As the summer draws to a close and students begin gathering their school supplies in preparation for the new school year, Holland College’s Alan Dowling is getting ready to strike up the band. As band director for the newly formed Holland College Concert Band, he will be responsible for pulling together musicians not only from the college, but from the larger community as well.

 “This is going to be a community concert band for people who want to continue playing in a band setting. We’re looking for people who have played in a high school concert band – people who are recent graduates, musicians who have continued to play after high school, and even those who haven’t played their instruments in some time and want to get back into it.”

The formation of the band was announced earlier this year, and addresses the interest that many high school band students have expressed in continuing to play their instruments after they graduate and begin their post-secondary education. Second year Sports and Leisure Management student David Watts said he is looking forward to getting back to playing in a band for both the musical and social benefits.

“I grew up playing brass in a band and have always enjoyed playing. When I come back to P.E.I., I'll be bringing a cornet with me. Joining the Holland College band will give me the chance to do something I haven't done in a few years, and also meet some new people who have the same interest,” he explained. 

In addition to staff and students, Dowling is encouraging members of the community to jump on the band wagon.

“The participation of musicians from outside of the college gives the band a real community flavour. This is an opportunity for musicians who may have set their instrument aside for a few years to dust it off and reconnect with their music, and for seasoned musicians to share their expertise with younger band members,” he explained.

The Holland College Concert Band will have its first rehearsal on Wednesday, September 10 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on the stage of the Charlottetown Centre gym, and will have rehearsals every week at the same time and location. People are asked to provide their own instruments. Information from local music stores on musical instrument rental and rent to purchase plans will be available for those who need to acquire an instrument.

In this picture: Holland College concert band director Alan Dowling encourages musicians in the community to contact him for more information about joining the newly-formed band.