Trumpet player Al Campbell has been a member of the Nanaimo Concert Band for more than 70 years.
He started when he was 11 years old and his first instrument was the cornet. His family was musical and it just seemed natural to join the band.
“My mother was a piano player and my dad sang and there was always music in the house,” said Campbell. “I've played all my life in dance bands or jazz bands.”
He regularly performed with bands at the Pygmy Pavilion from 1942-1943.
“I had my own dance band. A little five piece,” he said. “We used to get 900 to 1,000 people on a Saturday night. The army camp was here then.”
Campbell said the Nanaimo Concert Band members used to perform at the funerals of miners, and they were asked frequently by members of the Nanaimo Chinese community to perform.
Campbell’s skills have improved over the years. He started as the third trumpet player and advanced to first trumpet player. Things have gone full circle and Campbell is again third trumpet player. He said he let younger players step into the position.
Campbell said playing the trumpet is all about breath control.
“Sound is made by vibration of the lips in the mouthpiece. It’s not as difficult as a reed instrument,” he said.
The Nanaimo Concert Band performs its annual spring concert Swing Into Spring Sunday (April 17) at 2:30 p.m. at the Port Theatre.
Tickets are $13.50 and are available by calling 250-754-8550 or online at www.porttheatre.com. For more information, please go to http://nanaimoconcertband.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com