I have no music experience!  What should I do?

This is what makes Westwinds unique!  We have groups for absolute beginners. You will learn how to read music and play your instrument or sing.

When do rehearsals start?

Rehearsals start mid-September and then again in mid-January, ending in mid-May.  School rental availability is controlled by Calgary Parks and Recreation and has significant impact on our schedule.

Where are rehearsals held?

The concert and jazz bands rehearse in various high schools and some churches. The choirs rehearse at Lakeview United Church and McDougall United Church. See our Ensembles page for more information.

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Do I have to be 18 years of age in order to join and perform in Westwinds?

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Yes. Westwinds is an adult organization and you must be 18 years of age in order to become a member.

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Does Westwinds operate any non-adult groups?

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No. Westwinds does not compete with existing musical education groups such as the boards of education, colleges, or universities.

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What if I don’t know which group is a good fit for me?

You can try out one rehearsal of any group free of charge to help you pick the right ensemble.

How big are the groups?

Size varies with each group.  Some concert bands and choirs have 30+ members.  The jazz bands are smaller due to instrumentation requirements.

How many performances does each group have?

Typically, each group has 4-5 performances from September to May.  Various groups may have additional performances depending on their Directors.

Can I rent an instrument from Westwinds?

Yes, we have a small collection of the larger woodwind and brass instruments available for a very reasonable rate. Visit our Instrumental Rental page for more information.

Can I join more than one group?

Yes!! You can join as many as you want.  Additional groups have a reduced rehearsal fee.