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