Saskatoon Concert Band
Are you looking for an inclusive group? Do you want to play challenging and interesting music, or pick up your instrument again? Are you an adult beginner? One of the Saskatoon Concert Bands may be what you are looking for. We’ve been here for over 65 years, and we are still going strong. We own the John H. Schoen Rehearsal Hall, located at 238 Avenue V North.
John Schoen founded the group in 1949 as the 23 Wing Band of the RCAF. We then became the Kinsmen Concert Band, and then the H.M.C.S Unicorn Band, and finally the Saskatoon Concert Band. John Schoen conducted the group until 1996. We give concerts regularly and have performed at many special community events, including Royal visits. We showcase local, national, and international performers. We commission works for winds and percussion.
The Concert Band concerts will be on October 27, March 2 and May 4, all at the Victory Church of Saskatoon. Sheldon Corbett will be our October soloist, and Barrie Redford will be our May soloist. We are still working on the details for our March concert. We perform at Sundog Handcraft Faire, Remembrance Day Services and give a free outdoor concert in June. Auxiliary Band concerts will be held on December 9 and June 2, at Grace-westminster United Church.
The Concert Band, conducted by George Charpentier, rehearses on Wednesdays, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This group performs a wide variety of repertoire; traditional and contemporary wind music, orchestral transcriptions, and lighter music as well. The Auxiliary Band, conducted by Nick Todd, rehearses on Tuesdays, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This group is for players looking for a less intensive schedule, are adult beginners, or are returning to playing after a time away. This group also performs a wide variety of musical genres.
Rehearsals begin Tuesday, September 4 for the Auxiliary Band, and Wednesday, September 5 for the Concert Band. Rehearsals are at the John H. Schoen Rehearsal Hall.
There are openings in both groups. New members are welcome throughout the year. There is a membership fee. Members also volunteer for band-related activities, including serving on the board of directors.
For more information, call (306) 242-3916, or email saskatoonconcertband@gmail.com. You can also find us at our website, saskatoonconcertband.ca and on Facebook.