About the Band
The Thornhill Community Band was established in 1975 with the help of the well-known Toronto trumpeter, the late Ellis McClintock. As well as being an outstanding internationally acclaimed musician, he devoted much of his time to teaching his love of music. In 1993, the Band registered its constitution and was recognized as a charitable organization to promote music performance, education and enjoyment. The membership is of all ages and represents a cross-section of residents of not only Thornhill, but of Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, North York and other areas in the Greater Toronto Area. The Band plays a wide variety of music, ranging from classical to big band, marches, Broadway and popular pieces.
The Band performs regularly in the area and has also been heard at the following events:
- Thornhill Village Wheat Sheaf Festival &Parade
- Vaughan Festival of the Arts, Canada Day Celebration
- Richmond Hill Village Heritage Day
- Richmond Hill & Markham Christmas Parades
- Local nursing homes, seniors residences and convalescent hospitals
- School Fundraisers, Corporate Events
- Community concerts in Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill & North York
The Band rehearses Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Westmount Collegiate. New members with at least high school musical ability and their own band instrument are welcome to join.
About Hugh Corbett
TCB Director, Hugh Corbett is from Etobicoke, ON where he studied music and visual art at the Etobicoke School of the Arts. He received his Honours Bachelor of Music in Theory and Composition from the Western University and his Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto. Hugh has been an instrumental music teacher in Toronto for over 30 years and in that time his ensembles have received numerous accolades and awards at the local, provincial and national level.
Hugh is the Interim Director of the Ontario Band Association’s 2023 Beginning Band Symposium, served on the OBA’s Awards Committee, has conducted the 2022 Canadian Band Association-Ontario’s Community Band, and co-authored an article for the CBA’s Canadian Winds/Vents Canadiens.
For many years, Hugh sat in the bass section of our band playing trombone and euphonium. We learned of his desire to conduct the band, just before the Covid-19 pandemic and we are extremely happy that he applied for the position. From the podium, we have found him to have an excellent knowledge of a wide range of musical genres. His interpretive style is impeccable. He is a caring and fun loving conductor who seems to enjoy being with us as much as we do with him. We look forward to a long and productive relationship.