Locals in Revelstoke Community Band bring passion for music

The Revelstoke Community Band (RCB) has existed in one form or another since 1895. It’s survived two world wars, a pandemic, multiple economic booms and busts and the general shifting dynamics of Revelstoke. While there are times in the band’s history when attendance lapsed, that core thread of passion for music has remained through every iteration.

The band has been there to celebrate various moments in Revelstoke’s history. The 10th anniversary of Revelstoke Railway Museum opening, the 1982 BC Winter Games, the 2009 Revelstoke Homecoming, countless Remembrance Day ceremonies, numerous Christmas concerts and more. Membership numbers might currently be on the low end, still rebuilding from pandemic levels, but the joy of music and performance remains all the same.

“It’s such a warm and supportive group, everyone is just so friendly,” Julie Beauce, recorder and alto saxophone player told the Revelstoke Mountaineer. “We are all just here for the love of music.”

The RCB is open to all skill levels of musicians eager to learn more and practice their craft. The group meets every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Revelstoke Secondary School (RSS) band room. Coinciding with the school calendar, the RCB is on break from their Tuesday evening meetups for the summer. But goals for the fall and winter season are already on the mind of some members who are eager to fine tune pieces already in the band’s repertoire and learn new pieces, selected by musical director Tessa Davis.

“Tessa is so good at knowing what the group is capable of and finding pieces that match up with what we have in the band so far and also challenge us,” Jennifer Paton, clarinet player said. 

Davis is also one of the music teachers at RSS. That connection, along with practicing at the high school and Revelstoke’s smaller music community allows RCB the chance to play alongside RSS bands, giving both groups a chance to share tips, tricks and passion for music.

“It’s a chance to hear these pieces with a much bigger sound, with a whole range of instruments. We had over 60 of us playing the last time and it’s a completely different sound,” Paton said.

That shared concert time has also led to some recent graduates joining the RCB as a way to keep playing, an opportunity some members of the RCB are so grateful to provide, having paused their own music journey shortly after their graduation years ago.

“I played all through high school and I loved it,” Rosemary Kelsall, clarinet player said. “And then I stopped for how many years and I’m so sad I missed all that time to play an instrument that I really love. But now I get a chance to do that again.”

RCB’s ability to remain connected to other communities in Revelstoke has been a key goal for the group. Not just with the winter concerts alongside the Revelstoke Community Choir, shows at Mount Cartier Court Intermediate & Extended Care facility and Mount Begbie Manor seniors housing. But there are plans to help connect with organizations that maybe need some added community spotlight, such as the Revelstoke Legion as they reopen from a recent closure.

Whether through the range of events they play at or the weekly meet-ups that can be a drop-in musical place for those only staying in Revelstoke for a season, RCB has been a warm and welcoming environment for all skill levels.

“I came in and all of a sudden I had all these new friends,” Beauce said about joining the RCB. “We really want to grow, we’re open to anyone that wants to come and play music.

Revelstoke Community Band will pick up for the 2024-2025 season Tuesday, August 27. Those interested in joining can contact RCB at [email protected] or follow their Revelstoke Community Band Facebook page for more information. Those without instruments but with experience playing can reach out to RCB who can assist in sourcing instruments for purchase or rental in the community.