About Us

History on West Elgin Community Band

West Elgin Community Band is a small concert band under the leadership of James Callowhill. Presently, the band is comprised of about 20 members, but we are always looking for new players! The West Elgin Community Band has undergone many changes since it was founded in 1991.

The West Elgin Adult Band was established in 1991 by Mike & Patty Letovsky who were Music Teachers at the nearby schools, and the original band members were parents of the children in the Grade 7 & 8 Instrumental Music Program. They continued to lead the band until 1994.

In 1994, Jack Barnes took up the baton as Director and continued until 1997.

From January 1997 to May 2013, under Sharon Little’s leadership the band welcomed teens into the band and changed the name to the West Elgin Community Band.

In September 2013, we welcomed James Callowhill as Musical Director. Under James’ leadership, the band has competed at the St. Thomas Rotary Festival and London Kiwanis Fesitval as well as multiple band shares.

The West Elgin Community Band performs two concerts a year (Christmas & Spring). WECB also strives to perform for the community in various settings including parades, and nursing/retirement homes.

Currently, WECB members travel from Elgin & Middlesex Counties and receives no funding at present.

Each member is expected to have their own instrument or rent one.

PRACTICE TIMES:

Every Monday from September to June (excluding holidays) 7-9pm – with a refreshment break!

Dutton-Dunwich Elementary School – 239 Main St, Miller Road, Dutton, ON, N0L 1J0

Cost: $50.00 for each term

OUR CONDUCTOR: Cassondra Skinner

Cassondra majored in music education and minored in performance at Buffalo State College (now Buffalo State University) and graduated in 1994. While there she took conducting courses and directed the concert band there through rehearsals and concerts. She graduated from the University at Buffalo in 2001 with a masters degree in music education and took masters level conducting there as well.

Cassondra conducted bands and choruses in various schools in Western New York while teaching both part time as well as in the role of substitute at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Band was her true love, but those positions were very hard to come by. I lost my general music position due to redistricting and my position being eliminated. Substitute pay was very low in NY, so I had to give up teaching to take something else to pay the bills.

Cassondra’s major instrument is trumpet, but she can play every instrument proficiently . My minor instrument was clarinet. She has a very long list of groups that she has played with, from chamber to full symphony orchestra, from German bands to wind ensembles.

Cassondra has an immense amount of respect for amateur musicians. She feels that music is a language that brings us all together. She believes in reaching as high as you can, but that you also have to have fun. There’s also nothing wrong in playing something easy if it brings you joy.

INTERESTED IN JOINING?
Contact us via
Email: westelgincommunitybandinfo@gmail.com
Facebook: @WestElginCommunityBand

Or come out to one of our practices to see what it’s all about!