Kamloops Community Concert Band announces co-founder’s farewell concert

“For the 60 years since I graduated from UBC Music, I have been involved in teaching music and in music organizations. In that time I have met and worked with many memorable and inspiring people, students and adults alike,” said Noakes.

“None have given me more satisfaction and enjoyment than co-founding the Kamloops Community Concert Band with Dick Dickens. Looking back, I realize that was the beginning of one of the best experiences of my life.”

Noakes said the band only improved as it grew over the years.

“I attribute the growth and improvement to the sense of community that developed among the very diverse membership of the band. We have welcomed players of all ages and backgrounds, and relish the energy and dedication everyone exhibits,” said Noakes.

“Every rehearsal and performance has been inspiring. My wife will attest that I have always come home from rehearsal happy and energized.”

Noakes’ retirement comes as he and his wife are aging and want to be closer to family.

“Time marches on, though, and with it the aging process. Barbara and I must find a more amenable living situation and wish to be closer to our children and grandchildren, so I have made the difficult decision to give up directing the band,” said Noakes.

“That decision is made easier knowing I will be handing off music director duties to Jaymi Daniels, whose skills and enthusiasm have already made her one of the outstanding music educators in Canada.”

KCCB said Noakes chose a wide variety of music to show off the band’s skills, featuring songs from Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, Queen, Frank Ticheli and Gustav Holst.

“For his final performance with KCCB, Cliff has picked out some classic rock, classic folk, classic pop, classic swing, and classics of the wind band repertoire for the band to play, all conducted by, in Cliff’s own words, ‘a classic old geezer,'” said the KCCB.

The concert will go ahead on Wednesday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m., with tickets available online or at the door.

by Elora McCormack

Kamloops Community Concert Band announces co-founder’s farewell concert

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