Toronto Community Band Festival

We are pleased to announce the inaugural Toronto Community Band Festival, which will be hosted on Saturday February 22nd at Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, York University (map) (box office).

A series of community band competitions under the artistic direction of renowned composer/conductor Robert Sheldon will culminate in an extraordinary Festival Concert of magnificent music by over 200 Toronto musicians.  Four community ensembles will share the concert stage, showcasing the workshopped results of gripping Sheldon pieces, plus additional repertoire to entertain and inspire.

Presented by Toronto Concert Band.  Sponsored by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments.

Consider donating to help off-set the costs of this inaugural festival.  We look forward to a successful event that we can continue to build on for future years.

The day will consist of two main parts:

Band Workshops and Competitions

Schedule

Workshops and Competitions – FAQs for participating musicians

1. What time should I arrive?
   For the most enriching experience it is recommended that you attend the workshops and competition for all participating ensembles. If you are planning on attending the full-day please arrive no later than 10am so that you have time to store your belongings and find an auditorium seat before the workshops begin at 10:30am.If you are unable to attend the full-day of events, ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes before your performance time noted above.
2. Where should I go when I arrive?
   Each participating band will be assigned a dressing room.  We will direct you to your dressing room as you arrive.
3. What attire should I wear for the competition and workshop?
   Reach out to your band to confirm attire. Toronto Concert Band members, please see our concert dress policy.
4. Can I watch the other bands compete and their workshops?
   Yes!  The theatre will be open during the competitions and workshops.  You are welcome to watch other bands compete but are asked to be respectful not to disturb the competition performance or workshop while observing, entering or exiting the theatre space.
5. Can friends and family watch the competition and workshop?
   Yes, the activities during the day are open to the public as a non-ticketed event. Audience members are encouraged to consider donating to help off-set the costs of this inaugural festival.  We look forward to a successful event that we can continue to build on for future years.
   
   
   
6. Will our band receive feedback on our competition performance?
   Yes, this is being run as an adjudicated event.  You will receive a placement and feedback on your participation in the days event.
7. If coming by car, where can I park?
   Parking for York University guests is available in the Student Services Parking Garage, at the corner of Ian MacDonald Blvd and Fine Arts Road, located out of the South East doors of the Accolade East Building. Parking is also available in many other lots around campus. Please go to the parking services website for more details: https://www.yorku.ca/parking/
   Some helpful parking notes:
   • See the attached map for location details
     • The venue is Accolade East (#92)
     • The nearest garage is Student Services Parking (#84)
     • The nearest surface lot is Vanier Lot (#71)
   • All garages use the Honk Mobile app so a phone is required
   • Parking for Saturday is $7, and the campus allows in and out access
   • Some surface lots also have machines
8. Are there places to eat on campus?
   One block south of the Accolade East building is The Pond Road that has dining options along the street. One block north is York Lanes Mall that has a food court. Both are within 100 meters of the performance venue.

Festival Concert!  A Celebration of Toronto Community Bands

February 22, 2025
Doors open: 7:00pm, Concert 7:30 pm
Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, York University (map) (box office)

Presented by Toronto Concert Band.  Sponsored by Long & McQuade Musical Instruments.

Hear brilliant music brought to life by these fine community bands in this inaugural Festival Concert!

Program

Evening Concert – FAQs for participating musicians

1. As a musician, what time should I arrive?
   Arrive no later than 7pm for the evening concert
2. Where should I go when I arrive?
   Each participating band will be assigned a dressing room.  This will likely be the same room that you were assigned earlier in the day for the workshop and competition.
3. What attire should I wear for the evening performance?
   Reach out to your band to confirm attire. Toronto Concert Band members, please see our concert dress policy.
4. Can I watch the other bands during the evening performance?
   The evening performance is ticketed.  If you which to sit in the audience when you are not performing, you may purchase a ticket.
   There will be an intermission during the performance, so musician will have the opportunity to enter/exit the theatre for the half they are not performing in if they have purchased a ticket.
5. Where do I go during the evening performance if I have not purchased a ticket?
   Your band’s assigned dressing room will be available for your use throughout the evening performance.
6. Can friends and family watch the competition and workshop?
   Yes, the evening concert is ticketed, and audience member are welcome!
   Tickets are $25 and now on-sale
7. If coming by car, where can I park?
   Parking for York University guests is available in the Student Services Parking Garage, at the corner of Ian MacDonald Blvd and Fine Arts Road, located out of the South East doors of the Accolade East Building. Parking is also available in many other lots around campus. Please go to the parking services website for more details: https://www.yorku.ca/parking/
   Some helpful parking notes:
   • See the attached map for location details
     • The venue is Accolade East (#92)
     • The nearest garage is Student Services Parking (#84)
     • The nearest surface lot is Vanier Lot (#71)
   • All garages use the Honk Mobile app so a phone is required
   • Parking for Saturday is $7, and the campus allows in and out access
   • Some surface lots also have machines