MARGARET CONWAY, A/BPAO
Army Band plays ‘Til We Meet Again concert
By Virginia Beaton,
Trident Staff
It was an afternoon of music, memories, and laughter at the 17th annual ‘Til We Meet Again concert at the Paul O’Regan Hall of the Halifax Central Library.
Held on Saturday, November 10, the concert was presented by the 36 Canadian Brigade Group (NS) Band, under the direction of Capt Patrick Forde. Usually the Stadacona Band of the Royal Canadian Navy is the presenting group, but that band was in Europe for parades and ceremonies marking the 100th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War.
The concert is a fundraiser for the Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Garden at the QE II Health Sciences Centre, and Heather White, Director of Veterans’ Services and Geriatrics, thanked MARLANT for all the support it provides. She noted that support comes from the CAF “all year round”, with volunteers who help to maintain the garden, and who visit the veterans residing at the hospital.
The band played a varied selection of music ranging from a brisk march titled Emblem of Unity, to Bugler’s Holiday, a showoff piece for three of the band’s trumpet players.
Concert MC Liz Rigney not only sang a solo on A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square, but urged the audience to participate in the
Second World War singalong featuring tunes such as The Quartermaster’s Stores.
A trio of the band’s female musicians stepped out front to sing Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree, and also Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, in the style of the Andrews Sisters.
For the Service Salute, Liz Rigney invited audience members to stand in acknowledgement of their service in a branch of the CAF as that service’s ceremonial march was played: Heart of Oak, Great Little Army, and the RCAF Marchpast.
The Colour Party and ushers were cadets from the 305 Sackville Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps.
