Spring concert of change

The St. Albert Community Band’s season finale next Wednesday is going to have a very altered timbre.

Gerry Buccini, president of the band board for 43 years, is retiring from his position. The Spring Concert held at the Arden Theatre will be the last time he discharges his duties as the traditional concert scriptwriter.

Unlike other annual concerts, this season finale also presents the Jerry Wennes Award to an exceptional band member showing dedication, leadership and commitment. Last year’s inaugural recipient was percussionist Rodger Weir.

“I love them all so dearly. They work so hard and they deserve recognition from their community,” said Dr. Angela Schroeder, the band’s conductor.

Keeping the repertoire’s tone light to match the sunny season, Schroeder hopes people will leave smiling and humming the songs.

The 75-member band has rehearsed two medleys of instantly familiar sound tracks. One is a selection from the magnificent hit Les Misérables. A second movie medley combines the popular Toy Story, Up, Ratatouille and Cars.

The band opens their portion with Frank Ticheli’s Joy Revisited, a dedication to one of their own band members also named Joy. Several months ago, Joy suffered an aneurysm and has been unable to play. However, she will be sitting in the audience.

“This is another way to honour a band member. It’s an exciting, uplifting piece.”

Back in March, the band competed in the Alberta International Band Festival and received a superior rating with two technically challenging pieces, Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo and Continuum.

“Because we got such a great adjudication, we felt we could work on it and do better.”

Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo is a traditional three-movement piece in a contrasting style. In a completely different form, Continuum, is a jazz-infused chart with a bass-line that carries through the piece.

Schroeder describes the finale as “a stunner,” a number that shines a spotlight on the percussion section. Africa features nine percussionists evoking the drumming tradition of the Dark Continent.

“It’s loud. The drums are exciting and interesting and there’s a different crossover of rhythms between sections. The drums evoke a traditional African dance feel, and the rest of the band plays a full sound. Like a full piece choir, it’s warm and sonorous.”

The entire repertoire is technically challenging and emotionally demanding. Since Schroeder came on board as conductor in 2010, she has pushed the band to reach a level of musicianship that approaches symphonic quality.

“I know when I come to St. Albert I may be tired, but I will leave feeling inspired. As the level gets higher, you are more inspired. I have certainly pushed them and they have reached new heights.”