Resa's Pieces Concert Band

Bob Hopewell

As a grade six student, I had absolutely no interest in playing music. I was therefore very distressed when I was forced to choose one of two seemingly onerous options -- playing in the school’s band or performing in its’ drama department. While I was the most reluctant music student one might imagine, I knew for sure that I did not want to be an actor. As the lesser of two evils, I chose music.

Despite this unpromising beginning, in a short time, with the enthusiastic help of a dedicated music teacher, I was surprised to discover that making music could be fun … I was actually enjoying myself.

I happily tooted my trombone through the grade school and high school bands, our local adult community band, the university concert band and a number of jazz/swing bands. My horn gave me much pleasure for several years and helped me make numerous, lasting friendships.

When I finished university, however, like many people, I put my trombone in the closet and became fully immersed in the then pressing issues of nurturing a family and pursuing a corner office.

Last spring, at a jazz concert, as a trombone player/arranger performed a particularly accomplished version of a classic Ellington standard (I think it was Mood Indigo) my wife, Barbara, whispered to me, ‘You should get your trombone out again’. As is my habit, I listened carefully to her advice and the very next day I got my horn out of the closet. I was anxious to see if the slide still worked. Happily it did.

Shortly after reuniting with my instrument (an Olds ‘Super’ made in Los Angeles in 1957) I decided I needed a group to play with. I feel very fortunate that within a few minutes Google lead me to magic baton of Maestro Resa and her extremely talented band of ‘pieces’. I’m looking forward to many enjoyable Monday rehearsals with this accomplished and spirited group.

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.

Mary Bleier

I didn't fall in love with the trombone at first in Grade 7 at  Wilson Hts Public School, but by Grade 12  at Sir Sandford Fleming, I played 1st and loved all the Kiwanis Awards that we had won.  Later on as a High School teacher at Weston Collegiate, I got to play in the pit band for the following shows:  "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum", "Anything Goes" and "Oliver".  It revitalized my love for playing.  Then came family commitments and the mothering role to two wonderful children, so I had little time to play an instrument, but I encouraged my children to love music as I had.  In grade 7, my son, Aaron decided to play trombone and we bought one for him.  By grade 11, he had dropped the playing, to concentrate on academics but  I took it up once again.  Hearing Resa's Pieces one time as my husband and I strolled through the JCC caught our attention and my husband solicited my talents and that was 4 years ago. So here I still am. I love the opportunity to share music and fun times as well.  BRAVO to Resa Kochberg and our fellow members for their talent and devotion.