Military band pipes in Christmas

Once again the Royal Canadian Artillery Band is swapping its unit hats for blazing red Santa caps as it prepares for its traditional holiday concert.

A Christmas Celebration, at the Winspear Centre this coming Friday, features an eclectic repertoire of traditional and contemporary pieces. While most of the tunes played are well-known Christmas standards, the RCA Band puts its own spin into the works by searching out novel arrangements.

This year the 100-plus voices of the Richard Eaton Singers unite with the concert band in what is shaping up to be a powerful soundscape. Focal points from their combined performances include John Rutter's engaging I Wish You A Merry Christmas, the sacred classic O Come All Ye Faithful and a sing-along medley.

“It's very rewarding singing with them especially at Christmas. This is a fantastic choir that knows how to reach the audience, and to have them sing with us makes it so much better,” said Captain Patrice Arsenault, musical director for the RCA Band.

In addition to the entertainment, the concert provides an opportunity for No Stone Left Alone to fundraise for veterans.

The non-profit organization works directly with the Royal Canadian Legion in Alberta and the Northwest Territories to educate school children and honour all soldiers' headstones in November with a Remembrance Day poppy.

“They take children to visit cemeteries and they perpetuate the memory of soldiers who fought through the generations,” Arsenault said.

The 35-piece RCA band is composed of regular force soldiers whose main hub of work is the band. They are selected by audition for the mainly brass, woodwind and percussion positions.

Arsenault noted that several of the concert band's smaller ensembles – a Celtic ensemble, the pipes and drums, a jazz band and a pop-contemporary group will add variations with specialty numbers.

For instance, the Rhythm Gunners, the 20-piece jazz band is performing one movement of Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite.

Returning for an encore performance as one of the feature highlights is Warrant Officer Norman Depoe's recitation of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

“He's quite masterful on stage. He has a deep, rich voice that draws people in when he tells stories.”

Due to popular demand, Sgt. Jeanine Bremault-Bamford, a vocalist with a flexible range from a belt to a purr, is also back with her piquant stylings.

“We are providing even more variety in styles of old and new tunes. This concert will bring back old memories, but at the same time, you will discover music in a new way.

Admission is free to A Christmas Celebration, however attendees must pre-register for a ticket at www.rcaband.ca