Groove Lab: Youth Jazz & Pop Bands

Semester: Winter 2026 (February 1 – June 15, 2026)

Rehearsals: 90 minutes weekly on weekends (Friday, Saturday or Sunday)

Groove Lab Markham is where teen musicians come together to jam, create, and perform. Designed for youth who love jazz, pop, and everything in between, the program builds performance skills, confidence, and stage presence in a fun, professional environment. Students perform in a community concert and a final showcase (mid-June 2026).

Jazz Band or Pop Band — Junior (ages 12–14) or Senior (ages 15–18) groups based on age and experience.

Sample Rehearsal Schedule Feb 1 – Jun 15:

Jazz Band

Sat 10:00–11:30 AM / Sun 10:30–12:00 PM

Sat 11:00–1:00 PM / Sun 1:00–2:00 PM; other days available based on demand.

Pop Band

Sat 1:30–3:00 PM / Sun 2:00–3:30 PM

Sat 3:00–5:00 PM / Sun 3:45–5:15 PM; other days available based on demand.

Guest Masterclasses: Two per semester (March & May).
Performances:

April 2026: Mid-semester community concert (Markham Arts Centre or local venue)

June, 2026: Final Showcase Concert

Senior Band participants will have the opportunity to assist or co-lead Junior Band rehearsals once per month under instructor supervision. These students will receive volunteer hour certificates that can be counted toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) community involvement requirement.

Opportunity to develop essential ensemble skills while enjoying the excitement of playing music together. Ensembles are open to intermediate, and advanced players, with repertoire chosen to match each group’s level.

Piano–Violin Ensembles

Pair piano and string students together to perform beautiful duets and small ensemble works. These classes offer a unique opportunity for students to explore collaborative performance and develop strong musicianship skills.S

Students learn:

• Duet coordination between piano and violin
• Matching tone, articulation, and musical style
• Ensemble timing, cues, and communication
• Reading two-part or multi-part scores
• Repertoire ranging from classical sonatas to pop arrangements
• Stage presence and confident performance skills

Sample Rehearsal Schedule Feb 1 – Jun 15: Sat 1:30–2:30 PM / Sun 11:00–12:00 PM; other days available based on demand.