The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor Its repertoire is extensive, its talents undeniable, yet the Flin Flon Community Band is still not widely known. But that is bound to change as the group _ a diverse collection of amateur musicians _ continues to make beautiful music together. 'For me it's fun,' says trumpet player Dorian Kent. 'We enjoy playing music and we enjoy getting together and having a good time and sharing the love of music with the people in Flin Flon.' What the Community Band lacks in size with its 10 members, it makes up for in not only raw ability, but dedication. They rehearse once a week and are not paid for their efforts. Together the members form a mini orchestra with a range of instruments embodied. Besides Kent's trumpet, there is a tuba, violins, keyboards, a flute and more. Normally seated behind those with wind instruments is Melanie Larouche, a self-taught percussionist. 'It's fun to be part of something with other musicians,' she says. Larouche, who also plays the piano and guitar, particularly enjoys hearing recordings of the Community Band. 'When you're playing, you only hear yourself a lot of the time, so it's nice to hear the music from all of the instruments put together,' she says. Formed in 2009, the Community Band added yet another branch to the already bushy tree of Flin Flon's performing arts scene. Since then they have been a familiar presence at community events such as Culture Days and the recent Diamond Jubilee celebrations. They have hosted their own complimentary concerts, in 2010 and again last week, and this year supplied music to their first funeral. Last week's concert, held at St. Ann's Roman Catholic Church, provided a good sampling of their work. Lining the pews in the bright white sanctuary of the church, guests heard the group execute the A&W theme song with as much mastery as works of legendary bands like The Beatles. Other than Kent and Larouche, the band is made up of Cheryl Feszczyn; Ariane Shairp; Edgar Wright; Melissa Streitle; Joanne Bisson; Laurence Gillespie; Mark Kolt; and Mary Kozlowski. New members are always welcome. Contact Dorian Kent at 687-6874 for more information.
