Honours band concert Sunday
Richard Bennett to work with young student musicians this weekend
The P.E.I. Intermediate Honours Band will take to the stage with its guest conductor, Richard Bennett, on Sunday.
The P.E.I. Intermediate Honours Band assembles each year to offer an enrichment opportunity to Grade 9 instrumental students across the Island. Band members are selected from their school, based on their playing ability and dedication.
The band will come together for a weekend and perform a concert at the P.E.I. Convention Centre in Charlottetown on Jan. 28.
The show starts at 2 p.m. with $5 admission at the door.
This year’s program consists of a wide variety of music to entertain every member of the audience.
Music selections include the classic march “His Honour,” by Henry Fillmore. Songs may also strike a chord with images of ancient civilizations and moods, such as Michael Sweeney’s “Ancient Voices,” and the hauntingly beautiful “Shenandoah.” The younger audience can enjoy theme songs to Disney’s “The Incredibles.”
Bennett was born in Moose Jaw, Sask., and finished his schooling in Three Oaks Senior High School in Summerside, graduating in 1978.
He went on to obtain music degrees from Dalhousie University in 1982 and the University of Calgary in 1996.
Bennett is an active member of the Nova Scotia Band Association, a former member of the Canadian Music Education Association Board of Directors, and a past president of the Nova Scotia Music Educators’ Association.
In addition to his school bands he has, at various times, conducted the West Nova Scotia Regiment Band, the Acadia University Concert Band and Wind Ensemble, the Acadia Summer Winds, the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble, the Nova Scotia Junior Youth Wind Ensemble and the Prince Edward Island Senior and Intermediate Honour Bands.
During the summers, he often instructed at band camps including the South Shore Music Camp and Acadia Band Camp. Bennett has also adjudicated at music festivals in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan and is often invited to guest conduct and give clinics throughout Atlantic Canada.