For the first time in history, the Nanaimo Concert Band will be conducted by a woman.
“It took them 150 years, but we’re getting there,” joked Jill Mont, the new conductor who will lead the band’s performances starting this Sunday. “It’s exciting and it was a super smooth transition. It’s exciting because … concert bands all over, we’re seeing more and more women conductors … so it’s nice to see good representation of that.”
Mont, who also conducts several other bands in the city, has been a part of the Nanaimo Concert Band since 2009 and has played the French horn, trombone and percussion for the group in the past.
Before being offered the position, she was backup for the band’s previous conductor Dave Fullerton.
“I’ve done a lot of conducting in musical theatre, school music and band programs. I am also the director for the Mid-Island Community Bands and a swing band in town … When they were looking for somebody with a lot of experience and who knew the repertoire… it was nice for them to have an easy decision.”
The Nanaimo Concert Band will play their fall concert at the Port Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2:30 p.m.
Mont said the predominant theme for the concert will be honouring the late Queen Elizabeth II, giving acknowledgement to those who are suffering through the Ukraine conflict, and paying respect and gratitude to Canadian veterans for the upcoming Remembrance Day.
It’s not only a highly anticipated but also a highly varied show, as the conductor said the band will also play a Dixieland number, a piece reminiscent of the Alberta wilderness and pirate music.
Tickets for Sunday’s Port Theatre performance can be purchased online at www.porttheatre.com.
READ MORE: Nanaimo Concert Band planning a musical 150th anniversary
mandy.moraes@nanaimobulletin.com
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