Diversity is the keynote for Festival of Wind Music 2008. The Sunshine Coast Music Society's landmark festival features two concerts and three ensembles. A local concert band, a visiting brass band and chamber ensemble are booked. Almost 70 musicians will take part.
Bands come in a variety of instrumental configurations and sizes. Some local schools have concert bands - mixed brass, woodwinds and percussion. Children's bugle and drumming bands were active until the '70s on First Nations' reserves, including Sechelt. Adults and students have band opportunities through the Sunshine Coast Community Orchestra Association (SCCOA).
The Suncoast Concert Band (SCB) is SCCOA's flagship ensemble.
The Syrinx Trio comes first at 2:30 p.m. with chamber music and jazz. Flutes are the wind component and piano, drums and bass the percussion. Music of Claude Bolling and Ennio Morricone contrast with works by J.S. Bach and Haydn.
Under Joe Hatherill, the SCB soars at Gibsons Heritage Playhouse Feb. 2. The Band plays markedly varied repertoire. They sway a tango by Malos Rodrigues and launch into "Liberty Bell" by John Philip Sousa (aka the Monty Python theme). Much interest attaches to guest vocalist Hannah Westlake's solos.
"I've always loved singing," said Hannah, a Grade 12 Chatelech Secondary School student. She doesn't want to sing professionally, though. "Having to sing would take the joy out of it," she said. She's been active in music festivals and Chat showcases, but being a band soloist is a first. She's looking forward to singing "You Raise Me Up" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" on Saturday.
The Little Mountain Brass Band shines at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 3 in the Heritage Playhouse. Having no woodwinds, brass bands differ considerably from the usual bands of both brass and woodwind. The brass band rapidly became one of the most popular vehicles for amateur music-making, particularly in Great Britain. At the beginning of the 19th century, over 20,000 were estimated to be playing in Britain. Firmly rooted in the time-honoured British tradition, the Little Mountain Brass band dates back to 1995. Founder Jim Littleford still directs, currently 37 strong. He has an eclectic program planned. Pastime with good company is the festival's oldest music.
Brian Stride plays solo ehphonium in the traditional song "Blaydon Races." Ross Bligh plays "Share My Yoke" as a cornet solo. Band favourites include "The Girl I Left Behind Me" and the overture to the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta HMS Pinafore. The Little Mountain Brass band looks forward to its "overseas" gig.
A great weekend treat is in store for music lovers on the Sunshine Coast next weekend. Tickets cost only $10 for each concert and are on sale at Gaia's Fair Trade Gifts, Sew Much More and the Sechelt Visitor Centre. If you have trouble with stairs, phone 604-886-7422 for reserved seating.
