If you’ve dreamed of playing in a concert or jazz band or singing in a choir, the Cochrane Music Society wants to hear from you. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your musical talent or branch out, we encourage you to join CMS.

For those unfamiliar with the Cochrane Music Society, it was formed in 1999, with the first ensemble being the concert band Band on the Bow.

The members’ enthusiasm, willingness to learn and practice led to the creation of Riverside Jazz a year later.

In 2007, due to increased community interest in a local choir, Choral Waves was launched.

The Cochrane Music Society’s mission, according to its website, is to “promote musical expression and shared cultural heritage by providing affordable, flexible and effective music education to adults in the community.”

In 2020, the Cochrane Music Society has successfully maneuvered through the choppy waters of the pandemic. Over the past two years, by pivoting and adapting to changing circumstances, they have been able to continue doing what they love to do, playing and singing music.

Jane Kaczmer, of the Cochrane Music Society, said: “For the past two summers, we’ve been successful in having rehearsals in the summer, outdoors.” The members received the music in advance and practiced on their own, then attended the outdoor rehearsal. It was an unusual practice for a community organization, admits Kaczmer, but it worked. In addition to practicing outdoors, the company enjoyed performing outdoors for the public and Kaczmer said, “We are looking forward to performing concerts again this summer, outdoors and looking forward to the Days of the Cochrane culture in September again.”

The Cochrane Music Society is very pleased to announce that all three ensembles can now rehearse indoors with certain restrictions, including masking. They have rented the Seniors on the Bow space as the SLS Family Sports Center where training will take place starting next week. The CMS 2022 Spring Program is now taking registrations.

Rehearsals begin Tuesday, February 15 with Band on the Bow from 7-8:45 p.m. and Riverside Jazz from 9-10:30 p.m.

Choral Waves practices Thursdays from 7 to 8:45 p.m.

There is a membership fee for adults 21 and older. However, this year, CMS is offering free membership for young adults ages 18-20 and associate membership for high school students under 18.

Kaczmer says they want to encourage young adults who play or played in high school. Maybe life got in the way and they stopped playing, but if they want to go back, CMS would like to see their membership numbers increase.

So if you want to become a member of the Cochrane Music Society, all the information can be found on the Cochrane Music Society website.