Community band hopes to fill Arden

From classic holiday fare to a clownish march to some good ole’ swing, a Winter Concert gets into the spirit of the season.

Saint City Big Band and St. Albert Community Band join ranks to fill the Arden Theatre on Dec. 10 with their eclectic seasonal melodies.

The Saint City Band, under the direction of newly appointed J.F. Picard, is all jazzed up about digging into golden standards such as Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride and Uptown Stomp.

However, the 18-member big band also features Stardust, a Hoagy Carmichael classic in memory of trumpeter Bill Carroll who passed away in July at the age of 88. Fellow trumpeter Bryan Tymko is the main soloist.

“Bill Carroll loved jazz and this is a nice way to commemorate his life,” said Picard adding that Carroll joined the St. Albert Community Concert Band in 1998 and played with the ensemble for 16 years.

Tymko was selected as the feature soloist in part because of his friendship with Carroll and in part because of his musicianship.

“Bill is very talented. His range is quite large. He’s quite melodic and is always eager to learn new things.”

Picard, an acolyte of the sax, clarinet, flute and accordion, was the jazz band’s interim music director from 2008-2009 when resident conductor Tom Smyth taught in China for two years.

Picard’s credentials were impeccable: stints with Edmonton Symphony Orchestra performing jazz, conductor of Gateway Big Band, and founder of J.F. Picard Quartet.

By 2009, the military man was posted to Ottawa and returned to Edmonton Garrison in 2012. Now, after 29 years with the forces, Picard is discussing retirement.

When the opportunity arose last season to fill Saint City Big Band’s position as music director, Picard applied.

“I had such a good time the previous time I was here. They treated me well and the musicians wanted to learn as much as they could. It was such good teamwork,” he noted.

Since picking up the baton in September, Picard has continued Smyth’s work.

“I want to take the musicians to a higher level of playing and to raise the skills. I like to push people to their limit and they love the challenge. We’ve started improvising and this gives people a chance to connect with jazz in different ways.”

The second portion of Winter Concert highlights the 82-member concert band under the direction of Dr. Angela Schroeder. They will feature a variety of selections from Entrance of the Gladiators to Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and Silent Night.

Picard closed the interview on an uptempo note saying, “The bands are ready. They sound amazing and people will have a good time enjoying the diverse music.”