A new season is beginning for the Maple Ridge Concert Band and they are looking for new members.
The band offers something for experienced performers, intermediate performers and for those who are beginners.
"Which is open to everyone, even those with zero musical experience," said Lucinda Tooker, spokesperson for the band.
The goal of the ABC Band, said Tooker, is to introduce new musicians to all things related to their instrument of choice as well as the general skills necessary to grow into well-seasoned musicians. This includes everything from assembly, playing, and maintaining their instruments, to reading and writing musical notation, and all things in between related to individual and ensemble skills and techniques.
For those who already have some musical experience, the Maple Ridge Intermediate Concert Band is also open to all ages, levels, and musical backgrounds. This band will rehearse and perform several concerts throughout the season which will feature a diverse collection of repertoire to make if fun for everyone.
"The Intermediate Concert Band is an all-inclusive ensemble, perfect for musicians getting back into music, learning a second instrument, or those just looking to play in a fun, supportive musical environment," explained Tooker.
Geeta Das is the director of both the ABC Band and the Intermediate Concert Band. She is a multi-instrumentalist, educator and conductor, who has studied, performed, and taught music nationally and internationally for more than twenty years and has performed with many world-renowned artists.
Das is well-versed in a variety of musical styles from classical and jazz, to Latin, funk, R&B, soul, pop, rock, and reggae.
A free information and demonstration session for the ABC Band takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Westview Secondary School, 20905 Wicklund Ave., in Maple Ridge.
The Intermediate Concert Band rehearses Thursday evenings, also at Westview Secondary School.
For more information about rehearsal dates and locations for all of the Maple Ridge Concert Bands, please visit www.mrcb.ca.
