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WALLACEBURG ARTS: Spring concert bringing over 30 musicians together

Over the past four years, a small idea born out of the pandemic has quietly grown into one of Wallaceburg’s most unique musical evenings. 

In 2022, as the pandemic was winding down and the Wallaceburg Concert Band was ramping back up, the Wallaceburg Brass Quintet had managed to keep playing through those unusual years. 

WALLACEBURG ARTS: Spring concert bringing over 30 musicians together Back to video

We even created a few fun videos to stay creative and connected. When things began to reopen, we wanted to build on that momentum. 

Joni and I recognized that several small ensembles had formed during the break from full band rehearsals, and we approached the rest of the quintet with the idea of creating a concert that would bring those groups together for an evening of music-making. 

The response was an immediate and enthusiastic “absolutely” — not a hard sell when musicians are given the opportunity to simply play. 

That first concert in June 2022 was a modest but meaningful start. The quintet carried much of the program, with a handful of other ensembles rounding it out. It was an enjoyable evening and, more importantly, an opportunity for local musicians to showcase their talents, gain experience and build confidence performing. 

Since then, the concert has taken on a life of its own. We now present both spring and December performances annually, and our audience has grown to around 80 people, many of whom now regularly make their way to Trinity United Church to enjoy these shows. 

What makes this concert special isn’t just the variety of music, but the collaboration. Musicians from across the region come together, not for competition or recognition, but simply for the joy of sharing music. 

It’s a reminder of how strong our arts community can be when we create space for it to thrive. 

On April 11, the next instalment of this series takes place, and once again, it continues to evolve. 

This year, more than 30 musicians will perform. 

While many are from Wallaceburg, others are coming from across the region — Windsor, London and Sarnia — creating a truly diverse and dynamic program. 

The Wallaceburg Brass Quintet will premiere some new charts, though unlike our first concert, we will take a smaller role this time, performing six selections and leaving room for the many talented ensembles joining us. 

Gavin Warren has once again assembled the Sydenham Clarinets, featuring a striking range of instruments from one of the smallest to one of the largest clarinets, creating a unique and engaging sound. They will perform a familiar band standard and an original work. 

Echoes of Grace, the flute and piano duo of Marcy and Meighan, returns once again. Longtime friends and consistent contributors to these concerts, they bring an elegant and uplifting presence to the program. 

Alysa will also return to the stage on piano, performing a classic tune from the 1960s. One of the highlights of presenting this concert is the opportunity it gives musicians to take new risks and grow as performers. Alysa is a wonderful example of that spirit, and it’s a pleasure to watch her continue to develop her craft. 

Back Row Boyz, a trio of low brass players with a name that nods to their usual seating in the concert band, will perform their signature country arrangements, crafted by retired Blenheim music teacher Terry McConnell. 

The Three Rivers Horn Choir also returns for their third appearance. Formed just over a year ago by Joni, the group continues to grow and now features a strong core of players. This spring, they will perform a lyrical American folk song alongside a wildly popular K-pop arrangement by Western University horn professor Ron George. 

From Sarnia, the Ram Grill Dixieland Band brings seven musicians guaranteed to get your toes tapping. Their name comes from their rehearsal space — and no, I won’t mention the car dealership where they practice. 

Lambton Brass, another quintet made up of musicians from across Lambton County, will round out the program with both a classic jazz selection and a traditional classical piece. 

Many of these musicians are people Joni and I have met through our time with the Lambton Concert Band, which speaks again to the interconnected nature of our local music community. 

As always, this concert is free to attend. 

We would not be able to present this event without the generous support of the Chatham-Kent Arts Council, Trinity United Church and the Wallaceburg Concert Band. Their continued commitment to supporting local arts makes evenings like this possible. 

If you’re looking for an afternoon of music that is as varied as it is heartfelt, we hope you’ll join us on April 11. 

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