminating performance at Roy Thomson Hall, a world class concert hall and Toronto landmark!

Click here for printable information letter.


What opportunities for learning does All-City provide?

  • Collaboration with peers across the TDSB in a large ensemble - Band, String Ensemble, or R&B Ensemble,
  • Performance at the 134th annual Spring Festival Concert at the world renowned Roy Thomson Hall, May 20, 2019,
  • A unique opportunity for musical growth and enrichment.


Who can participate?

  • Students in Grades 6-8
  • Students who are receiving instruction at a TDSB school on the instrument they wish to play in All-City
  • Students with 1 year or more of playing experience on their instrument (recommended)
  • Students who are ready to take on the challenge to develop new skills on their instrument


What do students have to do?

  • Discuss this opportunity with their music teacher or instructor to collaboratively determine if they are ready for this opportunity.
  • Parents/Guardians complete the application at https://sites.google.com/a/tdsb.on.ca/all-city/home by January 24, 2020
  • Attend ALL rehearsal and performance dates (see below) and practice the music for your ensemble


Next steps:

  • The Arts Department will follow up with the student’s music teacher/instructor.
  • In February, all participants will be notified of the results by the Central Arts Department through their school principal.


Transportation:

This year’s All-City Ensembles are located in schools around the TDSB in order to make transportation to the rehearsal locations more convenient for parents/guardians in the local community. Details about transportation will be communicated directly with parents/guardians. If transportation is a barrier to students participating, please contact Alkiviadis Leontarakis, Central Lead Teacher, Arts at 416-394-7966 or alkiviadis.leontarakis@tdsb.on.ca


SELECTION PROCESS - The TDSB Arts department uses the following selection priorities:

  • The Toronto District School Board Arts Department's commitment to providing equity of access to learning opportunities for all students,
  • Ensuring that students from across the TDSB have access to this opportunity.
  • Ensuring a balance of grade 6, 7 and 8 students in each ensemble


Rehearsal Dates:

All-City Community Band - Rehearsals at Humber Summit MS (Islington and Finch): April 8, April 29, May 13 2020, 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

All-City Community String Ensemble - Rehearsals at Runnymede PS (Runnymede and Bloor): April 14, May 14 2020, 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

All-City Community R&B Ensemble - Rehearsals at White Haven PS (401 and McCowan): March 12, April 9, May 12 2020, 9:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.


Concert and Dress Rehearsal

May 19, 2020 (8:00 a.m.- noon.) –Dress Rehearsal at Roy Thomson Hall.

May 20, 2020 (6:20 p.m. arrival -9:00 p.m.) – Concert at Roy Thomson Hall

All City Community R&B Ensemble

This ensemble is made up of wind, brass, and strings students who work collaboratively to choose their own songs and create unique arrangements.

Instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, french horn, euphonium/baritone, tuba, violin, viola, cello, string bass and percussion.

Recommended playing experience for students: 1 year minimum

Rehearsal location: White Haven PS.

All City Community String Ensemble

The All-City string orchestra is an ensemble of stringed instruments that plays music from classical to contemporary sources while developing string playing techniques.

Instruments: violin, viola, cello, string bass

Recommended playing experience for students: 1 year minimum.

Rehearsal location: Runnymede PS


All City Community Band

The All-City Band is a concert band ensemble of winds, brass and percussion that plays music from a variety of styles while learning to play as an ensemble and develop instrumental technique.

Instruments: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, bass clarinet, alto/tenor/baritone saxophone, french horn, trumpet, euphonium/baritone, trombone, tuba, percussion (snare drum, bass drum, drum kit, timpani, cymbals, xylophone, bells, and more)

Recommended playing experience for students: 1 year minimum.

Rehearsal location: Humber Summit MS