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Hart House Clubs & Committees
Governance
Clubs
- Archery Club
- Bridge Club
- Camera Club
- Chamber Strings
- Chess Club
- Chorus
- Debating Club
- Film Board
- Finnish Exchange
- Hart House Players
- Investment Club
- Jazz Choir - 'Onoscatopoeia'
- Jazz Ensemble
- Orchestra
- Singers
- Symphonic Band
- Underwater Club
Committees
- Alumni Committee
- Art Committee
- Debates Committee
- Farm Committee
- Finance Committee
- House Committee
- Literary and Library Committee
- Music Committee
- Recreational Athletics Committee
- Social Justice Committee
- Theatre Committee
Other ways to Get Involved
Hart House’s system of governance is based upon a commitment to collaborative and democratic decision-making. The Board of Stewards is Hart House’s highest governing body and oversees the affairs of the House in concert with the Warden. Students comprise a majority of the membership on the Board of Stewards that includes:
- The President of the University (ex officio) or his or her designate
- The Warden of Hart House, (ex officio)
- An appointee of the Governing Council
- Two appointees of the President of the University
- The Chair of the AlumniCommittee (ex officio)
- An appointee of the Association of Part Time Undergraduate Students
- An appointee of the Graduate Students' Union
- An appointee of the University of TorontoStudents' Union
- A student member of the Finance Committee (to be chosen by said committee)
- The Student Secretaries (ex-officio) of the Art, Debates, Farm, House, Literary & Library, Music, Recreational Athletics, Theatre and Social Justice Committees, and any other Standing Committees as may be constituted by the Board of Stewards (to be elected by and from the membership of their respective committees)
- A student representative of the Universityof Torontoat Scarborough.
- A student representative from the University of Toronto at Mississauga
- A Senior Member (to be elected by and from the membership of the Recreational Athletics Committee)
The Hart House Bridge Club is dedicated to playing bridge. New members of all levels of play (from never played before to never go a week without playing) are always welcome.
How to get involved: This ACBL sanctioned club is your first s for learning or perfecting your bridge game at the University of Toronto. Join us for regular club weekly play on Tuesdays at 6:30pm in the South Sitting Room.
Website:
Email: Programme Advisor, marco.adamovic@utoronto.ca
Founded in 1919, HHCC has since existed as an organization that gathers avid photographers and provides them with the equipment and space needed to do what they enjoy. The club first started by offering darkroom facilities for its members, with the advancements in digital photography, a digital darkroom (equipped with a desk computer with various photo-editing applications, flatbed scanner, and colour printer) was also set up to satisfy those who have a passion in this area. Courses for various realms of photography at different skill levels allow students to learn new concepts and techniques.
HHCC acts as a portal to photography news and events all around Toronto, and seeks to build a positive community, both online and offline, where members can share and learn with each other
How to get involved: hhcamera@utoronto.ca
Website: www.harthousecameraclub.com
Email: hhcamera@utoronto.ca
Hart House Chamber Strings is a student-run ensemble at Hart House, University of Toronto. Conducted by Oliver Balaburski, Chamber Strings performs two or three concerts each year—fall, spring and a pop concert in the winter.
How to get Involved: Current UofT students and Hart House alumni members may join Hart House Chamber Strings. During the course of the year rehearsals take place on Monday nights from 7:30 to 10:00 pm. There is an annual open rehearsal in mid-September, where interested parties are welcomed to come out with their instrument. For more membership information, contact the Chamber Strings Programme Coordinator at 416.978.5362.
Website: www.harthouse.ca/chamberstrings
Email: chamberstrings@gmail.com
The Hart House Chess Club offers a friendly 
gathering place for chess-playing UofT students of all skill levels. We seek to build community and learning opportunities around the game of chess both at the University of Toronto and throughout the Greater Toronto Area. The club organizes regular internal competitions, lectures and open tournaments as well as regular weekly play.
