Playing with the Pros: Rusty Musicians B-Sides  

By Micha Poworoznik 

Have you ever thought about picking up your old instrument and giving it another try? Now's your chance: sign up for Rusty Musicians B-Sides at the Winspear Centre! 

“I’m so excited and grateful for this opportunity,” says Ron, who just registered for the upcoming Rusty Musicians: B-Sides event on March 6. 

B-Sides is a program through the Tommy Banks Centre for Musical Creativity that gives participants the opportunity to be mentored by and rehearse beside Edmonton Symphony Orchestra musicians. It’s a chance to stretch their musical memory in a relaxed setting while working through a mix of familiar and exciting orchestral repertoire. This year, the B-Sides rehearsal will be led by conductor and ESO Artistic Advisor Michael Stern.  

“I really enjoyed playing the trumpet back in the day, but then life got in the way,” says Ron. He played trumpet in junior high and high school band, but hasn’t picked up the instrument much since then. Seeing a recent ESO performance inspired him to register for B-Sides, and has given him an excuse to start practicing again in anticipation of March 6. He goes on to say, “I heard Robin Doyon play as a soloist and was so impressed with his talent and ability to uplift the audience. When I heard about B-Sides, I immediately jumped at the chance at playing beside him.” 

Are you a non-professional musician—or used to play and thought those days were behind you? It’s time to dust off your orchestral instrument and join the ESO for Rusty Musicians: B-Sides on March 6. Act fast – there are limited spots available! Register here.