Two long-time band teachers in the Ladner area are getting closer to retirement - again!
Margaret Behenna was the much-loved band teacher at Delta Secondary for over 25 years. She retired in 2007, but kept her conducting baton warm by joining Curt Jantzen in teaching an extra-curricular band program at elementary schools.
The two music conductors also lead the Delta Music Makers community band, a well-known adult group that will be performing a Concert Of Remembrance next weekend in Tsawwassen.
"The Delta Music Makers adult band is a labour of love that Margaret and I will keep conducting forever, but with the advent of the wonderful new Band 6/7 program by the Delta school board, our work in the elementary schools will begin winding down and retirement is beckoning, again," says Jantzen.
Behenna says they are extremely supportive of the new mandatory Band 6/7 classes that have been implemented throughout the district.
"Perhaps our work inspired the school board to implement such a muchneeded comprehensive band program in the elementary schools," speculates Behenna. "It would be nice to think that our work is recognized and that it was a factor in the board starting this new program."
Classes are still open for this extra-curricular band program for students in grades 4 to 7 who have no musical experience. Classes take place in three Ladner locations: 7:30
a.m. on Wednesdays at Ladner Elementary, 7:30 a.m. on Thursdays at Holly Elementary and 3:15 p.m. on Thursdays at Hawthorne Elementary. Those with one year or more of training meet from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays at Hawthorne.
Jantzen and Behenna also run a similar twolevel program at Annieville Elementary in North Delta.
All classes are still open for registration.
In their other role with the Delta Music Makers, Jantzen and Behenna urge
Delta residents to attend the Concert Of Remembrance on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 2 to 4 p.m. at KinVillage Community Centre.
"Much of the music will make people laugh or cry," says Jantzen, "and you will have a great time. The visuals on the screen behind the band will add poignancy to the music, and we finish off with pipes and band for a real tribute to our armed forces."
The audience will enjoy participating in songs from both world wars. Entry is by donation and tea is served at intermission.
For more information about the Concert of Remembrance or the extracurricular band program, call 604-946-2309 or email [email protected].
