RCCB celebrates silver anniversary

New Royal City Concert Band director Peter Wenzel, who is also Burnaby North secondary's band teacher, takes the baton from Earl Hobson, who is retiring after 14 years with the RCCC.

Photo contributed

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The Royal City Concert Band (RCCB) is passing the baton as it enters its 25th year.

Burnaby North secondary band instructor Peter Wenzek is taking over as conductor and he will be keeping the tempo at his first RCCC concert, which features both of his bands, on Thursday.

Wenzek has led North's many bands, including its marching band which participates in parades throughout the region, since 1994. He has also directed 12 musical theatre productions. He replaces Earl Hobson, who retired from RCCB after 14 years on its podium.

The band has about 45 members ranging from 18 to 80 that rehearses in the New Westminster secondary band room every Thursday evening. The RCCC gives those who put their instruments in the closet after leaving high school a place to play.

"We're trying to reach more to young people who have a musical career in high school, but put their instruments down and walked away," said Bill Walters.

Just like Walters. He was a trumpet player who played in the Kitsilano Boys Band and at Burnaby Central where he graduated in 1972. Five years ago he picked up his horn again and joined RCCC.

"Very few go on to professional careers or music studies, but want to keep their hand in it," said Walters. "It's a great stress reliever. It's like riding a bike, it's always there."

When he returned, though, he felt like he was going to fall off the bike.

"It scared the hell out of me, because like a lot of adults you don't know if you can read music," said Walters.

The RCCB and Burnaby North joint concert will be held at the Michael J. Fox Theatre at Burnaby South secondary with the first notes to start flowing at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8 and are available at the door.