Joe Babcock directs the Community Band at the 2009 annual BandFest
By Moana Kutsche
It was so much fun, they want to do it again! The Orcas Island Community Band will return to the annual BandFest in Ladner, British Columbia, on Sunday, June 10. The Orcas Band made its debut appearance at the festival in 2009. The group had a wonderful time, and has been eager to go back.
The BandFest is a big undertaking. Twenty or so community bands from British Columbia get together in a big park in Ladner each year for a two-day celebration of music. Groups take turns playing and listening. The musicians all enjoy each other’s company. This year, the festival will be an international event thanks to Orcas. Gracious hosts the Delta Music Makers have invited the Orcas band to return. This year, eager band members on both sides of the border will get their wish.
Conductor Joe Babcock will lead about forty Orcasites of all ages in a program of American and European marches, dances and band favorites. Local audiences can hear a preview at the Band’s spring concert on Saturday, June 2, 7:30 at Orcas Center.
Both the spring concert and the Ladner BandFest are free and open to the public.
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