By Dave Babbitt – Special to the Sydenham Current
This week, I’ve got several short topics that I’d like to bring to readers’ attention. The most important, and most used “tool” in my toolbox has become YouTube. Like almost everyone, YouTube has helped me fix appliances, my car, provide remedies for ailments (though I rely on my doctor for important issues), historical information, product testing and comparisons, and to fill my brain with useless information.
However, I find YouTube’s greatest value to me is in my world of music. In my columns I frequently direct attention to YouTube videos that I feel provide exposure to important music-related information, artists, issues, theory, and perspective.
While I don’t have much space to go into detail this week, I’d like to suggest a few videos of incredible artists that readers should check out. If one is a fan of music from the “Great American Songbook,” be sure to check out Stella Cole. She has a voice and style that is heaven-sent.
If a lover of piano music, Yuja Wang is a must-watch artist. Anything she performs is stunning, but if one wants to witness incredible technique, start with Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee. Be prepared to be dazzled!
Then there is the most incredible musical mind I have ever come across, Jacob Collier. Musicians know who Jacob Collier is. He has perfect pitch and an understanding of harmony like no one I’ve ever seen, and I plan to feature him in an entire column in the future.
As a starting point, I will direct attention to a video titled World O World, a song he wrote in a single day on his way from England to Nashville for a workshop. If possible, don headphones and be prepared to be moved by incredible 12-part harmonies.
Jane Lung has been organizing concerts at Knox Presbyterian Church now for many years. She pulls together singers and instrumentalists from the area for a great evening of music that also raises funds for the Salvation Army and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The next concert is on Saturday evening, November 1 at 7 p.m. Admission is by freewill offering.
The Christmas season is rapidly approaching, and those of us involved in music have been working on Christmas music since September.
First up will be Pat Lee’s wonderful annual Christmas concerts, this year titled The Unexpected Gift. Her concerts are always a choral treat that feature both Pat’s own beautiful voice as well as a large chorus.
The concert will be presented on November 22 at 7 p.m. at Trinity United Church in Wallaceburg and again on November 23 at 2 p.m. at Port Lambton United Church.
The following week, the Brass Factory will be presenting A Swingin’ Big Band Christmas with the Brass Factory on Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. at the UAW Hall.
This concert is a fundraising effort in support of the CKHA’s revitalization project of our local hospital. The concert will feature hits from the big band era followed by swinging big band arrangements of some great Christmas music. Details can be found online.
If there are three things I can identify that get the citizens of Wallaceburg riled up, they are our water, the imposition of regional government, and anything to do with our hospital. This concert is expected to be packed full not just because of the great music but in support of the cause. Do not miss this extra special show with elements you won’t believe happened in Wallaceburg!
Next up will be our Wallaceburg Concert Band annual Christmas concerts at WDSS on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m., followed by a concert at the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre on Tuesday, Dec. 9, again at 7 p.m.
Our WCB concerts continue to grow in terms of what we offer, and this year our show offers more variety and great music than ever before. As always, expect the unexpected and “get your Christmas on.”
The Wallaceburg Brass Quintet will then present a chamber concert of talented individuals and small groups on Friday, Dec. 19 at Trinity United Church.
One thing I loathe talking about is money, especially when it comes to our Wallaceburg Concert Band. We never want to be perceived as beggars, but outsiders would have no reason to understand the operational costs of a group this large.
Since our inception in 2016, we have worked hard in finding the funds to build our band into the amazing organization it currently is. We’ve fundraised, sought grants, made personal donations, and welcomed freewill donations at our concerts, without ever asking our audiences for contributions.
Our success is also our downfall. Indoor concerts will be forever confined to the Webber Auditorium at WDSS.
