“Music for a Winter Afternoon” with the Community Band

Saturday, Dec. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Orcas Center

The Orcas Island Community Band, co-led by Jim Shaffer-Bauck and Karen Key Speck

— by Margie Doyle —

The Orcas Island Community Band brings an outstanding program of country music, European marches and Spanish-themed music to its Winter Concert this Saturday afternoon, the final celebration of its 25th Anniversary year.

An early director was Kirke Muse, who would motivate the community band to learn new pieces by using reverse psychology, challenge the band, “You guys will never play that song.” One of the songs he was specifically mentioning was “Amparito Roca” which will be part of Saturday’s concert. Band Co-leader Karen Key Speck says, It’s been around forever and its fun to revive the old song.”

Leah Jenson and Judy Whiting play the bassoon

Members of the band from the early years have been John Evans (now retired for health reasons) Bonnie Dahl, Russ Harvey, Sue Kimple, Bob Littlewood, Bruce Parker, Linda Slone, Karen Speck, Sam Windsor, and Judy Whiting.

For this Saturday afternoon concert, the band has been learning four new songs, including a new arrangement of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.” Karen says, “We’ve worked hard to pull it off, it’s very challenging and difficult.” Also new this year is an arrangement of “I Saw Three Ships;” and “Feliz Navidad” will close the show.

The directors always work to include suggestions from band members, and this year, the youngest player, Bassoonist Leah Jenson suggested “Ring of Fire,” made famous by Johnny Cash. “Incredibly we have that in our library from the original founding director, Marlin Brown,” says Karen. “We had a ball learning it, its very challenging because the meter changes constantly but it’s an outstanding piece.”

As always, admission is by donation, and a dessert-and-savories reception provided by the band follows the 2 p.m. concert. “People who never see us in formal concert wear will see us at our best,” says Karen.

The band rehearses most Monday nights, except during a July-August summer break.