How to get involved: Meet for casual or serious play in the Reading Room at Hart House on Fridays beginning at 4:00 pm.
Website: www.harthouse.ca/chessclub
The aim of the Hart House Chorus is to provide talented musicians the opportunity to pursue excellence in music in a friendly, focussed environment alongside individuals who share similar interests.
The Hart House Chorus is an 50-voice choir auditioned from musically talented students, faculty, and alumni of the University of Toronto. Since its inception in 1972, as a reincarnation of the long-standing men's Glee Club, the Chorus has maintained a reputation for the highest standard of performance locally, nationally, and abroad. In 1993 the Chorus was a finalist in the Large Choir category of the CBC Radio Competition for Amateur Choirs and in 2002 it was featured in the University of Toronto's first reading of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." In addition to other engagements, the Chorus performs twice annually in the Great Hall at Hart House.
The Hart House Chorus is active in the international choral community, having hosted choirs from the United States, Austria and Finland in recent years. In the summer of 1999, the Chorus completed a successful tour of Scandinavia. Most recently, in the summer of 2003, the chorus toured the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia.
How to get involved: Share your quest for musical excellence with fifty other dynamic voices in a focused yet friendly environment. Perform in two end of- semester concerts in the Great Hall, and in various other special events. For audition dates or information check the Chorus website http://hhchorus.sa.utoronto.ca/ during the first two weeks of September.
- Sign-up for an audition in person or by phoning the HUB
- Weekly rehearsals: Tuesdays 7:00pm to 9:30pm
- Concerts: Fall Concert TBA
Website:
Email: Executive Secretary, 2011-2012 christine.kralik@utoronto.ca
The Hart House Debating Club provides a space for University of Toronto students to hone their speaking skills and explore new perspectives, attitudes and ideas. It aims to help students develop the skills necessary to express themselves as well as the confidence to both defend and question their beliefs.
How to get involved: The Debating Club hosts two meetings each week throughout the academic year. Students are welcome to join weekly meetings on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm or Wednesdays at 4:00 pm at which students of every level of skill, from beginners to national champions, meet to practice. Meetings consist of training seminars, practice debates and information sessions that can be enjoyed on a drop-in basis or by regular attendance.
To be added to the Debating Club email list, subscribe here.
Website: www.harthouse.ca/debatingclub
Email: debating.club@harthouse.ca
The Hart House Film Board exists to provide assistance to film and video artists who are students at the University of Toronto or senior members of Hart House. The Film Board fulfills this mission through the following means:
- Equipment Loans
- Workshops
- Screenings
- Special Projects.
How to get involved: Email rick.palidwor@utoronto.ca or visit the Hart House Film Board website.
Website: www.hhfilmboard.com
Email:
Finnish Exchange
The Hart House Finnish Exchange is Canada’s oldest student exchange and provides a three month immersion in Finnish or Canadian culture through an extensive orientation, fellowship with alumni of past exchanges and a 10 week work period.
How to get involved: The Exchange/Kaledonistit ry is a cultural exchange program between Canadian and Finnish students. More specifically, the program is organized between the University of Toronto and three different Universities: Aalto University, University of Helsinki and Hanken Swedish School of Economics. The exchange is based on a four year cycle, with an exchange occurring every two years where either the Canadians visit Finland or vice versa.
Website: harthouse.ca/hart-house-finnish-exchange
Email: timjstephenson@gmail.com
The Hart House Investment Club is a group that caters to students from diverse academic backgrounds that share an interest in the fields of finance, business, economics and investing. This is done through the various events that are held by or co-hosted by HHIC, including speaking engagements, competitions, virtual investment fund management, investor forums, lectures, and financial modeling seminars.
How to get involved: The club is open to all University of Toronto students and anyone interested is invited to become a part of HHIC.To sign up, visit the HUB on the first floor of Hart House.
