Alumni school band musicians sought for Canada Day 150th performance
BY KIM LANGEN
High school band musicians – dating back to the longhaired era of the 1970s – are wanted.
That’s because retired band teacher Tim Lawson is putting together a group for a very special performance, for Killarney’s Canada Day 150th birthday celebrations.
“I thought it would be really neat to get a bunch of people together for this event,” said Lawson. “I’ve got 15 musicians so far, and I want to have as many as I can get my hands on. Maybe 50, or even 100; I’m looking for Killarney School Band members from the ‘70s and up to the present. I’m hoping to get some from every decade.”
Lawson has his eye on preparing three pieces of music, plus ‘Oh Canada.’
“Something like the traditional Canadian ‘Newfoundland Folk Song,’ and maybe the overture ‘Creed,’” he said. “I’m planning on a few rehearsals in June, and then on June 30 – the night before the performance – there will be a rehearsal for everyone at the Shamrock Centre. Some of these people are coming from Saskatchewan, and are travelling in just for the event. I’m excited.”
The alumni band will play in the Shamrock Centre hall on Saturday, July 1, in the afternoon, during an art exposition in the same location.
“The Killarney-Turtle Mountain Arts Council will be sponsoring the event, which is all being done by volunteers,” said Lawson. “And school principal Mr. Beazley and music teacher Miss Lawson are offering the use of school instruments for the event, which I thought would be really helpful.”
And after the art show and alumni band performance, everyone is invited to journey over to the newly refurbished Heritage House verandah on the Ag Grounds.
“There will be music on the porch there, and lemonade, from 3 to 4 p.m. on Canada Day afternoon,” said Lawson.
To contact Tim Lawson about joining the band, you can email him at [email protected].
And to showcase your visual arts works at the art exposition, or for more information, contact Judy Danard at 204-523-0874, or email her at: [email protected].
CALLING ALL BAND MEMBERS – Retired band teacher Tim Lawson is looking to recruit alumni band members from Killarney School – dating back to the 1970s. The plan is to put together a short performance, with up to 100 musicians, for Canada’s 150th Celebration on July 1. Lawson is pictured here amongst photos of past bands – and glory days.