The word “forte” refers to a person's most highly developed talent or skill and it has also been aptly chosen as the name of this year's annual winter band concert.
It is being put on by the music programs at Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) and 100 Mile House Junior Secondary.
The concert takes place at Martin Exeter Hall on Dec. 6, starting at 7 p.m.
It will include performances by Grades 8-12 band students, selections by the guitar classes from both schools, a brass choir, saxophone quartet and a woodwind choir.
Ahlbert Dayrit, who heads up the local school music program, says the name "Forte" was chosen to highlight the program's growth and strength.
He is currently working with 60 band students, and Karl Beitlberger instructs 30 guitar class students. A music composition and technology class is also an option for local secondary school students, and individual clubs give them the opportunity to practise and play in small ensembles.
Following a period when school music programs seemed to be in jeopardy, Dayrit says that over the past few years, they've seen a resurgence in popularity and support from the community, parents and the schools.
"It's because we offer a wide range of music classes that appeal to a wide range of students. It's nice that band has made a comeback."
While the winter concert has been a tradition for several years, this will be the first time that it will be held at Martin Exeter Hall. In 2010, it took place in the small band room at PSO, but Dayrit says they've outgrown that space.
He adds that the school gym does not have good enough acoustics for hosting a concert.
Dayrit considers the concert an important part of the overall music program.
"An idea behind the music program is to enable students to perform in front of people. Music is to be shared."
Admission to the concert will be by cash donation at the door, but he says money is not of the greatest concern to him.
"We want people to come and enjoy the music."
Whatever cash the group receives will be put back into the music program to repair old, or buy new, equipment.
