Our Conductors
Doug Robertson
DIRECTOR of NHBYR and
CONDUCTOR of "ABSOLUTE BEGINNER BAND" & "BEGINNER PLUS BAND"
For over 45 years, Doug has been very passionate about sharing his love and understanding of music with students, from absolute beginners to professional recording artists. Since his graduation from the University of Toronto with a Mus Bac, and the Royal Conservatory of Music with his ARCT in the late 1970’s, Doug has been busy teaching concert bands with the Scarborough, North York, Peel and finally retiring from from the York Region District School Board.
His enthusiasm is addictive and always motivates his students to try their best.
Outside of the classroom, Doug has composed over 500 radio jingles, conducted numerous community musicals and still finds time to volunteer with the Canadian Ski Patrol, make pottery, and study french.
Doug's life changed around 2013, when he began teaching the beginner band class of the New Horizons Band of Toronto. It was such a wonderful experience working with these absolute beginner ADULTS, that he decided he must create the New Horizons Band of York Region.
He hopes you'll join the band and perhaps it will change your life too.
Tim Henry
CONDUCTOR "JAZZ EXPERIENCE"
Thursday Evenings
Tim holds a Bachelor degree in Music Education from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto.
As a trombonist,he continues to play in numerous community musical theatre pit orchestras, concert bands and big bands around the GTA.
He has taught band classes from grades 4 to 12 for many years and his school bands have achieved many Gold level ratings during that time.
He looks forward to working with the jazz program of the New Horizon Band of York Region again this year.
Marianne Spilberg
CONDUCTOR "INTERMEDIATE BAND"
Tuesday Evenings
Marianne retired as a music teacher from the York Region DSB in 2014. She holds an Honours Music Degree from Western University, and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto.
Throughout her career, Marianne has pursued a passion for conducting and studied with Professor Dale J.Lonis, at the University of Manitoba, Professor Denise Grant at the
University of Toronto, Professor Mark Hopkins at Acadia University, and Professors Gillian Mackay and Jeffrey Reynolds at the University of Toronto.
She also actively participated at
various conducting symposiums offered by the Ontario Music Educators Association, Ontario Band Association, and Ontario Vocal Association.
During her 32 years as a professional
educator, she had the opportunity to teach all grade levels; kindergarten to grade 12, and has taught band, vocal, guitar, recorder, and piano. Marianne has produced many school musicals under the title of musical director. She enjoys teaching students of all ages.
During her last 12 years, Marianne held the position of Head of Music at Thornhill Secondary School. Her bands and choirs have performed all over Canada.
In her spare time, Marianne enjoys running, reading, and volunteering at the Toronto Zoo.
Marianne has been teaching for the New Horizons Band of Toronto for the past 6 years where she continues to use her musical and education experience and knowledge to encourage adults in their pursuit of making music.
She is thrilled to be a part of the NHB York Region team.