An Okotoks ensemble finished an Alberta festival on a high note.
Following the Foothills Music Society (FMS) performance at the Alberta International Band Festival in February, it hauled home the hefty Captain F.M. Ray McLeod Trophy for the equally hefty title of Most Outstanding Community Concert Band.
“As an ensemble it just came together into something that was marvellous. It was a statement, it was a feeling, it was just a wonderful event,” said Lee Spice, often found on the melodic percussion instruments. “You’re trying for a feeling, and that is what happened, it came together.
“Our band just poured ourselves into it, and that was recognized. It was fantastic to be recognized for that.”
This was Nicole Haycock’s first festival with the FMS, and while a newcomer to the band, this isn’t her first rodeo.
The three pieces played by the band in the Saturday festival stage were Semper Fidelis composed by John Philip Sousa, October by Eric Whitacre and Chorale and Shaker Dance II by John Zdechlik.
“Honestly, the band, we played with so much heart, and especially after October we were all kind of moved to tears because it just grabbed your heart,” Haycock said. “Music is all about making people feel something, but playing together on that stage, everybody focused and it was just stunning.”
That effort paid off as one of the adjudicators was brought to tears, Haycock added.
“After the performance one of the adjudicators comes up and works with the band for about half an hour, and she came up and was actually in tears,” she said.
The win was the result of not only hard work and technical aptitude, Haycock said, but a cohesive spirit.
“Belonging to this band after having played in a number of community bands, there’s a real sense of welcome and appreciation of each other,” Haycock said. “They’re willing to work hard and jump through all the hoops, but they also enjoy what they’re doing and make it an enjoyable experience.”
Part of the magic for Spice is being part of something greater in a band.
“It really is a special thing to play in an ensemble,” she said. “They’re depending on you and you’re depending on them. You all get on the train, and you hope you’re all going in the same direction, and you build something that’s musical and magical.”
The Foothills Music Society meets every Tuesday at Holy Trinity Academy, and is holding a concert at the school on April 30 at 6:30 p.m.
