Williams Lake’s ‘Tuba John’ plays south Cariboo fundraiser
| Arts & Entertainment |
By Daven Mapson
Recently, one lucky audience was treated to a wonderful afternoon of music at Martin Exeter Hall. The Adult Concert Band, led by Jack Fellner and based in 100 Mile, put on an annual spring concert featuring classical pieces some jazzy ‘big band’ tunes which were a departure from the concert band usuals, and 'Tuba John' from Williams Lake, who brought fun and humour to the event.
The concert was held for the District Palliative Care Society, which received 100% of the proceeds.
The first half of the concert included such pieces as ‘Processional March,’ by D. Clark, and ‘Canticle,’ by D. Wagner. Brian Beattie played J. Clarke’s Trumpet Voluntary, also called the Prince of Denmark’s March, accompanied by the organ.
John Sykes from Williams Lake kept the crowd’s mood high with his witty quips before playing ‘When You’re Smiling’ on the tuba: a piece especially enjoyed by the crowd.
Dennis Tupman, Bruce Nicholson, and Gord Hutchinson played the lively ‘Bugle Call Rag’ on their alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones. An audience member, Neil Duncan, noted that their playing matched their bowler hats.
“They are absolute first-rate,” he said. “I’ve been to every one of their concerts and they improve every time.”
After a short intermission, the band undertook a substantial change in the seating, setting up for the ‘big band’ portion. They commenced with pieces like ‘Take the A Train’. Local well-known singer Ingrid Mapson was featured as the guest soloist, singing numbers that included, ‘I Get a Kick Out of You,’ and ‘Satin Doll,’ which was the band’s closing piece.
Linda Louis, from the Palliative Care Society, had an appreciative word near the end, announcing that the band had raised $1,288.46.
Jack Fellner, the conductor of the band, received a standing ovation for his hard work, as did the band at the concert’s finish.
He noted that the band was formed because people ‘needed’ to play, and when asked how he thought the concert went, he said, “I think we did a good job.”
Daven Mapson
Youth Columnist
Age 13
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