On May 15 the Brandon Community Orchestra showed off their musical prowess, led by Chris McConnell, at the Victoria Inn Imperial Ballroom.
Music has always been a big part of McConnell’s life; he trained at the Brandon University School of Music prior to teaching music at Hartney / Souris schools for 27 years, and is married to an elementary school music teacher.
After 27 years, McConnell was approached to help Souris School purchase new tools for the woodworking class, as woodworking is a hobby of his, and then later asked to teach the course full time. One year after he had said goodbye to the Band program, McConnell felt the longing for music.
“I love woodworking, and was happy with my job teaching it, but I was starting to really miss music.”
McConnell was approached by a Souris resident later that year about the opening conducting the BCO, and the opportunity to get re-involved with music was too great to say no to.
The Brandon Community Orchestra is currently home to 46 musicians, and is always open to new members. There is no audition necessary, as McConnell believes that a community orchestra should involve the community as much as possible, regardless of skill levels.
“We are always open to new members, no need to audition; instead we prefer that you come try us out. If you feel comfortable playing with our group, we are happy to have you.”
The orchestra features musicians of every calibre, including Concert Master and Vincent Massey student Jacob Toth.
“Jacob is an incredibly gifted young musician. I swear he has musical ESP. It’s like he understands exactly what I want done with any given piece of music, and he makes it happen beautifully.”
McConnell, Toth, and the rest of the Brandon Community Orchestra performed a diverse program on May 15 in the Victoria Inn Imperial Ballroom, featuring everything from operatic pieces to concerto movements, with a memorial tribute and some belly dancers thrown in for good measure.
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