Sleigh bells, snow, carols and holiday traditions – as the Christmas season approaches, the Nanaimo Concert Band invites the community for a afternoon of music celebrating the Spirit of Christmas on Dec. 8 at 2:30 p.m.
Their festive musical offering ranges from traditional Christmas, swing, classical holiday music and even a few Christmas carols to be sung along with vocalist Maureen O’Hearn.
The band rehearses the festive pieces for weeks on end before finally getting to the day where they perform it for their audience.
“No matter how many times you play the music, it’s still magical,” said Bobbi Bogle, the band’s bassoon player.
The band has been performing for charity events such as this for more than 141 years. The Christmas Charity Concert is an important part of what the band is all about – the proceeds go to the local food bank.
“To see the smiles in the audience and the joy on their faces makes it all worth while,” Bogle said. “Not only is the concert for the audience enjoyment but it has become a part of my Christmas.”
The band performs at Beban Park and will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items to donate to the Salvation Army food bank.
For more information, please visit www.nanaimoconcertband.com.