Website: www.harthouse.ca/hhic
Email: hhinvestmentclub@gmail.com
We are the University of Toronto's Hart House Jazz Choir, otherwise known as Onoscatopoeia: a mixed, 28-voice choir that sings jazz, pop, and R&B music. Most importantly, we sing acappella! Harmonies blend to form all the necessary lines to a piece of music. Our only instruments are our voices, and what may sound like a wailing trumpet may just be one of our sopranos.
We strive to develop our musical skills while balancing an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie. Ultimately, we want to make great music! Sing with Us!
Speaking of cama¬raderie, we are always inter¬ested in meeting and sing¬ing with oth¬er similar groups from around North America. If your uni¬versity or col¬lege a cap¬pella group is com¬ing through the Toronto, Canada area (especially around the time of our end-of-term concerts), we'd love to try to arrange a workshop and/or performances with you. Drop us a line!
How to get involved: Be a part of the acappella harmonies of jazz, pop and R&B and focus on developing musical skills in an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie. Celebrate with us as we continue to promote our latest CD, ‘the EH list’ in the coming year.
- Weekly rehearsals: Mondays 5:00pm to 7:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am to 12:00pm
- Enjoy a weekend of bonding and music making at Hart House Farm
- Perform in two end-of-term concerts at Hart House Friday December 4, 2010, 7:00pm to 9:00pm Friday March 26, 2011, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
For more information: Facebook: “Onoscatopoeia” / Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/user/Onoscatopoeia /
Website: http://hhjazzchoir.sa.utoronto.ca
Email: onoscatopoeia@utoronto.ca
The Hart House Jazz Ensemble is an active and vibrant band made up of members from different colleges and campus communities united in one common interest: a love of music. Members balance their lives and studies around numerous other commitments but still take the time out to play in the ensemble.
Performing on the Arbor Room stage at the end of term as well as at festivals in the Greater Toronto Area, the ensemble conducted by bandleader Ernesto Cervin has won critics’ and audience’s praise.
How to get Involved: Auditions for all members take place at the beginning of every school year following an open rehearsal. For more information email, hhjazzensemble@gmail.com
Website: www.harthouse.ca/jazzensemble
Email: hhjazzensemble@gmail.com
Hart House Players is a student involvement initiative that originally existed from the early 20th century and has since been revived by Jeremy Hutton, the current artistic director of Hart House Theatre. The goal of this organization is to provide more opportunity for the inclusion of U of T students in the university's theatre scene. Unlike the many other drama societies at the university, Hart House Players are not confined by having to fill quotas regarding members’ college affiliation – students from all of U of T campuses, faculties, and colleges are welcome! Another new and unique feature of the Hart House Players is that our goal is to produce only student written work in addition to being student cast, directed, managed and produced.
How to get involved: Get more info on the Hart House Players at www.harthouse.ca/hhplayers
Website: www.harthouse.ca/hhplayers
Email:
The Hart House Orchestra is an auditioned group that provides its participants with opportunities to perform in a challenging orchestra led by Principal Conductor Henry Janzen and Assistant Conductor Bill Rowson. The orchestra has a large membership of dedicated but non-professional members who enjoy classical music. We perform 3 concerts a year at Hart House, as well as one concert at a location out of town. We often collaborate with other groups, run an annual concerto competition and enjoy tackling a difficult and rich repertoire. The orchestra exists to help those people interested in fine tuning their playing skills and techniques to reach a higher level of proficiency.
How to get Involved: The Orchestra holds two open rehearsals at the beginning of the year and several auditions days following that. Concerto Competition is usually held in the second term and is open to anyone. The orchestra often has spots available in the string section well into the first term and usually requires ringers for specialized solos, so please contact us if you are interested.
Weekly rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings in the Great Hall at Hart House.
Website: www.harthouseorchestra.ca
Email: zoe.dille@utoronto.ca
The Hart House Singers are a non-auditioned choir that provides an opportunity for first-time and experienced singers to share in the joy of choral singing, to learn the art of song, to have fun, and to sing a culturally and historically diverse repertoire.
