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Seaside concerts in Powell River round out community band’s season

Performances mark final shows for many youth performers
Powell River Community Band
BEACH THEME: Powell River Community Band will perform two free concerts this weekend featuring music inspired by the sea. The events take place at noon Saturday at Willingdon Beach and noon Sunday on Savary Island. Contributed photo

Two free concerts by the sea will round out Powell River Community Band’s season and offer listeners a last chance to see many of the ensemble’s young performers who will be moving on.

The band, currently comprised of some 24 members, has always been intergenerational. However, the last few years have been unique, according to band member Lot Sparham.

“We’ve always had one or two students, but the last two years we’ve had six,” she said.

It is a change Sparham attributes to conductor Roy Carson’s involvement.

“Since Roy became our musical director he’s stimulated quite a number of students to join our community band,” she said. “It’s been wonderful. They’ve changed the dynamics in the band and the atmosphere.”

This year, all its youth members will be moving away as most have graduated high school. One who has not yet graduated will be leaving town to attend school on Vancouver Island.

Youth performers include Roy’s sons Steve and Eli, who are also members of award-winning jazz combo Take 5, as well as Brooke Clansey, Zoe Crookshank, Gareth Evans and Alia McPhee.

Sparham and her husband joined the community band shortly after moving to Powell River in 2010 and have found it to be a great way to get involved in both music and local life.

“We saw how much fun these people were having making music together and wanted to do that,” said Sparham, adding that she is hopeful a new group of younger musicians will come and join the band next year, along with community members of all ages.

“I want to make sure people have the chance to hear these concerts,” said Sparham. “We want people to know about us and maybe feel inspired to join us next year.”

Powell River Community Band will perform at noon on Saturday, June 9, at Loggers Memorial Bowl at Willingdon Beach and at noon on Sunday, June 10, at Pascalito Hacienda on Savary Island.