What you can do for your local community band and what it can do for you

December 1, 2017 · 0 Comments

It can be a real challenge to find an activity that will entertain grandchildren as well as grandparents and won’t break the bank for the generation sandwiched in between.
One option, often overlooked in this hectic, digitally-driven age, is the local community concert band.
“It’s surprising to find audience members approaching me after a performance to say this is the first time they have heard the band,” observed Ed Brewerton, who has played trumpet on the Caledon Concert for two years.
He and his daughter Heather, who plays alto saxophone in the band, are good examples of the multi-generational appeal the Caledon Concert Band has for their members and their audiences.
Playing in a community band is a collaborative activity that the whole family can enjoy together for a couple of hours each week, unlike competitive sports, that tend to create divisions based on age or ability. Since all musicians in the band are volunteers and most performances take place at the community centre or outdoor venues, the cost for joining the band, seeing a concert or for entertainment at special events is very affordable.
“The key to Caledon Band’s broad appeal is the wide variety of music and enhanced performance levels our program offers,” Conductor Rob Kinnear said. “Caledon Band is able to deliver exciting programs from their vast collection of selections which is constantly being updated with new music.”
New members are welcome to join any Wednesday rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. at the Caledon East Community Complex. “Just bring your instrument or drumsticks and your enthusiasm,” Kinnear said. “The positive social and mental health benefits of making music with others are well documented.”
The band traces its roots to the Caledon Citizens Band, but re-organized in 1974 as the Caledon Concert Band and became a registered charity in 2003. The Caledon Concert Band Association was the first Arts organization to become an Affiliate Community Group of the Town of Caledon. The Band has recently updated its website to add links to social media, online tickets and video.
Andy Dunn, alto clarinetist with the group, has announced that this will be his last season as Band President and Chair of the Caledon Concert Band Association. He has served in this capacity for 16 years. Dunn will continue to play with the band, but has decided to step aside to allow others to take the helm as he continues to pursue his extensive involvement in other community activities. His term will end in February. It is expected that there will be some re-shuffling of board representatives at that time and the Caledon Concert Band Association is currently looking for potential new board members from the community, particularly those with skills in marketing and publicity in the arts.
The Caledon Concert Band will present concerts at the Caledon East Community Complex the following Sundays at 2 p.m.: Dec. 10 — Dasher and Dancer; March 4 — The Oscars; and May 27 — Legends. Proceeds help to cover the cost of rehearsal space and other expenses required to maintain a community concert band. Single tickets and Group Rate Reserved Tables are available at the door or online at www.caledonconcertband.ca. Children 12 years and under are admitted free accompanied by an Adult ($15) or Senior/Student ($10). For more information, contact Dunn at 416-276-7852 or by email at caledon@bandmusic.ca

The Caledon Concert Band, under the direction of Robert Kinnear, opened their 2017-18 season recently with a concert entitled Viva Italia! at Caledon Community Complex. The program included guest performances by vocalist Patricia Scrafield and Heather Morand Clark on guitar.
Photo by Bill Rea