Tommy Banks Centre
FOR MUSICAL CREATIVITY
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.
YONA-Sistema
Learn about YONA-Sistema, a program to bring music into schools within the Edmonton community.
Summer Daycamps
Is your child interested in trying out some new instruments? Join us and learn to play in a fun-filled camp environment! Registrations open now!
Rusty Musicians
Programs for adults who want to refresh their musical skills.
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.
Expressive Arts
Connected with the Health and Life Skills and Fine Arts curricula for Division 2, these programs are led by an expressive arts therapist and feature both in-class art activities and visits to an ESO rehearsal at the Winspear Centre.
Music Box Babies
Parents, do you know that your baby has memories of the music they heard before they were even born? Nurture your child’s innate musicality with this program designed especially for babies and toddlers.
Science of Sound
During this full-day Grade 3 program, students have the unique opportunity to tour the Winspear Centre from top to bottom, learning about sound through hands-on inquiry.
Wee Ones at the Winspear
Bring your group of pre-school and kindergarten little ones to the Winspear Centre for hands-on musical fun!
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!
Education Concerts
Bring students in grades K-6 for educational and entertaining concerts that are connected with the Alberta curriculum.
Open Dress Rehearsals
Bring students in grades 7-12 to catch a sneak peek of the ESO at work!
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!
Musicians in the Making
Perform in the Winspear lobby spaces before an Edmonton Symphony Orchestra concert!
Conducting Your Business
Find ways to develop communication skills in the workplace by learning from conductor Rob Kapilow and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
Music Teacher Directory
A list of ESO musicians currently offering musical instruction.