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HomeMusic Performance and Lessons

Performing arts and lessons

  • Activities are for members only unless otherwise indicated.
  • Review the Cancellation Policy regarding paid activities.

Spring 2023

Free activities

Folk singing group

Arts Room or Games Room, or, as the weather gets warmer, in the tent.


2nd and 4th Friday of each month, 1:00 to 3:00pm

Drop-in
Contact:  John Wade johnwade1948@gmail.com
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Folk singing description
Folk singing description

“All music is folk music. I ain’t never heard a horse sing.” (Louis Armstrong)

There is a group of people (Brockites) who have met for the last few years on every 2nd and 4th Fridays of each month, for two hours between 1-3pm. Thirty people on the emailing list, and about 10 turn up at each meeting. We meet when we can under the beautiful tent at the back of Brock House. What a view!


What do we do? Following the traditions of various other music groups in Vancouver and around the planet, we sit in a circle. Then we take turns around the circle to sing a song, play an instrument, tell stories. Some just listen. One tends to sing Broadway musicals; another resurrects pop songs from the 1970s; another scandalous sea shanties; another social commentaries; another reminds us of the treasury from Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen; another likes Irish and Scottish ditties from the past; composers test their new satirical numbers. Nothing is off limits. Those who know the tunes sing and play along (mostly guitars); and ask questions about the history of songs. Several organized souls send us the words and chords of “their” songs in advance, so that we can learn and sing lustily. Others sit and listen.


The loose organising group currently consists of Graham Baldwin, Charles West (technician extraordinaire), Larry Moore and John Wade.


Everyone is welcome, including listeners; no musical experience is necessary; a gathering for fun and enjoyment.

Singalong group

Whittaker Conservatory
Jan 9 to Mar 27, 1:00 to 3:00pm
Drop-in. Everyone can join in a sing.
Piano Player Peter Merry will play the first Monday of the month. All other Mondays, singers can meet.
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Singalong description
Singalong description

Brighten your day; leave your worries on the doorstep; come on over to the sunny side and sing along or swing along with the Brock House Society’s gleeful senior songsters.


The benefits of ensemble singing in a non-threatening social setting are unique for each individual. We hope the fun we have will improve your sense of joy and overall well-being and, of course, your singing. All voices are welcome. We do some sing-alongs at Brock House events and our monthly visits to Vancouver seniors’ residences are popular with both our hosts and our members.


Peter Merry will be playing the piano on alternating weeks.

Performance groups (ongoing)

Brock House Big Band

Rehearsals:
Tuesdays 10:30 to noon – West Point Grey Comm. Centre (Aberthau)
Fridays 10:30 to noon - Kerrisdale Seniors’ Centre

Contact: Brenda Clark at bclarkca@gmail.com

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Big band description
Big band description

Director: Andrew Clark, 604-842-8581


The Brock House Big Band is an 18-piece band with a repertoire designed for swing dances. The band performs about 16 times a year, delivering big band music to community centres, hospitals and seniors’ residences. The repertoire changes to match major public holidays, such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, Remembrance Day, and Christmas. See more about the Big Band.

Brock House Chamber Players

Rehearsals: Begg Room
Wednesdays. 1:00 to 3:00pm

The group is welcoming string instruments only at this time.

Contact: Christine Barker through the office

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Chamber players description
Chamber players description

The group is welcoming string instruments only at this time.

Brock House Jazz Band

Rehearsals: Halpern Room
Thursdays, 1:00 to 3:00
Members are welcome to listen in on practices.

 

Contact: Robert Arseneau

No current vacancies.

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Jazz band dscription
Jazz band dscription

The Brock House Jazz Band consists of 4 soloists, a 4 piece rhythm section and a vocalist, dedicated to playing old style jazz standards. We entertain regularly for dances at Brock House, Seniors’ Centres, and Care Homes. At present, there are no vacancies in the Band, but, if you are interested in our music, you are welcome to come and listen-in to our weekly practices in the House. 

Brock House Kerrisdale Choir

Rehearsals on Tuesdays at Kerrisdale Seniors' Centre

A few vacancies are expected.

Contact: Membership Chair, Diana Bragg, 604-224-3897.

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Kerrisdale choir description
Kerrisdale choir description

Rehearses each Tuesday afternoon at Kerrisdale Seniors' Centre

Performs 2 fully ticketed concerts annually

Performs several sing-outs at seniors' homes and community centres annually

Performs a variety of music including gospel, folk, classical and jazz


Brock House Kerrisdale Handbell Ringers

Rehearsals at Kerrisdale Seniors Centre:
Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00 to 11:30

Contact: Grace Lau at 604-323-8131

This activity takes place outside of Brock House.

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Handbell ringers description
Handbell ringers description

Mon. Morning Director: Grace Lau

Wed. Afternoon Director: Amy Poon


Join this enjoyable and rewarding group activity. No handbell experience required but you must be able to read music. Please contact Grace Lau, 604-323-8131, before registering. Please come and listen any time in the South Room at the Kerrisdale Seniors' Centre, West 42nd Ave. & West Blvd. This is an out of house activity. 


More information about the handbell ringers

Brock House Orchestra

Rehearsals: Begg Room
Wednesdays, 10:30 to noon

Come to the Begg Room on Wednesday mornings if you are interested. If you play an orchestral instrument, particularly brass or woodwind, please join us. New members welcome.

Contact: Barb Duzy at duzybarb@gmail.com.

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Orchestra description
Orchestra description

We are a symphony orchestra playing a mainly classical repertoire. We have a professional conductor and rehearse on Wednesdays from 10:30 am to noon in the Begg Room.


We perform at the Summer Fair and, in normal times, at Senior Homes. If you play an orchestral instrument, particularly brass or woodwind, please join us. There is a modest fee to cover the conductor's honorarium. 



Brock House, 3875 Point Grey Rd, Vancouver,  BC  V6R 1B3

(604) 228-1461

reception@brockhousesociety.com

Open Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 4:00pm (Closed stat holidays)

To book events, contact the Brock House Restaurant at (604) 224-3317.