The Sidney Concert Band will launch its 30th anniversary season with its Salute to our Veterans concert, paying respects to veterans.
Taking place the Sunday before Remembrance Day, this year marks the fifth annual Remembrance concert.
The concert will begin with a traditional colour party and wreath laying by the Kitthawk 676 Air Cadets.
The Band, consisting of 40 members will present various selections, and will try and bring in some of the music from the war era songs that are still popular today.
“I think generally people have a true feeling of respect and admiration for Canada’s service men and women who have represented us overseas, so it’s our way of paying tribute to the veterans and to honour their contribution to Canada’s freedom,” said President of Sidney Concert Band Yvonne Kupsch.
Some of the highlights will be the music of George Gershwin, Glenn Miller and Charles Strouse of Annie.
“As well, we have three of us who go by the name Sidney Sisters performing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, also a major hit from the second world war period,” said Kupsch.
In addition, the concert will feature some of its younger members of the band as they have in the past.
One piece is of a Broadway selection titled I’ve got Plenty of Nothing sung by Georgina Stevens. Stephanie Benbow will also contribute her rendition of A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square.
To honour veterans of the first world war, they will also be doing a selection called Dartmoor 1912 by John Williams for the motion picture War Horse. This will be accompanied by a slideshow, which Kupsch says will demonstrate the role horses played in WW1.
They have a trip to Cuba planned with 24 musicians in April, who will get the chance to play with local Cuban musicians in community bands.
“It’s a very exciting time for us to be able to take on an adventure like that,” said Kupsch.
They’ve also been invited by the Town of Sidney to perform during the Canada Day Fireworks. They will also be the final performers during the Town’s the Canada Day celebration concert.
“That’s a major event for us to be out there,” she said.
The upcoming season also marks an important year for Conductor Rob Bannister as well, who has been conducting the band. He has announced his retirement which will take place in December 2017, a pushed back date due to the important year ahead.
“I was going to retire at the end of this year from the band but I’m going to be hanging in because of next year’s 150th celebration,” said Bannister.
Sponsored by Michele Holmes and Team, the Remembrance Day Concert will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 6 at the Mary Winspear Centre.Tickets are available at 250-656-0275.
— with files from the Sidney Concert Band
