Junior Band
About the Junior Band
The Whitby Brass Band, celebrating 160 years of community music making, owes much of its longevity to the Junior Band Program. Throughout the life of the band there has been a realization that a steady influx of new members would be required to sustain the group, so a secondary "training" group has existed in one form or another.
Since the 1950's, the Junior Band (in its present form) has been training both young and old musicians to the level required to enter the Senior Band, and over the years the band has had many generations of families as members. We provide the instrument, the music and the training, and all we ask for is commitment and a desire to be the best you can be! There is only a small fee to cover the cost of the instruction book and when the beginner graduates to the band they must purchase a band uniform shirt.
The band is open to anyone regardless of age or experience, however, players with some experience must go through a basic audition to be placed in the band.
The beginner band accepts new members once the current class has graduated. If you wish to receive an email when we are looking for new beginners, please contact us.
Whitby Brass Band Junior Bandmaster, 2024
Barrie Hodgins
Barrie was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario and is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario where he studied Music Education. After his graduation in 1974 he received his Bachelor of Education, also from Western.
Barrie's primary instrument is the trumpet and has a musical background from Military Bands to Orchestral work. He began his teaching career in Toronto where he taught instrumental music, vocal music, and English.
In 1979, he went to Prince Edward Island and opened a new music and band program at a local school - West Isle. Barrie was a Department Head at Henry Street High School in Whitby, a position which he held for 22 years.
During his teaching career he also conducted the Oshawa Civic Band for 35 years, Clarington Concert Band for 13 years, and the Whitby Brass Band for 1 year. He was also involved in music with the Governor Generals Horse Guards for 3 years, and the Royal Regiment all the while being an active musician himself.
Barrie was a member, as well as President and Past President, of the Canadian Band Association Ontario Chapter for 30 years. Over the years, Barrie has worked with Howard Cable, Lieutenant Robert Herriot, and Leopold Stokowski to name a few.
In addition to being an accomplished trumpet player, he teaches privately and freelances.
Barrie has a passion for music, which guided his career, as he has brought happiness to many over the years. Through his military career and civilian life, he has performed as a soloist, player, band leader and conductor.