Youth Beginner Concert Band and Youth Strings

Where the Musical Journey Begins

Youth Beginner Concert Band and Strings

Oceanside Youth Beginner Concert Band

Discover the joys of playing in a concert band! Oceanside Youth Beginner Band provides a welcoming environment for youth to learn wind and percussion instruments and explore music in a group setting with Musical Director, Ed Dumas. Instruments include flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, tuba and percussion.

Rehearsals are September through May on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4-5pm in Parksville.

For information about the group and instrument recommendations on choosing the right instrument and rentals, contact director-concertband@oceanside-music.ca

Oceanside Youth Beginner Strings

Discover the joy of making music together! Oceanside Youth Beginner Strings ensemble offers youths a supportive, hands-on environment to learn foundational music theory and string orchestra performance for violin, viola and cello. (Upright bass options may be added a later date.) With the guidance of Musical Director, Andy Markle, students will learn to play in a group setting while building lifelong musical skills.

Rehearsals are September through May on Mondays & Wednesdays from 4-5pm in Parksville.

For information about the group and instrument selection/sizing and rentals, contact strings@oceanside-music.ca

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Join the Oceanside Youth Beginner Concert Band or Youth Beginner Strings

Youth Beginner Concert Band Music Director

Ed Dumas, M.A.Ed.

Ed Dumas’ teaching skills and love of music have made him a familiar face to thousands of young music students and adult musicians around British Columbia. Previously based in Maple Ridge, Ed has been a secondary school music teacher and band conductor for more than 40 years.

During his time teaching in the public school system in Maple Ridge, Ed was also the Conductor of the Maple Ridge Concert Band (MRCB), an adult community-based music program for more than 25 years. During his time with the MRCB, Ed grew the program from one adult band to three different levels of adult bands, including the MRCB Performance Band, the MRCB Intermediate Band, and the MRCB Adult Beginning Concert Band. In addition, Ed has experience conducting the Abbotsford Concert Band, the Whalley Legion Band, and the Golden Ears Jazz Band.

Ed has also served on the executives of the BC Band Association as well as the BC Music Educators’ Association. During his time with the BC Music Educators’ Association, he helped organize the annual BCMEA Convention, as well as managing the advertising space in the BCMEA journal. Ed was also the owner and organizer of the Haney Summer Music Camp, a summer band program for students of all ages based in Maple Ridge. Ed has also served as President of the Greater Vancouver Youth Music Academy, where he helped transition this group into a Not-For-Profit Association dedicated to helping hundreds of growing music students.

Ed has been voted “Maple Ridge’s Favorite Music Teacher” five times since 2015 and the recipient of an Inclusive Education Award from the Canadian Association for Community Living for his work with special needs students in music classes.

Ed is now retired and enjoying life in Parksville, BC, with his wife Laurie. In addition to conducting the Oceanside Adult Beginner Concert Band, he plays trumpet in the Oceanside Music’s Concert and Big Bands and performs in the pit orchestra of numerous musicals in Courtenay.

Youth Beginner Strings Music Director

Andy Markle

With over 25 years of experience as a classical cellist, Andy Markle brings a wealth of artistry and expertise to Oceanside Music as the Musical Director of Strings. His distinguished career spans solo performance, chamber music, and orchestral roles.

Andy earned his Music Diploma from Capilano University before continuing advanced studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC). In addition to leading the strings program at Oceanside Music, he offers private instruction in Qualicum Beach, inspiring cellists and string players of all levels to hone their technique and love for music.

Supporting local music to foster vibrant community harmony.

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The Youth Beginner Groups are suitable for those who want to learn to play or have limited experience in playing an instrument. To Join the Youth Beginner Concert Band or Strings, please complete the fields below. We will contact you shortly.

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