MOOSE JAW — For adults who played an instrument in school and want to do so again, the Moose Jaw Adult Concert Band is welcoming new members as it prepares to start its rehearsals.
The group launches its practices on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. in the Vanier Collegiate band room and will rehearse weekly on Thursdays until May. The band’s wind-up concert will be on Friday, May 16, in the A.E. Peacock Centennial Auditorium.
The conductor is Daryl McKinnon, who taught at Central and Peacock for years before retiring to Regina but still drives to Moose Jaw for practices, said Kurt Gillett, the group’s administrator. What’s also cool is that many of the adult band participants are his former students.
“Some of us practice for fun, but most of us will be around for the concert as well … . It’s all adults who want to keep playing after school,” he continued. “Some of our members are younger and some of our members are quite a bit older. Some even haven’t played in years and want to pick it up again.”
Gillett plays the alto saxophone, an instrument he has played for 29 years since picking it up in 1996 when he was in Grade 7; he started with the clarinet in Grade 6. After graduating from university, he taught band at Vanier for years before moving to Regina to teach.
Besides Gillett, the group’s other administrator is Jim Mitchell, who teaches band to Catholic elementary students in Moose Jaw.
“We are (here) to have fun. If there is anybody out there who is missing playing an instrument and wants to be part of a band again, we … have a lot of fun in our rehearsals,” said Gillett. “We joke around and socialize a little bit as well.
“You don’t have to play in the (year-end) concert if that’s not your thing. Just come out and have fun.”
The band has an email list containing almost 80 individuals, while 30 to 50 members usually show up to practice each year. Meanwhile, it is free to join.
The songs the band performs differ from year to year, as McKinnon is responsible for choosing the tunes that the musicians will play, Gillett continued. For example, he may choose songs from movies or musicals, or he may focus on all things — and people — that are Canadian. Meanwhile, the genres range from jazz to concert band and the songs can be old or new.
“There will always be something that you’ll like,” Gillett added.
More information can be found on the Facebook page, . The page has important updates and is an official channel to share news and keep in touch with friends and members.
Anyone needing an instrument can rent or purchase from . People who have instruments and require supplies or maintenance items — such as reeds and oils — can purchase them there.
John’s Music is located at 37 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-692-0860.
To join the Moose Jaw Adult Concert Band or for more information, email .
