Interview with Jon Law

Jon Law
Manager
Peterborough Concert Band

Vital Community Link

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, I feel that such a group is a vital link to a community. It helps promote fellowship, economic strength and provides a forum for the community citizens and visitors alike. I asked Mr. Law if he thought the Peterborough Concert Band is an important part of our society today and what role do you see as its importance? He tells us that … “Concert bands like this one are vital. They provide a place for musicians to grow after formal education and can be a stepping stone to a fully professional career”. I asked him to tell us about the importance of youth today and their role of being in “the band”. He states that … “It is absolutely important and we encourage youth. We always include some music younger audiences will enjoy. We have several high school aged members, and when they go off to college or university, their place in the band is waiting for them when they are home for the summer or are finished their education”. As many of you know, I like to get THE INSIDE SCOOP! I asked Jon if he could us the “scoop” about the process of booking the Peterborough Concert Band’s performances …“Choosing a date, to the location, to the content for each Concert. Gigs come to me in many ways. The first are our annual dates like the St John’s Anglican Church Strawberry Social which the Band has done since the Strawberry Social started. The second is organizers contacting us; this could be a new festival or another group looking for a joint concert. The last way is the Band contacting events when there are important dates in our calendar not filled by the other ways. We need a space large enough for 40 people plus our percussion about 20 to 30 feet from the audience. The program is built by the person who will be conducting the show and will always contain as much variety as can be fit into the show. Inquiring about a date is as simple emailing me at jlaw8@bell.net or calling me at 705-876-8773”. You can also view the Peterborough Concert's Band website at http://www.peterboroughconcertband.ca/I recommend taking the time to hear the“Peterborough Concert Band – Celebrating over 150 of musical excellence playing music from Beethoven to Glee”.