Arts Council Column – Northern Winds Community Band

By Amber Wood

Hello Fort St. John and surrounding area. We are now in the second month of our summer break, and with it comes one of the best times of year to celebrate the community!

Last month at this year’s Canada Day celebrations in Centennial Park, the Northern Winds Community Band played on stage as the parade made its way into the park, finishing with everyone coming together to sing O Canada, which is a moment that truly captures what community music is all about and a meaningful way for us to close out our season.

I play bass clarinet in the Northern Winds Community Band, but my musical journey started much earlier. I grew up in Fort St. John and spent Grades 6 through 12 in the SD60 band program, graduating in 2002. Like many students, I wasn’t always the strongest player, but I loved being part of the group and the way the music sounded. The experience of playing music together, travelling, and performing created memories that have stayed with me forever.

Music has always been part of my life. My grandparents were musicians who played within the community their whole lives. Watching them share their love of music showed me how powerful it can be; not just as an art form, but as a way to bring people together.

After many years away from playing, I found my way back by joining Northern Winds Community Band. Like many people, I hesitated at first; I thought I didn’t have the time or that I might be too out of practice. But getting back into music was easier than I expected, and incredibly rewarding. It really does come back faster than you think. It’s like riding a bike!

Community band is a welcoming space for musicians with some prior experience. While around three or more years of playing is recommended, many members return after long breaks and quickly find their footing again. It’s only a couple of hours a week, but it offers so much in return; connection, creativity, and the chance to be part of a team.

Playing in a group teaches focus, commitment, and cooperation, but it’s also about having fun, sharing laughs, and enjoying the process of making music together.

Music is often described as a universal language that connects people across generations and backgrounds. That’s exactly what you’ll find in a community band setting. Whether you’re returning after years away, or you are new to town, there’s a place for you.

If you’ve ever thought about dusting off your instrument, consider this your signal to do so!

Following our Canada Day performance, the band takes a short summer break before starting up again in the fall, when school is back in session. Northern Winds Community Band resumes rehearsals on the first Thursday of September at Anne Roberts Young Elementary School, running weekly from 6:30–8:30 p.m. for adults ages 19 and up. If you have some past playing experience and are looking for a positive, welcoming way to reconnect with music, we would love to have you join us.

Let’s continue to build a fun, vibrant, connected community through music.