Tommy Banks Centre

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

Check Out Some Of Our Programs On Sale Now

Summer Day Camps

For 6 – 12 Year Olds
July 2023

Rusty Musicians: Summer Camp

Ages 22 +
July 5 – July 9, 2023


Explore Our 2022/2023 Education Brochure


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YONA-Sistema

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

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.

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!

Education Concerts

Presented by Imperial Oil. Bring students in grades K-6 for educational and entertaining ESO 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!

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.

Music Appreciation Online

Engaging and lively online courses, taught by musicologist D.T. Baker and other members of the Winspear & ESO family.

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.

Spring Break Camps

Join us for Spring Break at the Winspear Centre as we sing, laugh, play, and engage in music-making together. Violin and Ukelele options available. Program suited for 6-13 year olds.

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!

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!

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!

Musicians in the Making

ESO Virtual Stage for Schools

ESO Virtual Stage for Schools is a digital subscription featuring new, exclusive virtual content from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Musical Creativity Team.

Winspear Project

The Francis Winspear Centre for Music is seeking to fulfill the City’s original requirements for the land and serve long-term needs identified by the community. Learn more about the Winspear Project.

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.