Playing in a brass-reed band is more than just about performing well for qathet Concert Band president and clarinetist Christien Kaaij.
“I like playing in the band because it’s welcoming to everyone, from all walks of life,” said Kaaij. “It’s more about having a keenness to learn and play together.”
Originally called Powell River Community Band, which has existed for decades, the group was recently renamed, after consulting with Tla’amin Nation.
Members of the Movin’ Up band, for those who want to play but may need a little more training before playing with the big band, are preparing for a concert featuring both groups.
On June 11, both bands will showcase their talents at the ARC Community Event Centre, located on Alberni Street.
“We always combine our concerts,” said Kaaij. “There will be a section for the Movin’ Up band and a section for the qathet Concert Band.”
The spring concert, according to Kaaij, will be upbeat with some fun pieces such as the “Russian Sailors Dance”, along with slower but nicely balanced songs.
“We want to show off the diversity of the band,” said Kaaij. “The sound will be pleasant for everyone’s ears.”
The two bands always combine their concerts so both groups have a chance to perform, and each is always open for new people to join.
“We have excellent conductors,” said Kaaij. “They are able to bring out the joy of playing music and also include a learning element, so we grow and improve together.”
In honour of a valued member of the qathet Concert Band, Travis Wayne McDonough, who passed away in February 2022, the group is opening up an instrument lending library. McDonough was a trumpet player and a teacher at Brooks Secondary School. His family asked the community to donate money that would go to the band as a kind of legacy fund.
With the donations, the group will start lending out instruments to folks who may not have one, or to those who want to try one out before committing to buying one.
“We want to make joining the band as accessible as possible,” said Kaaij.
The concert begins at 2 pm.