The art of song is an old tradition at Hart House, beginning with the all-male Hart House Glee Club, which amalgamated with the co-educational University of Toronto Chorus in 1972 to form the Hart House Chorus. This group accepts members by audition and continues to flourish today.
How to get involved: An exciting opportunity for first time and experienced singers to share the joy of choral singing within this non-auditioned choir conducted by David Arnot–Johnston. Learn the art of song, have fun and sing a culturally diverse repertoire.
- For sign-up dates visit our website hhsingers.sa.utoronto.ca/, bring a $30 refundable music deposit, $15 club fee, and student card or Hart House community card.
- Weekly rehearsals: Monday 7:15pm to 9:30pm.
- Perform at two end of term concerts in the Great Hall. Sunday November 21, 2010, 3:00pm to 5:00pm Sunday March 27, 2011, 3:00pm to 5:00pm
There are three ways that you can register for the Singers:
- Come out and join us at one of two registration dates.
- Have a friend register on your behalf, bringing your fees (if applicable) and identification. Note: One person can only register either him/herself OR one other individual in their absence, but CANNOT register both or multiple individuals.
- If you are unable to do either (1) or (2), contact us hhsingers.sa.utoronto.ca/contact.html by email, provide us with your name and voice part, and we will put you on the appropriate waiting list. Note: If on the waiting list, you are encouraged to attend rehearsals weekly and share music off your neighbour. We will take people off the waiting list as space becomes available in the choir.
Website: hhsingers.sa.utoronto.ca
Email: marco.adamovic@utoronto.ca
The Hart House Symphonic Band is an amateur music group composed of U of T alumni and students. HHSB strives to bring together a diverse group of people with a wide range of academic, cultural, religious and musical backgrounds. We aim to create a cohesive group that is connected by each member's desire to play and perform varied and challenging repertoire in a fun and relaxed musical atmosphere. Our weekly rehearsals led by dynamic conductor Mark Saresky, culminate in at least two public concerts per year, one at the end of each term. The Symphonic Band is committed to giving students the opportunities to conduct as well as to perform folk, modern and classical music.
How to get Involved: HHSB has an open rehearsal and auditions at the beginning of the year and sometimes requires additional musicians during the first and second term. Weekly rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings in the Great Hall.
Website: hhsb.sa.utoronto.ca
Email: hhsb.utoronto@gmail.com
The Hart House Alumni Committee presents an number of enjoyable programs and events each year. Attend a wine-tasting seminar, dine with a guest at the Annual Dinner Series or enjoy an evening of dancing & intrigue at the Saints and Sinners Supper Club.
The Allumni Committee coordinates a number of events throughout the year:
- Annual Dinner Series: featuring a number of outstanding speakers in a relaxed, informal dinner setting.
- Wine Seminar Series: an opportunity for wine lovers to sample a number of international vintages, paired with a tasting menu.
- Annual Trivia Challenge: meet and mingle with other members while enjoying a delicious selection of hors d'oeuvres and testing your trivia knowledge in pursuit of some fantastic prizes!
- Annual Reception: join us for great food and great company.
How to get involved: New ideas and people are always welcome; do not hesitate to contact us at 416.978.7076. To reserve tickets for events, contact the UofTtix at 416.978.8849 or visit them online at www.uofttix.ca.
Website: www.harthouse.ca/alumnicommittee
Phone: 416.978.8400
A committee of contemporary art enthusiasts curate the walls and halls of Hart House, organize studio visits with Toronto's foremost artists, trips to prominent local galleries and acquire new work for the House. The Hart House Art Committee provides students who are passionate and/or curious about the world of art (outside of lecture halls) an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and work together to connect Hart House to Toronto's vibrant art scene.
