Concert Band Celebrates 15th Anniversary

By Jamie Adam

Fifteen successful years have gone by for the Greater Windsor Concert Band and they celebrated by doing what they do best, playing a concert.
The band played 15 songs to celebrate 15 years, ranging from “The Carnival of the Animals,” to a medley of Simon and Garfunkel songs, to the Pirates of the Caribbean theme.
The band was joined by special guests Emily Calongcagong playing the flute and her father Alde Calongcagong on the piano. Emily is a Grade 9 student at École secondaire catholique E.J. Lajeunesse.
Music director and conductor Ric Moor said her playing was excellent.
“When Emily was playing her flute with the band, I got goosebumps. It was an amazing moment,” said Moor.
Moor said the best part about conducting the band is being able to experience how the sum of the band is greater than its parts.
“My favourite part is easy,” he said. “It’s impossible to describe the feeling of putting that much effort into a piece of music and to have it come together in a way that is really beyond the capabilities of any of the individuals.”
A fan since day one, 64-year-old Peggy Leithead said the band played their best show to date.
“They outdid themselves today,” said Leithead. “Every song was right on and perfect for the occasion and I just thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a long concert but the time went by so fast. It was great.”
Angela Manser has been playing the clarinet for over 25 years and she’s one of five original members still in the band. She said one of her favourite parts of being in the band is being able to meet interesting people after playing a show.
“I like what we do in the community and I like how we raise money for different charities too” said Manser. “I like that we play a high calibre of music and I love everything about being in the band.”
Moor said plans have already begun for the band’s 20th anniversary.
 
CUTLINES
The Greater Windsor Concert Band performs at Banwell Community Church for the band’s 15-year anniversary April 7.

Ric Moor conducts the Greater Windsor Concert Band at Banwell Community Church for the band’s 15-year anniversary April 7.