The Athabasca Community Band is dedicating the proceeds its Dec. 4 winter concert to one of their own, who lost her home to a fire.
The concert is raising money for Barb Ross, a clarinet player in the band whose house in the Colinton area burned down Nov. 2. All donations received beyond covering the cost of the show will go towards Ross.
Athabasca Community Band president Marlin Johnson said the fundraiser is a way to contribute to the community and help someone in need.
“We’re part of the community, and she’s part of the community. She had a major disaster strike her, and so we’re kind of trying to help her out,” Johnson said.
He added that the club immediately wanted to help her when the news broke out about the fire.
“The first thought among some of us was how we could help her,” Johnson said.
Community band bass player Doug Kariel said Ross is a dedicated member and her work ethic was an “inspiration.”
“Barb took up the clarinet without having any formal lessons or anything, and she’s learned to play it as a result,” Kariel said. “She’s pretty dedicated to learning and playing.”
The concert is Christmas-themed and will feature a variety of carols, English ballads and a cover of “Santa Baby.”
“We’ll definitely have Christmas-themed songs,” Johnson said. “We have a variety of music and variety of themes.”
The band hosts two seasonal concerts each year, practicing for its winter show for three months starting in September.
Johnson said the band pulls together a diverse range of ages, from teenagers to seniors who all share a passion for band music.
“None of us are professional musicians. Everyone has a passion and enjoys this type of music and the sound the instruments make,” Johnson said.
The band also has a couple of other performances planned for December, including shows at the annual community Christmas dinner Dec. 14 and at Pleasant Valley Lodge Dec. 18.
The concert will take place at the Nancy Appleby Theatre, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but Johnson said the band is emphasizing cash donations to fundraise for Ross.
“We’re just a local group that have a passion,” Johnson said. “Come and hear your family, friends and neighbours.”