Since its founding in 1922, the Hart House Art Committee has continuously provided its members with a sense of community and invaluable professional experience. Four distinct subcommittees—Acquisitions, Education and outreach, Student Projects and Arbor Room—provide the opportunity to explore various facets of the art world and the
How to get involved: To become a part of the Art Committee's exceptional history or be added to the Art Committee email list, email artcommittee.harthouse@utoronto.ca
Website: harthouse.ca/artcommittee
Email: artcommittee.harthouse@utoronto.ca
The Hart House Farm is an actual farm and much more. It’s a 150 acre property located on the Niagara Escarpment, in Caledon Ontario, just 55 km northwest of Toronto. Since 1949 it has been owned by Hart House and managed by the students and alumni of the Farm Committee and Hart House.
The Farm Committee has a fivefold mandate:
- Creating developmental policies within a sustainability and equity framework, include land use and building renovations.
- Organizing social activities at the Farm and on campus, including four seasonal events: Cider ‘n Song, Winter Carnival, Sugaring Off and Midsummer’s Eve.
- Organize farm workdays, whereby Committee members partake in activities such as sugar bush maintenance, small agricultural projects, wood splitting and trail maintenance.
- Overseeing the proper use of Hart House Farm by various groups.
- Work in alliance with campus groups to promote sustainability.
Volunteers are always welcomed!
How to get involved: Contact us at farm.committee@harthouse.ca
Website: www.harthouse.ca/farmcommittee
Email: farm.committee@harthouse.ca
The Hart House Debates Committee provides UofT students opportunities for debate and dialogue on the important issues of the day. Whether through major events, like formal debates, public lectures and tournaments or committee-run panel discussion, the Debates Committee is focused on promoting discussion.
How to get involved: The committee always encourage new interest. Whether you are seeking more information or would like to get involved answers are just an email away. Send your contact information and questions, hhdebatescommittee@gmail.com
Website: www.harthouse.ca/debates
Email: hhdebatescommittee@gmail.com
Hart House’s Finance Committee provides opportunities to learn valuable skills in financial management by participating in conversations and decisions about budgetary and financial policies and issues. We welcome students from all disciplines (it’s an opportunity for students enrolled in finance-related degree programs to bring theory to practice; and we also provide educational training sessions for students without a financial background). Skills acquired through involvement as a committee member can be applied to both individual and organizational financial management. The Finance Committee mandate applies to all financial aspects of Hart House with particular focus on the following:
- Participate in advising the Board of Stewards on policies that affect the financial management of the House
- Analyze the annual budget. Make recommendations for the House’s long-range plans
- Consider capital expense requests
- Monitor financial operating performance
- Oversee the annual audit process
- Participate in the Audit Sub-Committee
How to get involved: Contact rita.obrien@utoronto.ca
Website: http://www.harthouse.ca/committee/finance-committee
Hart House Literary and Library Committee
The Hart House Literary and Library Committee provides opportunities to explore the various facets of the literary arts to students on all three U of T campuses. The Committee houses eight subcommittees that each cover an area of the literary world: Algonquin Square Table meets every other Sunday and provides writers of poetry a chance to workshop with their peers as does the Writers Co-op which meets on Fridays for writers of poetry and prose. The facilities subcommittee maintains the Hart House Library, the Book Crossings zone and the magazine collection located in the Map Room. Our Readings subcommittee organizes readings for the Hart House/ University of Toronto community with renowned and emerging writers while our WRITuals subcommittee organizes monthly open mic nights. The Literary and Library Committee publishes the annual Hart House Review literary and art journal and coordinates the poetry and short story contests whose winners are then published in the Review.
The committee helps to bring positive attention to Hart House both on campus and throughout the city with the events it hosts and its contributions to the greater Toronto community.
