Resa's Pieces Concert Band

Ruthie Fishman

Before joining Resa's Pieces, I didn't play my clarinet since high school. In fact, I never touched a musical instrument even after completing my Grade 8 piano Certificate with the Royal Conservatory of Music.  That all changed over 12 years ago when Resa shared her idea of starting an adult band. Without any hesitation after hearing Resa's idea,  I replied, “I’m in”!   Looking surprised by my reaction, Resa cautiously said, “Oh, it’s not going to happen for a year or two”.  But, one month later, I received a phone call saying,  “Come out Wednesday night, it’s starting”. 

I love claiming that I am one of the original "Pieces" and so glad that playing my clarinet is once again a big part of my life. Being with the Band all this time has been and continues to be an amazing personal journey!

I am also thrilled to be serving as first President of Resa’s Pieces and am currently serving a 2nd term.  It’s been  an  exciting and most rewarding experience over the last few years working with Resa and Resa’s Pieces’ Board. What a privilege getting to know so many like-minded people from all walks of life. 

I look forward to taking the Concert Band & Resa's Pieces Strings to new heights and further success in the future.



Gail Yollick

My initiation into the band experience was strictly under predjudice. Our Dufferin Heights Junior High music head each student with a listening test, recruiting those “lucky enough” who “passed”, of which I was one, into a band class.  Seeing no way out, we accepted our fate and wondered what was to come.  My assigned instrument - the clarinet - frequently sputtered out weird sounds.   That was grade 7.  By grade 8 were all proud to be “the school band”,  growing attached as much to our music sheets as to each other and hooked on sound .

Fast forward many decades later when 2 friends invite me to join Resa’s Pieces Concert Band.   Reluctant at first, but later re-discovering  with everyone  the old standards: “swing”, Broadway, classical. The bonus comes while you play, practicing and performing music as a sweet joyful experience, and blending rhythms with everyone to create harmony.  Resa keeps us together. 

Maja Buium

I used to pass the Jerualem Room at the Bathurst JCC each Monday and listen to Resa's Pieces practice. I dreamed for the time in my life that I could do something for myself again, and I knew that this band played at a level that was appropriate for my skill level. Finally my chance came, and I joined up. What I like most about the band (besides being a part of beautiful music) is that it is the one time in my week when I can sit back and let someone else do the thinking. It is the first time since... well, long ago, that I just sit there and do what I am told- what a high that is. This is a band that has come a long way in the short time that I have been a part of it. And we still know how to have a good time!

Jerry Tennen

I have always enjoyed listening to and playing music. I began my tuba career in grade 9 and played tuba through high school in the band and orchestra. Fifteen years later my high school orchestra had a reunion and played at the school's music night. It was so much fun, that the old band members decided to get together again. We never got together again. That was 30 years ago.

I found out about Resa's Pieces through a neighbour and am now in my second year in the band. The entire concept of making music continues, for me, to be a stimulating, rewarding and enjoyable experience. I hope it continues for many years to come, only in part to help defray the cost of having bought a tuba.

Bernadette King

The very first time I “played” music was when I was three. My mother equipped me with a metal pot and a wooden spoon. I would march about the house to Rossini’s William Tell Overture to my little heart’s content. I’d like to think that my musical abilities have improved since then.

Years later, I picked up the flute in elementary school and kept playing it throughout high school as my principal instrument. I also picked up a few other instruments on an experimental basis, including the tympani, the trombone, and the bassoon. In high school I played in the band and also organized many of my own ensembles with other students who were interested. After high school I played for a year in another community band, but discontinued with that group because of scheduling conflicts.

I found Resa’s Pieces on the web in September of this past year and emailed them, excited about the prospect of getting back into music. I decided to pick up the trombone for something a little different. I am really happy about finding this band and playing with this very talented and easy-going group of people.