Report by Brian Ellis, Bass Clarinet

Performing to a sell-out audience of 400, Delta Music Makers celebrated its 25th anniversary with a gala performance at the Genesis Theatre, Ladner, on Sunday, April 20, 2008.

Curt Jantzen, founder and music director, welcomed the enthusiastic crowd and introduced News 1130 anchor, Andy Walsh, as Master of Ceremonies, who did a superb job of introducing, and providing background information to, each of the selections.

The audience was initially perplexed when the band started playing New York, New York like a bunch of rank beginners.  Curt hastened to reassure the audience (tongue-in-cheek) that the band had suffered a momentary lapse of memory and had reverted to the first time they played the piece over 20 years ago.  Needless to say, given a second chance, they went on to present a stellar performance.

Curt was afforded a “breather” when assistant conductor Margaret Behenna took to the podium for three selections, Silver Shadow, Japanese and Children’s March.  Margaret handed the baton back to Curt, enabling her to perform the vocals on Song for the Mira, especially arranged for the Delta Music Makers by Dr. Joe Brashier.  Lucy Williams, oboe, ably supported Margaret throughout the piece.  In the second half, Brenda Khoo, our other assistant conductor, took the band through John Phillip Sousa’s dynamic adaptation of Country Gardens.

The entire clarinet section was featured in Leroy Anderson’s Clarinet Candy, generating thunderous applause for their exciting rendition.  There was hardly a dry eye in the audience following Carl Strommen’s arrangement of Annie Laurie.

The program was rounded out by a variety of numbers including, Tritsch Tratsch Polka, opening up the second half; Parade of the Tall Ships and closing with Highlights from Oliver.  What would a live concert be without an encore?  Since we did not want to disappoint the crowd, we sent them home clapping to the beat of Johann Strauss’ Radetzky March.

To say, “A great time was had by all”, would be an understatement.  A great time was had by everybody because it was well organized, well rehearsed, well presented and well received.

The band will be eternally grateful to Gus Nielsen, who chaired the organizing committee, ably assisted by Janet Friesen, co-chair; Margaret Behenna; Willard Coates; Nancy Duncan; Janie & David Jackson; Carol & Ian Murdoch; Wilf Radke, and Evangelyne Thompson.

Photos by Doug and Marlene Akerman

Spring Thaw by Merle Stewart