Share your talent, learn new skills, make new friends - join the Legion Band!

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When you think of being in a band, what comes to mind? Likely you think of playing guitar or drums, playing gigs in smoky bars or being on the road. But you may have forgotten there is another kind of band, the kind with wind and brass instruments. Maybe you played in one in high school, or recall seeing them play at an assembly.

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Did you know that some people continue to play in a band AFTER high school? There are hundreds of community bands across the country, and virtually any night of the week, somewhere there is one rehearsing. People from all walks of life and every age group will meet to play music, expand their skills, and make new friends. Most perform many times each year in concert halls, retirement homes, and public parks.

Some bands are associated with the local Legion branch but you don’t have to be a Legion member to join the band. What do band members get from the experience? They get all the joy of being part of a team and working with others to achieve a goal. They get to have their talents appreciated and feel proud of what they can do. They get free musical coaching and exposure to new pieces of music. They get to be a part of their community as they participate in community events and make a valuable contribution. And possibly best of all, they get to make friends with others who have common interests. If you’ve ever moved to a new place as an adult, you know how difficult it can be to make friends outside of your workplace. Join the band!

Obviously, all of this positive social experience is beneficial for mental health. Playing a wind instrument is also good for your cardiovascular health. The research about the ways that playing a musical instrument can benefit your health is constantly expanding. The only question is, what instrument do you want to play?

Community bands consist of woodwinds: flutes, clarinets, oboes, bassoons, and saxophones; and brass: trumpets, trombones, French horns, euphoniums, and tubas; and percussion: drums, yes, but also instruments like xylophone, and many others like triangles, and cowbell. Percussionists get to be multitaskers.

Some bands have instruments you can rent or borrow, so if you need one, it’s worth asking. Of course, local music stores like Bob’s Music Plus in Pembroke can help you find what you need as well.

Some bands, like the Petawawa Legion Band, offer a band school before rehearsal for those who are just learning. Otherwise, you will want to get a basic skill level before you join in the rehearsal. Don’t be afraid to go along to listen and join in where you feel comfortable until you catch up. Everyone will be friendly and welcoming, and you will be surprised how quickly you improve when playing in a group setting.

Pembroke Legion Band meets Monday evenings at the Pembroke Legion from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Petawawa Legion Band meets Wednesday evenings at the Petawawa Legion from 7 — 9 p.m. with band school at 6 pm when there are enough people to attend. Both bands are actively seeking new members and hoping to grow their numbers back to pre-covid levels. Don’t be shy. Dust off that old instrument and limber up your embouchure. Your chair is waiting!