Hello my fellow music lovers,
I hope you and your families are all doing well, given all that has been happening over the past few weeks.
A few weeks ago, I advised that HCB rehearsals had been cancelled for the remainder of April as a result of the ongoing state of emergency and closure of public schools. As you may know, on Tuesday the Province of Nova Scotia announced the extension of both the state of emergency and the school closure. As a result, we will not have access to the Bella Rose before May 19, 2020, at the earliest, and large groups (such as our band) are still prohibited from gathering.
I am sorry to advise that yesterday the HCB Board, in consultation with our Musical Director, Dave Staples, made the very painful decision to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 HCB season.
Members will receive a $55 credit towards membership dues in September 2020, or, upon request, a $55 refund. Our librarian, Debbie McGuire, asks that you keep all of your music, including the Irish folders and “Funny” Books.
Should any member be planning not to return in September, please contact Debbie at librarian@halifaxconcertband.ca to make secure arrangements to return your music. You may also request a $55 refund of 2019-20 membership dues by contacting our Membership Chair, Bob Kanygin, at membership@halifaxconcertband.ca
Like many of you, I have missed both the musical and social aspects of our weekly rehearsals. It has been our custom for many years to close our season with a social function, and we will make every effort to arrange something in June 2020, should conditions then permit, or early September. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible when we resume rehearsals, hopefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Until then, have a safe Spring, and happy practicing!
Yours in harmony and hope,
John Underhill President Halifax Concert Band Society www.halifaxconcertband.ca