If playing a musical instrument lights up your life, and you want to share that light with others — the Cowichan Concert Band is looking for new members.
The band, based out of Duncan, is especially looking for those who play the flute, or brass.
The band of approximately 30 members is looking forward to sharing music with the community, said Cowichan Concert Band president Laura Brizzi, and certain members will be lending their talents for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle Campaigns taking place outside of Walmart and Thrifty's in Duncan.
Brizzi, who plays the clarinet, has been a member since 2018, and president of the non-profit community concert band for the past four years, and loves not only the camaraderie of the band, but also having the opportunity to play music. Brizzi said her father was a professional musician and played with an array of bands and symphonies, which led to her getting into music herself at the tender age of three.
"After university I had to focus on my family and family businesses so I had many years that I had to put my music on the back shelf," said Brizzi. "There are many other members who are in the same position and we all just want to play and share our gift with our community. Since being president, it has been my goal not only to develop the band musically, get more gigs, and grow our numbers, but to also bring us all a little closer, with year end gatherings, and fun intimate gigs. I love to play, but what I love even more is the people I get to share my time with, while I play."
Those who play regularly, or are looking to dust off their instrument and get back into the swing of things can email Laura at laurabrizzi4@gmail.com, or message them though their Facebook page. You can check out their website at cvconcertband.org.
"We always have a lot of fun at rehearsals, as most of our musicians are full of personality. We work hard, as we have many difficult pieces that push us all to be better musicians, but we all really enjoy being together," said Brizzi.
New members will have plenty of time to brush up on their skills for the band's winter concert that will be held on Feb. 8. Their spring concert is scheduled for May 3, 2025. Over the years the band has made the rounds, making music at a myriad of locations and annual events including past Remembrance Day services, the B.C. Forest Discovery Centre, The Grape Escape, and most recently at the Maple Bay Rowing Club for Canada Day.
Don Ballard, who plays baritone sax and has been a member for the last five years, said he especially loves getting to play Canada Day and their winter concert as he really loves the family atmosphere, and to see kids running around having fun.
"We want to be able to share a number of emotions with our concert guests," said Ballard. "We hope that our music touches them in many ways and takes them on an emotional ride. We play pieces that are light and some that can evoke memories and emotions that we hope our guests enjoy. We want them to go home happy and tapping their feet."
