Ensemble History
The New Westminster and District Concert Band had its beginning in the 1930′s known as the Royal City Boys and Girls Band, directed by Arthur Delamont, the founder and director of the famed Kitsilano Boys Band. During the war years of the 1940′s, the band served as a the representative band of all three of our armed forces under the direction of Fred Turner. In the early 1950′s, the band was sponsored by the Lion’s Club of New Westminster. The band has continued to exist as a community group and until recently saw its membership made up by mainly high school students. Today, the four levels of the bands; beginner, intermediate,senior and jazz sections, all have a large representation of adult and youth players providing an excellent musical opportunity for graduating high school musicians and young and mature adults who wish to continue making music in a concert band setting.
Membership Dues
Our Society is a non-profit organization. The membership fees collected cover director costs, music purchases and other expenses incurred by the Society. The annual fees are per person not per band, as many members play in more than one band.
Fee Schedule
Forte Wind Ensemble – $300 per year, payable in September. Members in need of financial assistance can approach any of the board members or the directors to discuss options for fees.
* Members may play in any/all of these groups for the yearly fee aside from Jazz Band
Jazz Band - $300 per year, payable in September
Players make a commitment to their band and attend rehearsals regularly. Players are on time for rehearsals. Player MUST contact the conductor prior to the rehearsal if they are going to be late or absent. Senior Band members are required to have the music folders at every rehearsal even if they are not able to attend. Music is often shared and missing parts can be frustrating to other players and the conductor.
For more information on membership with the band, please contact the Director - Kevin White at kevin.white@sd41.bc.ca
