The Moose Jaw Band and Choral Boosters program is getting ready to host a first-ever initiative where a select group of “all star” band students from across the city will perform a concert after only a day and a half of rehearsal time.
Each student chosen for the program will have been nominated by their band and choir director, and a select number of around 55 students from each local elementary school – with the exception of Cornerstone Christian School for this initial run – will come together to form a single concert band.
There is one caveat, however: the performance is only made possible with enough support from the community.
To help make the inaugural event possible, The Moose Jaw Band and Choral Boosters will be holding a boneless Greek rib and Caesar night Feb. 28 at The Mad Greek. Everyone from the community is welcome to attend and show their support, with meals available for eat-in or take-out.
All proceeds help support band and choir student across Moose Jaw, with a special focus on students at the elementary school level.
“There’s less opportunity already for elementary students, compared to high school students,” explained Kurt Gillett, chair of the Moose Jaw Band and Choral Boosters program.
The program aims to boost these elementary students so when they enter high school, they’ll be better prepared to face the challenges ahead. It’s also a means for them to have some fun along the way.
“It’s just to provide an extra opportunity for kids. Part of the goal of band boosters is to support or enrich band programs in the city,” he said. “We’re trying to provide some opportunities that are not already (available), that will help strengthen the existing programs while also offering something different programs don’t offer.”
The workshop will see these select students spend a day and a half in rehearsal, with sectional practices run by teachers and students at the high school level. This will be followed by a rehearsal with a guest director and finally culminates in a public concert the next day.
“It’s kind of an all-star team from every band program in the city, so they’re put to a challenge,” he said. “It’s kind of an honour to be chosen to participate in the event.”
The newly formed “Junior Select Band” will then play a number of pieces selected by guest conductor Brent Pittman, who has served in the Saskatoon school division for most of his career and is now retired. These pieces have not yet been disclosed, of course, as part of the challenge is for students to test their mettle at the workshop.
Following the intense day of rehearsals on March 8, the public will be invited to the concert taking place one day later starting at 1 p.m. on March 9. The concert will be around 30 – 45 minutes long and takes place at the Peacock Auditorium.
Thanks to support from the rib night fundraiser, the concert will be available free of charge to the public. For anyone who was unable to attend the rib night or who wishes to further support local band students, the free concert will have a silver collection plate at the door for an optional donation.
Tickets for the supper are on sale now and go for $25 apiece. Each ticket comes with boneless Greek ribs, Caesar salad, and garlic toast. Anyone looking to attend should note that tickets will not be available for purchase at The Mad Greek and must be purchased in advance.
To purchase your tickets, contact Kurt Gillett at [email protected].
The Mad Greek is located at 925 Main Street North and orders can be placed throughout the day from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
“Come out, have some great food, and support our local young musicians.”
