The Barrie Concert Band is joining with the Base Borden Brass and Reed Band in a salute to veterans of the Canadian forces, Tuesday night, October 18, at the Army, Navy and Air Force Club on George St., just off Anne Street,
This year is a particularly significant one, as 2016 marks the centennial of Base Borden as well as the 50th anniversary of ANAF. Besides paying tribute to those Canadians who liberated much of Western Europe, conductor Rick Pauze and his musicians will also highlight the music of Count Basie (“One O’Clock Jump”) and Hoagy Carmichael (“Stardust”, “Georgia On My Mind”, “Ol’ Buttermilk Sky”), as well as those pieces that mark the World War II years in most of our minds.
“The music of World War II is very special not only for the big band era or swing being at full speed, but the music of the time was usually very patriotic or inspirational,” says Pauze. “ The songs had meaning and part of life.”
And it’s the season of giving; while the show is free, the band asks that patrons bring a non-perishable food item or optional donation for the Barrie Food Bank.
While enthused in general about the music of World War II, Pauze admits to being partial Glenn Miller (“Moonlight Serenade,” “String of Pearls,” “American Patrol”), and not just for his music.
“He and his band were part of the war effort, with the band enlisting and performing for the troops, to the point when Glenn Miller was reported missing en route to France (at the end of 1944).”
Besides stirring marches and other patriotic music, concertgoers will be treated to highlights from “Les Miserables”, the musical that swept the world in the mid-1980s and whose music still holds up today.
Pauze adds that, with military conflict still an unfortunate reality to day, “it is still important for us to honour the past but also the present. This is why the Base Borden Band is also part of this concert.”
It probably goes without saying, that “the majority of the audience will be families with military service in their background.”
Pauze gives the downbeat to begin the show at 7:15 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 18 at ANAF on George St., just off Anne St. below Dunlop.
Find out more here.
