The size and scope of any war is almost too large to comprehend. But as the Royal Canadian Artillery Band steps up for its second annual A Musical Salute: Tribute to our Veterans, it becomes personal resurrecting our memories and sentiments.
Captain Patrice Arsenault, musical director and conductor of the RCA Band, 3rd Canadian Division Support Group, has travelled overseas on about 10 commemorative tours.
He has toured with bands to target areas of the Second World War including Portsmouth, Juno Beach and Vimy Ridge. Overcome with emotion at times, Arsenault found the experiences very humbling.
“There was a sense of pride in being Canadian. We felt closer to what happened and the tremendous sacrifice those soldiers made. It brings the event back to life. You are right there with veterans – the same people it happened to,” said Arsenault.
Tribute to Our Veterans is designed as a pre-Remembrance Day ceremony that allows us to salute past servicemen and women and show our continued appreciation.
The one-hour concert held on Sunday at Edmonton City Hall combines music from military life, some sober introspective numbers complemented by the fun, high-energy charts.
The Master of Ceremonies is Warrant Officer Norman de Poe, a band trombonist who has served for well over 35 years.
“He has a this beautiful, deep rich voice – kind of a radio announcer’s voice. He’s comfortable in front of an audience and he has good stories to tell.”
Once on stage, the band will number 42. This number is augmented by 10 reservists and several vocalists.
The afternoon repertoire is a cocktail of familiar pieces that combine a fanfare inspired by God Save the Queen, Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variation – a slow, emotional piece and the ever-popular Amazing Grace.
“Amazing Grace is a powerful piece of music and the arrangement we have is beautiful. It always gets a reaction from the crowd.”
Sgt. Jeanine Bremault-Bamford’s killer jazzy vocals will once again vie for the audience’s attention with a small variety of tunes including Don’t Rain on My Parade and a medley of Andrews Sisters songs.
Last year’s premiere event attracted 400 people. Now that the word is out, Arsenault believes more people will show up to pay their respects.
“It’s one of the many ways to connect with people in the present military and those from the past. It is not going to be solemn. But we have set a mood of respect for those who serve and have served.”
Preview
A Musical Salute: Tribute to Our Veterans<br />Royal Canadian Artillery Band<br />Sunday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.<br />Edmonton City Hall<br />1 Sir Winston Churchill Square<br />Free Admission