How to get involved: Email litlibsecretary@yahoo.com or staff advisor, sam.saad@utoronto.ca
For more information: HH Library & Literary Committee Blog hhlitandlib.wordpress.com/ and facebook page http://www.facebook.com/search/?flt=1&q=hart+house&o=69&s=60#!/group.php?gid=31454030513&ref=search
Hart House Review: Email harthousereview@gmail.com / Website: www.harthousereview.com
University of Toronto Poet in Community: www.harthouse.utoronto.ca/student-engagement/poet-in-community
Website:
Email: litlibsecretary@yahoo.com
The Hart House Music Committee creates partnerships and presents professional and aspiring musicians, students, and community members in an inclusive environment. The Committee supports a wide array of cultural and musical styles in the spirit of using music as a universal language that draws a diverse audience in a common artistic experience. We are responsible for Jazz at Oscars, Stages, Open Mic, Sunday Concerts, Midday Mosaics and other special events held at Hart House.
We are committed to:
- Contributing to the enhancement of student life
- Offering amateur musicians and student musicians an opportunity to showcase their work and to attend FREE quality shows in their own environment
- Providing a forum for musical/artistic expression through the outlets of DEMO magazine and CIUT
- Providing an opportunity for students on the committee to gain valuable skills and learn outside the classroom
- Creating entry points for students to liaise and work with a large musical community on and off campus
How to get Involved: The Music Committee takes on students primarily at the beginning of the year but there are opportunities to contribute to our existing series or propose new special events during the school year. The DEMO music magazine’s sub-committee also accepts students interested in writing, editing or designing for the magazine during the year. DEMO is published in the second term. Students interested in subscribing to our listserve to get notification about upcoming shows can log onto www.harthousemusic.com
All concerts are Free and open to the student community and the general public.
For More Information: Contact the staff coordinator zoe.dille@utoronto.ca or visit our website www.harthouse.ca/music
Website: www.harthouse.ca/music
Email: zoe.dille@utoronto.ca
Recreational Athletics Committee
Help plan programmes and classes such as fitness, dance, pilates, yoga, racquet sports and martial arts. Plan special events such as the Indoor Triathlon and the Bike to Work Breakfast. Participate in the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment. Set policies for the Athletics Wing of Hart House which includes a 25-yard pool, indoor track, weight room, squash courts, gymnasium and much more.
How to get involved: Meetings are generally held once a month on a Wednesday at 8:00 a.m.
Website:
Email:
Phone: 416.978.2447
Hart House Social Justice Committee
The mission of the Hart House Social Justice Committee is to raise awareness of social justice issues through proactive engagement in partnerships, networks and the student body as a whole. We seek to facilitate deep dialogue based around awareness, appreciation, and action into the lives of individuals and communities within and around the University of Toronto. Through broad-based programmes that engage to the entire student body, we aim to introduce many different issues and opportunities for participation around Social Justice. Our events are free, accessible and secular.
Pillars:
- Sustainability
- Equity
- International and Community Development
- Empowerment through Education
The Hart House Social Justice Committee (SJC) is dedicated to raising awareness about social and environmental issues by hosting events that provide an open forum for members of on- and off campus social justice groups to meet and collaborate. SJC values involve equity, activism and action. The primary purpose of the SJC is to connect students and community members to opportunities for education and participation, and to encourage involvement in social justice projects. The SJC seeks to provide accessible and creative ways to learn about a range of social justice issues.
Programming includes:
- Social Justice Awareness Week provides programming that encourages involvement and reaches out to groups doing work in areas of social justice
- Workshops and Coffee Houses explore how to deal with a range of social issues affecting our community
- Community Kitchens bring student community members together to learn how to prepare nutritious meals while expanding their knowledge of food-related social justice issues
How to get involved: For more information on how to get involved, please contact hhsocialjustice@gmail.com or staff advisor marco.adamovic@utoronto.ca.
Website: www.harthousesocialjustice.weebly.com
Email: hhsocialjustice@gmail.com
Hart House/ härt hous / noun
- A living laboratory of social, artistic, cultural and recreational experiences where all voices, rhythms and traditions converge.