Caledon Concert Band hosting special 50th anniversary concert

By Zachary Roman

A local concert band is celebrating its rich history with a special performance. 

On October 26, the Caledon Concert Band will host its 50th anniversary gala — a dinner and concert — at the Caledon Hills Fellowship Baptist Church (16595 Airport Road).

The event begins with a meet and greet at 4 p.m. and dinner will be served an hour later. The concert will begin at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the dinner and concert are $80, or $560 for a table of eight. For children under 12, tickets are $40. For those looking to attend just the concert, tickets are $20. Tickets can be purchased online at caledonconcertband.ca or in person from a band member.

David Finch plays clarinet with the band and explained the 50th anniversary concert has been in the works for a year. It will feature popular songs, both old and new, that the band has played throughout its history.

Finch said the band has reached out to as many former members of the band as it can to invite them to celebrate the special milestone.

With 50 great years behind them, the Caledon Concert Band is looking to the future too. New members are always welcome, and there's no audition required to join. The band has a tradition of mentoring young musicians, and has seen many of its members go on to be successful musicians.

Finch said he began learning the clarinet 20 years ago and loves playing in the band.

“It's more fun playing with other people,” said Finch, adding that being in a band gives you great motivation to practice because you want to be the best musician you can be for your fellow band members. 

“You rise to the level of the people around you, it pushed me a lot,” he said.

The Caledon Concert Band rehearses at 7 p.m. every Wednesday and puts on four concerts per year. It also travels around to perform gigs in surrounding areas.

“We have played at the Strawberry Festival for many years… this year we played in Stratford for the Concerts in the Park series,” said Finch, naming some examples.

The band typically has between 20 and 30 members at any given time, with members playing all kinds of instruments. 

“It's an enthusiastic band and a great group of people,” said Finch.

As it's a charity, the band relies on partners like the Town of Caledon and ticket sales to fund itself.