Remembrance Day is a powerful pause that allows us to reflect on the courage and sacrifices of Canadian soldiers past and present.
In a prelude to this poignant day, the Royal Canadian Artillery Band teams up in a spirit of partnership with the Richard Eaton Singers for the third annual A Musical Salute to Our Veterans.
Similar to last year, it will be held at Edmonton City Hall on Sunday, Nov. 6 under the glass pyramid dome. Last year, more than 700 visitors attended the event.
“We want to provide a salute to our veterans and we want to reach out and touch as many people as we can with the means we are given,” said music director and commanding officer Capt. Christopher Embree.
Born in Winnipeg to a staunch military family, Embree is a second-generation commanding officer of a military band.
He was transferred to Edmonton in July 2016 after rising through the ranks in a series of postings from CFB Esquimalt and CFB Greenwood to CFB Kingston and CFB Borden.
But he is no stranger to Edmonton after having served in the Edmonton Garrison’s Royal Canadian Artillery Band as a saxophonist for a decade starting in 1998.
“It was like coming home,” says Embree.
As a leader his vision is to create a workplace environment that musicians are eager to enjoy.
“I feel blessed to be playing with this band and every day I thank them for their hard work. Sometimes I have to pinch myself into believing I am working with them.”
Easygoing by nature, Embree nonetheless is busy planning about 200 engagements a year.
One of the most fruitful in the last few months is the partnership with the 100-plus Richard Eaton Singers performing under the direction of Dr. Leonard Ratzlaff.
“We had a rehearsal a few days ago and it was an unbelievable experience. They are so amazing and such a huge force.
The band and the choir will perform a variety of works both individually and jointly in an unbelievable wall of sound.
One of their collaborative offerings is O Canada, and judging by its high quality rehearsal practice, it will morph into a powerful welling of patriotic pride that creates goose bumps.
Another dual offering is the magnificent John Williams Hymn to the Fallen from the movie Saving Private Ryan.
“It’s very solemn in nature. I think people will be emotionally moved. I myself was in awe when hearing it and the hair on the back of my neck stood up.”
The band will play a series of military tunes such as the naval hymn Eternal Father, the Eagle Squadron March, and an army favourite The Homefront: Musical Memories of World War II.
A tri-service salute and the astonishingly uplifting Amazing Grace are also on the program.
“Around this time of year we pay tribute to the men and women in uniform who have served our country. By coming out to this concert, it shows we appreciate the life we have today.”
The RCA Band continues to spread its goodwill alongside the Salvation Army Music Band on Friday, Nov. 11 at the University of Alberta’s Butterdome Remembrance Day event. Thousands are expected to attend, and visitors need to be seated by 10 a.m.
Preview
A Musical Salute to Our Veterans<br />Royal Canadian Artillery Band<br />With special guests Richard Eaton Singers<br />Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m.<br />Edmonton City Hall<br />Admission: Free
