Nanaimo Concert Band Spring Concert

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Sunday, April 7th, 2024
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

NANAIMO CONCERT BAND
THEMES LIKE SPRING

 NANAIMO CONCERT BAND will deliver what it has become known and loved for since 1872… a program well played, always entertaining, and leaving the audience wanting more!

During this Sunday afternoon concert NANAIMO CONCERT BAND will perform music from a variety of genres. The music will feature themes from Spring, popular culture, classical music, and everything else in between - with a few “surprises” thrown in for good measure. This concert will showcase and highlight the hard work and talents of the members of this wind ensemble. This will be a lighthearted, entertaining performance that all members of the family could enjoy together. Marc Hayes has been inspiring the band and audiences since taking over the Musical Direction in September 2023.

Some audience feedback after the Fall 2023 Port Theatre Concert: “Awesome show!! I think Mark has taken this band to the next level!!! I had the best time in the audience.” “We were absolutely delighted with today’s concert. Thank you to all the talented musicians and your director. Totally entertaining.”

Nanaimo Concert Band believes that there is nothing better than the live music experience shared with a real live audience. Won’t you join us?

Themes Like Spring - Music and Fatherhood
A conversation with NANAIMO CONCERT BAND Music Director Marc Hayes.

Music Director Marc Hayes is preparing the Nanaimo Concert Band for the upcoming April 7th Concert at the Port Theatre. I had the opportunity to have a short conversation with Marc about the upcoming concert and on his new role as Father.

Marc’s theme for the concert is what Spring is about and iconic themes. Marc had shared on one rehearsal night that two of his all-time favourite pieces are the Second Suite for Military Band by Gustav Holst and Benedictus from The Armed Man. I asked him why these pieces were his favourites?

“Well, the Holst Suite is an ‘iconic’ piece for Concert Band. A favourite among band musicians. In the last movement of the Holst Suite there is a “mash-up” of sorts of two iconic English folk songs: the fast and dance-like Dargason and Greensleeves.” It should be noted that Marc’s new favourite time of day is Snuggle time with baby Hayes!

“With the Benedictus it is because it is so purely emotional. Karl Jenkins (wrote the music for The Armed Man) is one of my favourite composers.” Speaking of emotions, on the arrival of his new son, less than eight weeks ago, Marc said “I can’t describe the roller coaster of emotions.” Sounds like pure love to me Marc.

Speaking of new births, Springtime is one of the themes of the Sunday afternoon concert. The Nanaimo Concert Band will be performing excerpts from Aaron Copland’s Appalachian Spring. Originally written as a ballet, the Suite for Orchestra premiered in 1945. Appalachian Spring has become iconic American music. Audience members will recognize amongst the excerpts the Shaker theme “Simple Gifts”. Marc said that Appalachian Spring offers a contrast in sound and texture compared to the Holst Suite. Where in the Holst Suite the orchestration is full, and the sound is continuous Copland’s piece has a sparse texture to it.

Back by popular demand Nanaimo Concert Band Percussionist Barb Tease will be featured on the Marimba again but this time in a duet with fellow Percussionist Jennifer Lehtovaara. The two band members will be playing a fast paced and challenging duet called The Two Imps by Kenneth Alford.

“I hope the community will come out and support the Nanaimo Concert Band. The members have been working hard to put on a great show. We will play homage to the 100-year anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force and much more on the program – with a few special surprises in store.”

Tracy Harvey – Nanaimo Concert Band