Knowlton Harmony Band concert May 27

Knowlton Harmony Band is tuning up for its annual spring concert May 27 at 7:30 in the Knowlton United Church. This year four accomplished soloists will play well known and liked melodies. Evie Johnston Main on clarinet will play “As Time goes by” by Herman Hupfel. Her musical career began as a child when she sang and played the church organ and at the school in Knowlton learned to play the clarinet. Over the years, she has continued her musical career, adding a degree in music and teaching. Right now, Mozart is her favourite composer because the music appears deceptively simple but requires excellent technique and fine interpretation.

Continuing in a relaxed mood, Debbie Roy will sing along with the band several pieces including, “When Yuba plays the Rumba on the Tuba,” “Emblem of Canada,” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” Debbie Roy, a former student of Knowlton Academy, has always had a love for music of all kinds. She has sung in church choirs, amateur ensembles, jazz trios, and at coffee houses. In the past few years, Debbie has been doing more and more solo work.

Another soloist will be Craig Ladd on trombone, playing “Song for Trombone” by John Morrissey. Craig Ladd began his musical career in the Knowlton school band program and went on to play in the Canadian Air Force bands and later in a 10-piece rock and roll band.

Lois Hardacker also started with the school band program, and after high school graduation did not play the flute again until the Knowlton High School reunion in 1996. She was amazed that in returning to the flute for the second time she was much more analytical about the music, noting themes and cords, but she smiles as she reflects that now it is harder to remember some of the details. Her solo is “Theme from Schindler’s List,” by John Williams. The band is pleased to be able to present these accomplished soloists.

In 1996 alumni of the Knowlton school band program performed for a reunion and enjoyed the experience so much that they have continued ever since. Roger de la Mare was the first conductor, followed by Bob Smith for ten years, and as of March this year, Susan Reininger has taken over as conductor. She too has been involved with music all her life, singing, playing the piano and teaching. In recent years, she has developed the Pot Pourri Choir. She believes that music must be enjoyable first to the people who play it and secondly to the audience.

Over the years, the band has grown to include musicians from the surrounding area such as Dunham, Richford, Bromont, and Magog. If you play an instrument and would like to join the band for the pleasure of music, good company, and a sense of accomplishment, contact Gary Crandall at 450-2436035 or Richard Mason at 450-242-6608.