Port City
Second Chance Band

Season 2025–2026

Upcoming
Concerts

No upcoming concerts at this time. Check back soon.

Our Story

A New Beginning

For adults who always wanted to play — or play again — the Second Chance Band offers a welcoming, fun environment to discover or rediscover the joy of music.

Founded in September 2016, the Second Chance Band gives adults in the greater Saint John area the opportunity to learn a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument in a supportive concert band setting. Members come from all walks of life and fall into three groups: those returning to an instrument after years away, those who play one instrument and want to try something new, and those picking up an instrument for the very first time.

The program proved so popular that a second band was launched in 2023 — meaning there are now two active Second Chance Bands. The original band, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, performs at the intermediate level, while the newer band offers a true beginner experience. Together they perform several concerts throughout the year.

Both bands are under the direction of Andrea Lewis, who is also a former director of Saint Mary's Band.

Leadership

Directors

Founder & Director · 2016 – Present

Andrea Lewis

Andrea is a retired music teacher from Saint John, NB. She holds bachelor's degrees in music and in education from Mount Allison University, and a master's degree in education from UNB. She has taught music at all levels from K–12 and held the position of Fine Arts Coach for ASD-South before her retirement in 2023. Andrea is a former director of St. Mary's Band, and she founded and directs the Port City Second Chance Band program which now has two levels — beginner and intermediate. She is active in musical theater and has been the music director for productions by Saint John Theatre Company, KV Players, and numerous high schools. Andrea is the Music Director at Carleton Kirk United Church in Saint John and coaches the a cappella group Northern Voice, based in Hampton, NB. She has been the guest conductor for several band workshops and an adjudicator for instrumental classes in music festivals. She is also a frequent performer on flute in the greater Saint John area. Andrea was recently honoured with a King Charles III Coronation Medal for her volunteer work in the musical community. She shares her home with 2 cats — Murfy and Leroy.

Assistant Conductor

Davin Sooley

Davin is an Indirect Tax specialist with J.D. Irving Limited. He plays clarinet in Saint Mary's Band, is the Assistant Conductor for the Intermediate Second Chance Band, and the Band Leader and lead alto saxophone for the Back in Time Big Band. In addition to the Saint Mary's Band, he is active in the musical theatre scene around Saint John, usually found in the pit orchestra for many high schools, KV Players and the Saint John Theatre Company.

Photos

Gallery

Contact Us

For more info reach out through the Saint Mary's Band contact page and mention Second Chance Band.