THE BAND
A Brief History
The Band started in the winter of 1986/87 when the Celebrations Society suggested that a town band be formed. The first public concert was held in Tulista Park on June 30, 1987. Playing under rainy skies, however, did not dampen enthusiasm of the seedling community band. In the early years, the biggest problem was finding a place to rehearse. Known then as the ‘Sidney and North Saanich Community Band’, they made Parkland High School their first home. A few years later they moved to the old Sanscha Hall in Sidney, after which their name changed to the ‘Sidney Town Band’. When redevelopment of the Sanscha Hall began, the Band moved to Saanichton and then to Brentwood, where the name became our current. After a decade of appreciating the hospitality of the southern end of the Saanich Peninsula, the Band ‘moved home to Sidney’ where it now enjoys rehearsal space at the Peace Lutheran Church. In today’s band, musicians range from age 18 to 85 years and hail from all walks of life, but on the stroke of the downbeat, music levels all ranks!
Sidney Concert Band, 2017
Audience Comments
November 2023
Salute to Our Veterans: A Remembrance Day Concert
“Your concert yesterday was the best ever! Everything was so well done and the audience’s appreciation was evident, especially when they were clapping along to the video performances! They also appreciated both the Remembrance solemnity and the casual humorous asides. Such a variety of pieces of music too!! The balance of the sections was consistently good, and every soloist and speaker was heard clearly. I particularly noticed the proficiency of the percussionists (and I was surprised to see Bruce join them!) So much hard work and commitment! I’m already looking forward to the Broadway on Beacon concert.”
– L.M.
Salute to Our Veterans: A Remembrance Day Concert
“Wow, just terrific! It seemed like much more of a show now, with the wonderful slide show on the back, the young kids from Kitty Hawk reading letters home from soldiers in WWI and those amazing dancers… And, of course, the pipes and drums. Made me recall my seven years of Highland dancing…. Nice job, “Mr. Krupa” on the drums on Sing, Sing, Sing.”
– Virginia Watson-Rouslin
“I have attended numerous performances in the Charlie White Theatre over the years, so I can definitely tell you that the entire audience that was there yesterday afternoon responded well and enjoyed themselves immensely! You produced a most welcome program, including pipes and drums, vocals, remembrance numbers in particular, everything was extremely well done – and it showed. Thank you for recognizing the veterans by acknowledgment…they appreciated that… take a bow and also a moment to congratulate yourselves on a job very well done…you deserve it!!”
– D
“I was in the audience last night and enjoyed the best SCB concert ever. From my vantage point, I had the full complement of rear screen, dancers, speakers, musicians and even audience members. We laughed, we cried, we sang, we clapped, we went home happy…Congrats to all who did solos!”
– J
Upcoming Concerts & Events
See Events Calendar
Rehearsals
Newcomers are welcome and should note the following rehearsal details:
Every Monday
Downbeat at 7pm
Peace Lutheran Church
(upstairs)
2295 Weiler Avenue, Sidney, BC
Band Repertoire
The Band owns a music repertoire suited to a wide variety of venues. Our library holds over 400 scores, including Gershwin, Mozart, Cole Porter, John Williams, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Gilbert & Sullivan, Leroy Anderson, Holst, Kenneth Alford and much more!
In addition to full concert band scores we also have fun arrangements featuring band sections, such as Seventy-Six Trombones, Bugler’s Holiday and Clare Grundman’s Flutations. Hear a track.
Band Instrumentation
Oboe, Flute / Piccolo, Clarinet / Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Alto, Tenor, Bari Saxophone, Trumpet, Horn, Trombone, Euphonium / Baritone, Tuba, Percussion, String Bass