Local concert band director excited about successful start to season two

The start of season two of the Southeast Community Concert Band has already seen many successes.  

One of the Band Directors, Mark Loewen, says it’s been a busy start.  

“I'd say we have about 61 people that are on the roster, that are attending rehearsals, with about 53 musicians there every time, and that fills the room. So, it's actually a really good-sized band right now which we are pretty excited about.” 

Last October, Steinbachonline caught up with Loewen after only a few rehearsals where he noted they had a group of 40 individuals, 12 to 70 years old covering all the musical requirements of a concert band, though from time-to-time one of the 6-directors had to fill in and dust off their instrument and fill a seat. Then in spring of this year, he said the band had grown to 55 musicians, and now to be at 61, Loewen says, "It's wonderful, just wonderful."  

Recently, the band received a request to collaborate with the Brandon University Concert Band, Loewen explains. 

"They came out here on tour across the prairies and they made Steinbach a stop. We got together with them for an evening and exchanged performances. We worked with them, and they worked with us, and it was just about a pretty special occasion. It was really good for us.” He adds, “So, that was a pretty fun evening.” 

Loewen notes he is very pleased with the number of musicians that come out every Thursday night, but also with the variety of instruments being played.  

“As far as concert bands go and instrumentation goes, we have a proper concert band here. So that's fun. So, we get all the tones and timbres that we're supposed to get out of the group.” 

Loewen says it’s amazing to have 50 – 60 instrumentalists come to rehearsals, because they want to be there.  

“We have nothing to hold over their heads like we kind of do at school. I can't threaten a grade or anything like that, so they're here because they just see the value of it. They love it. They love the community. They love making music together and how it makes them feel. And so, it's not hard to get these musicians out for the evening. Everybody is just happy to be there.” 

“It sounds a little bit idyllic and maybe I'm making it sound that way, but it is really that way. We're really just happy to be together on Thursday evenings making music.” 

All those rehearsals and hard work will pay off as the Community Concert Band gets ready to perform on Saturday, December 9 at Clearspring Centre in Steinbach. Loewen describes the afternoon show. 

“This will be our 2nd Annual Deck the Mall event. And so, we're going to do it just like we did last year. We're going to perform for about an hour to an hour and a half on something like, about a 90-minute program. We're going to play some Christmas tunes and maybe a little bit of others, but mostly Christmas tunes, and there'll be some sing-along opportunities for passersby, as they're dashing about getting their groceries and their presents, and so we'll fill the halls of the Clearspring Mall with Christmas tunes and much merriment and joy.” 

Loewen notes there will be no ask for donations, he explains why. 

“You know, one of our mandates as a community group is to give back or give into the community. So, we're not asking for anything. We would just love an audience. And we would like to spread some Christmas cheer. That's all we're trying to do here.” 

The Southeast Community Concert Band is led by Mark Loewen, Toban Janzen (CMS), Markus Goertzen (SMS), Keira Wychnenka (Mitchell MS), and Murray and Crystal Lawrence. Rehearsal take place in the Gold Band Room at the SRSS in Steinbach.

If you would like to join the Concert Band for the 2024 spring session, please contact Mark Loewen for details. 

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