PICTOU COUNTY- The Pictou County Brass and Reed Band is calling for new members to join its ranks.
Conductor David Prince said that new brass players are especially in demand and anyone joining must have prior experience.
“It’s a great way to socialize and have fun,” said Prince. “Everyone’s welcome if you can play.”
The band plays music to a high school level and its current 25 or so active members are over 40, but Prince said that younger members are always welcome.
Already, high school students sign up to play Christmas shows around town.
Other members, many of whom are retired, are looking for a new challenge and a way to spend their free time. Some of them hail from places outside Pictou County such as Antigonish.
Prince himself performed in both high school and university in his younger days.
“Music is something people carry with them their whole lives,” said Prince.
He has been conductor for about a year, having taken over that job from veteran member Bob Pushie, who is still heavily involved with the band.
“I’m just taking over the reins,” said Prince.
The Brass and Reed Band has been active in Stellarton for decades, enjoying its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s, according to Prince.
Beginners typically start performing in New Horizons before crossing over to the Brass and Reed Band and Prince said that the two groups played together in the summer.
Band rehearsals are held every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Stellarton Community Center at 122 Leo Fahey Way across from the Albion Ball Field.
