Metropolitan United Church

Metropolitan Silver Band

The Metropolitan Silver Band was founded in 1931 and has been associated with Metropolitan United Church since 1934. The brass band is a special ensemble as it utilises only the instruments of the brass and percussion families.

The only brass band that we know of in the United Church of Canada, the Metropolitan Silver Band is a vital part of our music ministry. It rehearses in the Chancel Room on Tuesday evenings and plays during our worship services six times a year. In addition, the Silver Band presents a yearly spring concert and participates in our annual Carols United (carol service) in December. Our concert and service schedule of over 20 performances a year also sees us performing at a variety of churches, seniors' homes, and concert venues in the Greater Toronto Area.

Our repertoire includes classics, marches, the music of the great musicals, religious music, popular selections, and contemporary works written and arranged for brass band. All of the music (with the exception of the bass trombone part) are written in treble clef. The membership is made up up of men and women from all faiths. We currently have 30 members but we are always looking for new members. Since our musical programs change constantly, strong music reading skills are essential.

Fran HarveyOur Conductor Fran Harvey played Flugelhorn and Solo Cornet with the band for many years before being named the conductor in April 2003. She holds Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Toronto, where she studied trumpet with Larry Weeks, James Spragg, and Stephen Chennette. Her conducting teachers included Victor Feldbrill, Stephen Chennette and Diana Brault. Her musical experiences have ranged from playing fanfares for the Queen to orchestral and jazz performances all across North America. An active player and conductor in the GTA, Fran is also a Music Educator who has worked since 1987 for the York Region District School Board both as a teacher and an administrator.

Schedule for MSB 2008

How to book the Metropolitan Silver Band

Our schedule is always busy. Organisations interested in having the band perform, or for additional information may visit our website, www.metropolitansilverband.ca, or contact our Band Manager by phone at 416-864-5551 or by email through this site.

Individuals interested in joining the band may also contact our Band Manager.