What is Foothills Concert Band?
As mentioned on our home page, Foothills Concert Band is
a band with a four-decade tradition in Calgary of community service,
excellent
musicianship and a variety of musical experiences. As this infers, we
play everything from marches to jazz to the finest symphonic band repertoire.
Players with “medium” or “medium-advanced” technical
skills fit well in our group. (For a peek at what we are playing this
year, check out the repertoire list
from the Members Section of this web site.) We strive to keep a small-band
feel to the ensemble — no matter if we are a band of 30 or 40 or
50 players, we want to keep it friendly and enjoyable for everyone.
We
are here to play music (and lots of it!) and play it as musically as
we can!
Our musical season starts a week after Labour Day in September
and ends in late June (usually the Sunday after Father's Day).
How do I join?
(or How do I find out if Foothills is right for me?)
Joining Foothills Concert Band is simple! There is no pressure
up front, as we do not require a formal audition. Our philosophy is one
of self-auditioning, where the prospective member determines whether they
are capable of the level of repertoire the band plays. So once you have
decided to try us out, the first step is to come to a rehearsal. Upcoming
rehearsals are listed on our home page (a
full rehearsal schedule is available
in the members area). You may attend up to three rehearsals at no charge
before deciding whether Foothills Concert Band is for you.
When can I join?
The best time of year to join is in September, as we welcome
prospective members in all sections at that time of year. Once
the general size and membership of the band is set for the year (usually
after Thanksgiving in mid-October), we may establish numerical limits
in some sections to preserve the musical integrity of the group.
If you are reading this in the middle of our season, we
still encourage you to contact us and/or attend a rehearsal, as you may
be able to join right away. If the section you want to join is particularly
large right now, the absolute worst case would be that we would ask you
to come join us next September (we would notify you if a vacancy came
up sooner).
Where and when do you rehearse?
Foothills Concert Band rehearses Monday nights at 7:30 p.m. from September
to June each year. Our home is Knox United Church, located in Downtown
Calgary on 4 St. SW between 5 and 6 Avenues (see closeup map below).
Again, just check our home page or the full rehearsal
schedule to confirm upcoming rehearsals.
What are the membership dues?
Members who join in the Fall pay dues in two installments:
in September and in January. (Talk to our Treasurer if you need to arrange
a different payment plan.) In 2009–10, the September installment
will be $75. The January installment will be determined by the Excutive
once membership numbers are determined for the year (the projected second
installment is $50). For new members joining later in the season, dues
are pro-rated. Dues are reviewed each year by the Executive and are subject
to change.
Who is the music director?
 Anthony
Reimer has been the conductor of Foothills Concert Band since March
1999. He has a Masters in Wind Conducting from the
University of Calgary as well as BMus and BEd degrees. He spent seven
years teaching band and choir in secondary schools in Southern Alberta,
and spent close to three years in the band music industry. He currently
works as the Head Technician for the Integrated Arts
Media Labs at the University of Calgary. He is also the Publisher of
the
World Association for
Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) web site and published their
quarterly newsletter for four years.
During Anthony's tenure with Foothills Concert Band, the
band has been known for
the breadth of musical repertoire that it performs. The band was featured
in his final Masters recital, only the third community band ever to take
part in such a recital at the University of Calgary. Anthony sees his
musical future (and present) in the community band scene, and is extremely
pleased to be a part of the tradition that is Foothills Concert Band.
I have a question that is not answered
on this web site.
Just write us an e-mail message at the address shown at
the top of the screen. Someone (usually the Music Director) will get back
to you fairly promptly.
We hope you will find Foothills Concert Band to be an enjoyable
music-making environment!
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