Tommy Banks Centre for Musical Creativity

Musical Education Programs

Tommy Banks believed that music has the power to change lives. We at the ESO and Winspear Centre believe this too. That’s why we launched the Tommy Banks Centre for Musical Creativity in 2013, building upon our reputation for innovative educational programs to offer broader and deeper access to musical discovery for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Through a range of immersive programs, the Banks Centre encourages people from all walks of life to discover the joy of musical exploration, creation, and connection. From underserved youth studying orchestral music in our YONA-Sistema program, to adults with Parkinson’s disease being mentored through a “jam session” by ESO musicians, to local students learning about the science of sound at a week-long Sound School program, all members of Edmonton’s diverse public have the opportunity to immerse themselves in music – as spectators, as apprentices, as creators.

The Banks Centre delivers revolutionary musical arts enrichment programs that act as catalysts for musical discovery and exploration, so that current and future generations can experience the transformative power of music on a personal level.

Donate in memory of the Honourable Tommy Banks

Music Box Babies

Parents, do you know that your baby has memories of the music they heard before they were born? Nurture your child's innate musicality with a program involving singing, moving, and instruments designed specifically for babies and toddlers!

Summer Day Camps

Join us at the Winspear Centre as we sing, laugh, play, and learn an instrument from scratch. You’ll get group instruction time, individual attention, and support from our qualified teachers.

Rusty Musicians: Summer Camp

Programs for adults who want to refresh their musical skills.

Musical Mornings

Join Ms. Kate for a musical morning and meet musicians from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. Together, you’ll sing, laugh, and be amazed by all the things instruments can do with a fun variety of familiar tunes.

Musicians in the Making

We're looking for student soloists and small ensembles to perform 45 minute showcases in the Winspear Centre lobby prior to select ESO performances.

Sound School

During this Inquiring Minds site-based classroom experience, students spend a full week at the Winspear Centre, exploring acoustics, music, and the science of sound through hands-on inquiry.

Orchestra Explorers Spring Break Camp

Join us for Spring Break at the Winspear Centre as we sing, laugh, play, and engage in music-making together. Program suited for 6-12 year olds.

Wee Ones at the Winspear

Bring your group of pre-school and kindergarten little ones to the Winspear Centre for hands-on musical fun!

Science of Sound

During this full-day program, students have the unique opportunity to tour the Winspear Centre from top to bottom, learning about sound through hands-on inquiry.

Young Composers Project

Are you a high school student who loves to compose? This is your opportunity to be mentored by a professional composer and to have your piece performed by the ESO!

Open Dress Rehearsals

Bring students in grades 7-12 to catch a sneak peek of the ESO at work!

Education Concerts

Bring students in grades K-6 for educational and entertaining ESO concerts that are connected with the Alberta curriculum.

Create Your Own Program

Break up your teaching day or at home learning with our education instructors! All activities can be adapted for any age. Starting at $75 for 45 minute activities.

Upbeat!

A grant to bring 25 students to a Winspear Centre Education Concert free of charge.

Adopt-a-Player

Students in grades 4-6 explore the joys of creating and performing their own musical work on the Winspear stage, led by an ESO musician!

YONA-Sistema

Learn about YONA-Sistema, a program to bring music into schools within the Edmonton community.

Conducting Your Business

Find ways to develop communication skills in the workplace by learning from conductor Rob Kapilow and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.