By Dave Babbitt – Special to the Sydenham Current
It’s that time of year again. Our Wallaceburg Concert Band programs are preparing to get back to work. Just as spring revitalizes vegetation, fall brings renewed enthusiasm and growth opportunities for our musicians. We gather once more and ignite our bands for the upcoming Christmas season.
I don’t write this column for our current members, as they are consistently well-informed through our various communication platforms throughout the year. Instead, this serves as my annual invitation to former musicians and newcomers in our community, encouraging them to consider joining our amazing group.
I know for a fact that many former musicians in our area would relish the experience if they were convinced to join us. Over the past few years, I’ve spoken with several former musicians who expressed interest in returning to their musical craft, yet most don’t follow through. Let this year be different. Like a broken record, I’ll reiterate that no matter how long it’s been since one last played a wind instrument, the skill can be regained.
With proper instruction, planning, and encouragement, skills can be quickly regained in most instances. Our members are incredibly supportive and encourage each other, perhaps even more than most sporting teammates.
As always, we can provide instruments for those who don’t own one, and we have a graduated program to help individuals ease back into playing, whether it’s been a few years or a few decades since they last played. For those who say, ‘I can’t,’ I recommend reading my previous column for inspiration.
During a recent Band Executive meeting, we decided to pursue Professional Development opportunities for our musicians. We believe this will enhance both individual and group performance skills as we continually strive for improvement. Our first PD event will feature clarinet virtuoso Gavin Warren.
For those unfamiliar with Gavin, he recently graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Music with a degree in Clarinet Performance. Those who attended his recital at Our Lady Help of Christians church in late June likely still remember his dazzling talent. Gavin is taking a year off from formal studies to refine his skills and prepare for a graduate program audition next year, and we’re thrilled that he will be performing with us this season.
Gavin has joined us in our last two Spring concerts and is eager to share his musical expertise, not only with our clarinet section but with everyone in our Beginner, Intermediate, and Senior programs.
Our first PD offering will take place on Monday, September 11th, when Gavin will present a Masterclass titled ‘Getting Back to Band’ for all our members. While he excels at the clarinet, Gavin’s extensive experience in various orchestras, bands, and chamber ensembles, under various conductors, along with his work with world-class private instructors and his disciplined practice routines, qualifies him to impart many transferable skills he has acquired along the way.
While this PD session will have a general focus, he will also work specifically with our clarinet section throughout the season. It would be unwise not to take advantage of Gavin’s presence this season and his willingness to share his expertise.
We also have plans for additional PD sessions in the upcoming season, featuring experts in various fields. Looking ahead to the Christmas season, our bands or sections of our bands will be highly visible. Our annual concert at WDSS is scheduled for Saturday, December 2nd; our Intermediate band will perform at the Jeanne Gordon Theatre on Thursday, December 7th; and several ensembles from within our bands will present an evening of Christmas music on Saturday, December 9th, also at the Jeanne Gordon Theatre.
But that’s not all that’s planned. We’re also working on a Christmas program for Dresden, and the Brass Factory Big Band hopes to present a ‘Big Band Christmas’ as a collaborative project with the Forest Excelsior Band.
Our bands aren’t the only ones with significant Christmas events this season in Wallaceburg. It’s been about 5 years since renowned local vocalist Pat Lee last presented a program, but she’s resurrecting her highly anticipated Christmas program this year.
Pat has already recorded two Christmas albums that likely still grace many record collections. Vocalists have the opportunity to participate in Pat’s show this year, as she’s assembling a choral group. Rehearsals start on Sunday, September 6th, at 7 pm at Trinity United Church, with performances scheduled for Sunday, November 26th, and Sunday, December 3rd.
Although it may seem early to talk about Christmas in August, musicians must start preparations months in advance. Considering the dates mentioned in this article, notice that they are all completed by December 9th. Hence, we must be performance-ready by mid-November.
I, for one, have spent numerous hours from May through the summer months reviewing new Christmas scores for our bands to play. These must be ordered well in advance to ensure they’re in our hands by early September. (Clare makes me wear headphones as I listen to hundreds of different arrangements.)
As many events as I’ve just mentioned, there will be even more, and I encourage organizers to contact me with information that I can share in the future. Nothing fills up a calendar faster than during the Christmas season, so grab your pencil and start jotting.
