The 100 Mile House Community Band will be using its music to help raise the roof on a new house of worship for Christ the King Lutheran Church (CKLC) in 100 Mile.
The 17-piece adult band will play in a benefit concert on March 8 at 100 Mile United Church, with a repertoire sure to stir up nostalgic musical memories and raise money for a new CKLC church building at the same time.
Jack Fellner conducts the adult band and is also a member of the Lutheran Church, which is located on Horse Lake Road.
For many years the church has been housed in a metal-clad mobile style unit, but Fellner says the structure is old and small and needs replacing. He notes construction on a new building should begin within the next 12 months, and every dollar they can raise will be appreciated.
The new larger church will have the capacity to hold approximately 75 people and be pleasing to the eye.
"We want it to be a nice asset to 100 Mile House, visually and functionally."
The band has a vested interest in the church building as that's where it holds its weekly practice, with the practice space provided free of charge.
Fellner describes his musicians as one big family with people from all different walks of life and varied musical backgrounds. Several have been with the band for the entire six years he has been conducting and he's proud of their progress.
"At this point, they really sound like a decent band."
Fellner says the only thing missing is a few of the larger, more expensive instruments like oboes and bassoons.
"They're the ones that people usually learn how to play in school and they're usually owned by the schools, but it would be nice to have them."
At the concert, expect to hear the band play a mix of traditional band music, with some old classics written by the masters, and a sprinkling of contemporary pieces composed primarily for band.
There will be a few trumpet solos, a saxophone trio and vocalist Ingrid Mapson is also expected to perform.
"The music will appeal to all ages," Fellner promises.
He compares listening to a live band to reading a good book.
"The composition itself makes you feel like you're right in with it. You really get involved with the music."
The concert starts at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Admission will be by cash free-will offering.
For more information about the concert or about joining the band, contact Fellner at 250-395-2088.
