For many adults, the sounds of flutes and oboes, trombones and clarinets bring back wistful memories from their bygone school days. Here in the Band City, however, adults of all skill levels are invited to create new musical memories and lasting connections, as the Moose Jaw Community Bands (MJCB) gear up for their 12th season.
“We’re basically trying to promote the performing arts in Moose Jaw by the community band programs through different artistic expression,” said Colleen Ostoforoff, president of MJCB.
Formerly known as the Moose Jaw Adult Concert Band, it all began when a group of school music teachers decided to dust off their own instruments and start getting together in the evenings, not as part of the school curriculum but just for the fun of it. Fast forward twelve years and the group has now blossomed into an ever-growing non-profit organization featuring two bands – the Beginner Band and the Concert Band.
“We’re really inclusive, and we want to bring anybody in that’s interested in playing,” Ostoforoff said. “This year, we have quite a few new musicians that’ve shown interest in joining us. (We) want to encourage everybody to come out and play, regardless of what your instrument is.”
The beginner band will be conducted by Janie Fries, who will give even those who have never so much as picked up an instrument, all the support and knowledge they need to play along with the band. Ostoforoff urges those who might be hesitant or concerned about their lack to skills to give it a try.
“You might think, ‘Oh, I’m going to squawk, and ‘Oh, I’m so nervous,’ but everyone’s in the same boat,” she said. “We walk them through with guided instructions with other adults that are learning an instrument, and then they can step up to the concert band level.”
The conductors will assist in helping students to know when they’re ready to move up to the Concert Band, conducted by Daryl McKinnon.
“A lot of people might be afraid and say, ‘Oh, I don’t think I’m ready.’ Janie will encourage you and say, ‘I think you need to step up into the concert role,’” Ostoforoff said.
She has also been delighted to see a lot of the same musicians returning time and time again to take part in the experience.
“A lot of those musicians have come back again year after year because they realize the camaraderie you get with other fellow musicians around and learning new skills, and you just feel good performing and practicing and learning something new. So it’s really nice to see that people are coming back.”
Ostoforoff herself has been playing music for about 45 years, primarily the bassoon, and has found music to be a powerful connection to others, no matter how much time and distance separates them. After attending University of Saskatchewan, Ostoforoff moved down east where she met several fellow musicians who also hailed from Saskatchewan. After roughly 30 years apart, they picked up right where they left off and resumed playing together, once she moved back to Saskatchewan.
“It makes me feel like I’m a part of a big family,” she said. “And it gives support, gives cognitive abilities. There are so many positive features of playing music that I feel it’s a big part of my family, regardless (of) where I am.”
Anyone wanting to take part is asked to bring their own instrument, which Ostoforoff suggests renting or looking around for locally, as many of the instruments can be found relatively cheaply around town whether at the local music store, garage sales or online.
“The way I look at it is, even if you rent it month to month for four, five months to start with and you find you don’t want to learn the learn the flute, you want to learn the trumpet – then pick up the trumpet in January. You’d be surprised what’s transferable between instruments,” Ostoforoff said.
If a wind instrument isn’t accessible to you, simply bring a pair of drumsticks and join the percussion section, all of the instruments for which are available to use at the Vanier Collegiate band room, where rehearsals will take place.
“Percussionists are always needed everywhere at any band that I’ve seen,” Ostoforoff added.
Both the beginner and concert bands will perform two concerts a piece, the dates of which are still in the works, but which will likely take place close to Christmas and in the spring.
Band rehearsals will take place Thursdays at Vanier Collegiate, the beginner band at 6 p.m., followed by the Concert Band at 7:30 p.m. Registration takes place at 6 p.m. for the beginner band and 7 p.m. for the Concert Band on September 10, followed by their first practice of the season that same evening.
Those interested in learning more can go to mjcommunityband@gmail.com , visit the website: https://moosejawcommunitybands.com or call Colleen Ostoforoff directly at 306-361-2312.
By Annie Savage
For Moose Jaw Express
