Edmonton Schoolboys Alumni Band introduces new musical director

The average age of the Edmonton Schoolboys Alumni Band may be about 65, but these elder statesmen of the local music scene are younger at heart than ever.

After nearly a decade of conducting the band, the much-revered Dr. Armand Baril retired from the podium in December 2013, and passed his baton to music director Taina Lorenz.

A self-proclaimed “band geek” Lorenz has taught instrumental music with Edmonton Catholic School Boards since 1997. She has diversified her skills conducting for the Cosmopolitan Music Society, Festival City Winds and University of Alberta bands.

Lorenz makes her debut performance with the wind ensemble in Under the Baton on Sunday, May 4 at St. Albert United Church.

Younger, experienced and projecting a fresh dynamic, Lorenz has shifted the 55-member band in new directions and upped the ante.

“She brings new life to the group and she’s so positive. One of the things she brings to the band is more awareness on how the band should be played. You should be a fly on the wall to hear how she gets us to play our best,” says St. Albert clarinetist Gerry Buccini.

The band’s other nine St. Albert ambassadors are euphonium players Lou Allemano, Dave O’Shaughnessy and Dale Rokosh, as well as flautists Dave Organ and Don Hiron. George Adams plays tuba, Pat Sturgess is on percussion, Aidan McGarrigle plays alto sax and Moira McGarrigle handles bass guitar.

While the ensemble views her vision as an invigorating tonic, Lorenz is equally enthusiastic about the band.

“These guys love to play and I want to be there. I want to harness their energy and have them go to the next level and take them where they want to go.”

Edmonton Schoolboys Alumni Band’s current peppy collection of tunes range from marches, Dixieland and folk songs to pop tunes, classical works and British sea shanties.

Lorenz has structured her musical debut into a combination of European and North American tunes.

“The major difference is in the way the melodies and the way the folk songs are composed. European harmonies are more melodious and have more lines. American music tends to be treated in a more raucous way and is more thickly scored.”

“Another way they are different is that European music is more elegant whereas American music is more edgy. That’s part of the joy of doing different music – exploring all the different practices that goes along with it.”

The concert’s big showpiece is Holst’s Suite in E Flat originally composed for a military band.

“It’s very demanding, but it’s been on my list for a long time and it’s a treat to finally perform it in my first incarnation.”

The opening fanfare is the illustrious Standard of St. George followed by lyrical tunes such as Amazing Grace and Dixieland Jamboree, a groovin’ New Orleans medley.

“We’re not nervous. We’re ready and excited.”