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: $80.00 for the season
OUR CONDUCTOR
James Callowhill is a well-known performer, teacher and instrumental conductor in Southwestern Ontario. Born in London, Ontario, he began his musical studies on piano and studied French horn in high school music with Rob LaRose.
He holds undergraduate degrees from Queen’s University and the University of Ottawa. James continued to study the French horn at Queen’s with Neil Spaulding where he played in many ensembles including Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and The Opera Pit Orchestra. After graduation James won a national audition to perform with the Canadian Forces Ceremonial Guard Marching Band on Parliament Hill, Ottawa. He served in this position for two summers.
James has appeared with many ensembles over his career including Brasswerks (Kingston), Ottawa Chamber Orchestra, International Symphony (Sarnia/Port Huron), Concert Player’s Orchestra (London), Brassroots (London), First St. Andrews Strings, London Community Orchestra, and Encore… The Concert Band (London).
James is a passionate teacher who dedicates himself to the music program at Lord Dorchester S.S. His Concert Bands, Choirs and Jazz Band have won accolades at the Kiwanis Music Festival (London) and the St. Thomas Rotary Music Festival.
In the fall of 2013 James accepted the position of music director with the West Elgin Community Band.
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!
WEST ELGIN COMMUNITY BAND 