Submitted by:
Jayne Leadbeater |

On December 7, 2016, the SVRSS Cafeteria was ringing with music which included performances from the Swan Valley Community Band, Tarnished Brass Quintet, and St. Andrew’s United Church Senior and Junior Choir.

Click any picture for a larger version.

The Concert was attended by a enthusiastic capacity crowd. And, as usual, there was Christmas Goodies and Hot Apple Cider at the end.

Swan Valley Community Band is directed by Julie Kooistra who was the founder of this group in 1994. Over the years, many other Directors have participated sharing their expertise in direction and playing music. This year Brenna Smith (Band Director Birch River), Martyn Snell (former Band Director SVRSS), and Glenda Turton (present Band Director SVRSS) lead our group in a few selections, allowing Julie to participate in actually playing.

Julie Kooistra, our Director.

Martyn Snell, directing his own arrangement of “Coventry Carol”

Brenna Smith, directing “Shenandoah”

Glenda Turton, directing “Carpathian Sketches” and “Music from Swan Lake”

This year, our Group welcomed a few other Band Directors from the Valley. Never was there ever a greater opportunity for anyone to join and benefit from all the knowledge at our finger tips. FREE LESSONS every Wednesday night in the SVRSS Band Room.

Kevin Penner, from Access TV, never misses a Concert to video and broadcast.





Tarnished Brass Quintet includes Kim Kosokowsky, Trumpet; Kevin Salmi, Tuba; Jayne Leadbeater, Trombone; Julie Kooistra, French Horn; David Gnida, Trumpet and our Fearless Leader; joining the group for “Winter Wonderland” was one Silver Bell, Phyl Friesen.

St. Andrew’s Senior & Junior Choir entertained with Christmas Carols & their own “Bell Ringers.” Phyl Friesen directs 13 young voices participating in a few Christmas events.