Oceanside Music Association is heading into September with some exciting news — the introduction of two new musical groups and the first of many educational courses.
With 57 musicians having graduated from the ABC Band into the next level to further their musical skills, the association has announced the Oceanside Intermediate Concert Band directed by Ed Dumas, according to a news release.
This band is open to the community and meant for growing musicians who are not beginners, but not yet ready to play in the top-level groups, Oceanside Concert Band and Oceanside Big Band.
“We are also pleased to welcome a new vocal group, the newly created Oceanside Pops Choir under the direction of Carole Baker and accompanied by pianist, Wendy Alexander,” the release said. “This musical group is a mixed-voice pops choir that will perform arrangements of popular favourites from various decades, Top 40 hits and close-harmony vocal jazz. Choral experience is a bonus but not necessary.”
Oceanside Music has groups for all ages, including high school students.
Its choirs include the Oceanside Music Concert Choir, the A Cappella Consort Singers and Oceanside Pops Choir.
Beginner musicians can consider the ABC Band, which is ready for its next intake.
For intermediate and advanced musicians, the new Intermediate Concert Band or the Concert Band are better options.
Highly skilled musicians might find the Oceanside Big Band a suitable fit.
All musical groups begin rehearsing in September in preparation for the winter concert series.
Oceanside Music will host an open house from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 3 at the McMillan Arts Centre (133 McMillan St.) in Parksville. The open house will provide a chance to meet the musical directors and learn more about the different musical groups, or call Oceanside Music at 250-594-4755.
Since announcing its new name and international award-winning logo last August, Oceanside Music has been busy, and for the first time in years, it significantly increased membership, including many high school students.
It recently presented bursaries to two Oceanside high school students that will be pursuing music and musical theatre.
Oceanside Music will offer a Music Theory Level 1 course on Thursday evenings with classes starting on Sept. 4. To register visit www.oceanside-music.ca.
Its winter concert series at Knox United Church will start with Oceanside Big Band’s Remembrance Day-themed performance on Nov. 9, followed by a Oceanside Concert Band’s performance, Olive, The Other Reindeer, on Nov. 23, with their guest, Oceanside Pops Choir performing their inaugural concert.
On Dec. 7, the Oceanside Concert Choir performs Handel’s Messiah featuring four gifted guest soloists and accompanied by Nanaimo’s Chamber Orchestra. To wrap up the fall concert season, Oceanside Consort A Cappella Singers perform a collection of harmonized songs on Dec. 13.
Oceanside Music Association, formerly Parksville & District Musical Association, is a registered and incorporated non-profit society established in 1966, and it is supported by many donors and sponsors. To make a donation or learn more about our sponsorship program, contact [email protected].
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