Concert Band

Resa Kochberg

Founder, Concert Band Conductor and Music Director for Resa’s Pieces

It is one of Resa’s greatest joys to share her love of music with others. After studying piano and playing flute in high school, Resa graduated from The University of Toronto with her Bachelor of Music Degree. She then became an Itinerant Music Instructor (IMI) for the Scarborough Board of Education. When she and her husband started a family, she put both teaching and playing her flute on hold to be a full time mom.

During those years Resa taught private piano lessons and had a cottage industry clothing business, but her flute remained in its case. After twenty years she finally picked up her flute, and joined a community band. She then returned to the TDSB as an IMI, led workshops as a flute specialist, and conducted ensembles for the TDSB and Toronto Music Camp. 

Now back to playing music, Resa realized how much she had missed it. She also realized there were many others who had also abandoned their instruments, usually after high school, and probably missed it just as much. She saw an opportunity to create a fun, social atmosphere where adults could return to playing music just like she did, to Reawaken That Talent – Rediscover Making Music, just as the Resa’s Pieces motto states. For that full story, please listen to “Resa’s Dream”

In addition to her official role as Concert Band Conductor and Music Director for Resa’s Pieces, Resa conducts a unique flute ensemble, The Enchanted Flutes, and plays her flute with The Encore Symphonic Band.  

Interested in Resa's Pieces?

FIND OUT MORE!

Have a Listen

Feel free to enjoy an array of our sample pieces.

“Bravo! This was my first time. I went to see my cousin play and left a Resa’s Pieces fan! I was thoroughly impressed with the skill and talent, the choice of music and the obvious love for what they do that everyone demonstrated. Will be seeing you again!”

~ E.S.

“And one more time! Resa Resa Resa! You and your “Pieces” have done it again. My favorite concert is in June coming to see you and to hear you! I smile seeing all of our ‘old’ friends that have been here to love and support you through this incredible journey. Continue to soar with your love of music and your beautiful spirit. Sending hugs!”

~ Anonymous

“The band played beautifully last night! It’s hard to believe they are amateur musicians. I enjoyed the selection of music and having the singers and strings join in for the last few songs. Bravo!”

~ Sharon Shapiro

“Kudos to everyone! Another wonderful concert. The band gets better and better every year. Great selection of music. Thank you for such an enjoyable evening.”

~ N.K.

x

Resa's Story

Resa’s Pieces Concert Band first came together back in the year 2000. But the dream of creating this very special group was many years in the making. I knew from the time I was a small child I wanted to study music. My oldest brother used to passionately wave his arms around like a virtuoso conductor, and as I watched I could feel the music radiate from him and come alive.

I started first with the piano when I was very young, and then in grade seven I discovered the flute. By the end of high school it was inconceivable that I would study anything but music at university.

During my years at the Faculty of Music in Toronto, I noticed how competitive many of my classmates were. But being the best was not what drove me. I wanted to enjoy my love of music without pressure. I wanted to be the best I could be, but FOR ME!

After graduating I became an itinerant music teacher for the Toronto District School Board. I loved the fun the kids had in class, and I really loved watching their faces beam with their accomplishments. And then I got married, and started a family, and became a stay-at-home mom. After all those years of being immersed in music every day, now the only music I heard was children’s music, and for the next 20 years my flute never came out of its case.

I treasured those years at home with my kids, but I really missed the fun and excitement of playing music with others, and knew that somehow I had to get it back into my life. So after 20 years I went back to teaching, AND I finally took my flute out of its case and joined a Concert Band. I was rusty, but it was so great to be back making music, and I loved every minute of it.

I soon realized there had to be many others like me, who loved music, but after high school had left it behind. Without having a career that involved music, there were few options to keep it going. I realized there was a real need for a place where adults could come together and return to playing music, and I began to dream about how I could make that happen. I imagined the fun social atmosphere of a high school concert band – but for adults! I hoped that if I created such an environment it would provide the same joy and pleasure I had found. My ultimate goal was to have members of this new group learn repertoire, and then share their music with others.

I began to talk about my idea, and the word spread quickly. Soon I had 18 excited players, and by spring of 2000 the new band could play 8 notes, and 7 songs. So in June we held our first concert. It was only 25 minutes long, but there were 75 people in the audience and they gave us a rousing standing ovation.

And that’s how Resa’s Pieces Concert Band was born! (FYI – The name was chosen by the members!) Along the way I was approached by string players who wanted to join. Well, that needed a whole new group, and so in 2010 we added Resa’s Pieces String Ensemble!

Then in 2013 the Resa’s Pieces Singers joined our music family!

It’s a musical world, and I truly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to have music in their lives. It’s one of my greatest joys to share my love of music every week with all of the dedicated players in the band, knowing that down the hall The Strings and The Singers are having an equally fun musical experience! Between the three ensembles, we now have a total of over 150 enthusiastic adults – who every week get to experience the joy of having music back in their lives, doing their best, and having FUN!  I invite you to join us Monday nights and rekindle the love of music in your life!