By Kathryn-jane hazel
There's no such thing as too much trumpet playing for Hanxi MacIlquham.
The 15-year-old Nanaimo District Senior Secondary student plays trumpet in three different bands – the Nanaimo Sea Cadets marching band, and Nanaimo District Secondary School’s jazz and concert bands.
He also performs in several concerts throughout the year and participates in a program that introduces children to musical instruments at elementary schools.
And now he’s going to be playing the solo in Eleanor Daley’s piece, called For the Fallen, the opening piece in Malaspina Choir’s Reflections: Songs of Remembrance and Joy concert held Sunday (Nov. 20).
MacIlquham’s passion for the trumpet began when he was 11 years old and a Grade 6 student at École Hammond Bay Elementary School and he had to choose a musical instrument for his band class.
“I absolutely loved it,” he said.
By playing in three different bands, MacIlquham gets to enjoy a variety of music. As a member of the marching band, he plays mostly marching music, which, he finds more uplifting.
With the NDSS concert band, led by teacher Ken Brewer, he explores classical music, both traditional and modern, as well as Canadian composers.
The school’s jazz band is a bit more relaxed, he says, providing opportunities for improvisation.
MacIlquham will be making his solo debut at the Reflections concert.
It begins at 2:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s United Church, located at 311 Fitzwilliam St.
MacIlquham said he is excited about playing the Eleanor Daley composition.
“I like the feeling of the song. It’s a slower song, and those usually have a lot of feeling. It has a lot of emotion and that’s what I enjoy about the piece,” he said.
Tickets are $20, $10 for patrons under 25 years old, $5 for eyeGo and children 12 and under will be admitted free. For tickets, please call 250-754-8550 or visit www.porttheatre.com.
Kathryn-Jane Hazel is a member of the Malaspina Choir Production Committee.