The Sunshine Coast Community Orchestra Association (SCCOA) will return to in-person musical ensembles this September. Once again, players will be returning to the Highland Centre to enjoy playing together on a weekly basis.
The COVID-19 lockdown never did stop veteran band conductor Tak Maeda from making and sharing music. Accompanied by his wife at the piano, Tak kept his trumpet sounding with an array of YouTube videos to boost people’s spirits.
Now that the members can finally play together, the SCCOA is kicking off the season with a band workshop. Interested players in the community are invited to join in a three-hour session on Sunday, Aug. 29 at Highland Centre.
“This is not a serious ‘classroom’ type of workshop, but a fun get-together to have a good time playing six or seven pieces of music,” Tak says. “You need to bring your own brass or woodwind instrument with which you have at least one year playing experience (school or community band or private lesson).”
The cost is $20 payable in cash at the door. Please pre-register a week in advance.
In addition to the concert band, Tak will be the interim conductor of the Coast Symphony Orchestra while a search is initiated to find a replacement for Jonathan Der, who is unable to return to the position this year. Both ensembles will rehearse on Saturdays starting Sept. 11.
Sarah Poon, local cellist and teacher, will again be directing the Coast Chamber Strings and the Sunshine Coast Youth Strings, both of which will meet Friday afternoons at Highland Centre. The Chamber Strings – an adult string group – will be exploring perennial favourites as a “post-lockdown” treat. The Youth Strings – an ensemble for string players ages eight to 17 – will be working on famous tunes and movie music to get their ensemble playing game back to pre-COVID perfection.
New players are always welcome to these community groups (no audition necessary). For further information, please contact president Val Anderson at valand24@telus.net or 604-885-6756.
— Rod Olafson/SCCOA
