This year marks the 70th anniversary for the Haldimand-Norfolk Concert Band, and to celebrate their success, the band is going on a tour around the county called “Going Places.”
The band is ready to bring the community together by hosting eight free shows, aiming to revive live music in small towns and continue a long-standing local tradition.
Band member Mark Rapley explains more:
The band is a huge representation of the love for music in our community, as all of the musicians are volunteering purely for the fun of it and to entertain friends and family.
The band includes members ranging in age from high school students all the way up to their 80s, and they commit to weekly rehearsals throughout the year. Rapley explains that people value these rehearsals, and thanks to the wide age range, the genres of music performed are wonderfully diverse.
The band is also a great way to connect with others in the community or to keep that musical dream alive.
Whether you’re just graduating high school and wondering what to do next with your music, or you’re retired and have an old instrument in the closet that you’d love to pick back up—the band welcomes you.
Mark tells us what instruments they’re currently looking for and how you can join, even if you play a different instrument.
Mark explains how this tour has become a big deal for the band, especially with how hard they’ve worked to put it all together.
The concerts are completely free, but the band has made sure they don’t come across as cheap. Rapley shares how every band member is focused on the audience’s entertainment and creating a high-quality concert experience.
The band will be accepting donations at the concerts but wants to remind everyone that they are not required.
Their main focus is on creating a spectacular night of music and celebration for everyone watching.
Full schedule below:
May 1
Grace United Church
174 Caithness St., Caledonia
7:30 PM
May 8
South Cayuga Community Church
6182 Rainham Rd., Dunnville
7:30 PM
May 15
Salvation Army
184 Colborne St. N., Simcoe
7:30 PM
May 29
Faith Centennial United Church
28 Main St. W., Selkirk
7:30 PM
June 5
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
155 Colborne St. N., Simcoe
7:30 PM
June 19
Riverfront Park
Harbour St., Port Dover
7:00 PM
Outdoor concert – bring your own lawn chair – weather permitting
June 26
Old Town Hall
76 Main St. S., Waterford
6:30 PM
Outdoor concert – will move indoors if raining – bring your own chair
Written by: Georgia Chambers