Sackville Community Band Society

The Sackville Community Band Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization based in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. It operates as a registered charity focused on fostering musical performance and education through community concert and wind ensembles. The Society is best known for sponsoring two main ensembles: the Sackville Concert Band and the Sackville Community Band.

History and Mission

The Sackville Concert Band was established in September 2002 under the auspices of the Sackville Community Band Society. The Society brings together instrumentalists from diverse backgrounds, including former and current members of the Canadian Armed Forces, music educators, and experienced wind and percussion players. Its mission is to serve as musical ambassadors for Nova Scotia by promoting high standards of performance, fostering community pride in Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, and Sackville, and supporting the artistic development of young instrumentalists.

Both bands perform a wide repertoire of challenging and entertaining music at various community functions. The Society also engages in educational outreach by offering clinics and collaborative opportunities with local school bands, emphasizing community involvement and accessibility to music education.

Ensembles

• Sackville Concert Band: Directed by Jim Forde, a notable figure with a background as the former director of the Stadacona Band and producer of the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, the Concert Band focuses on high-level performance. The group includes musicians who compose, arrange, and sometimes sing or play secondary instruments.

• Sackville Community Band: Led by Danielle Chute, a music educator with a Bachelor of Music Education from Acadia University, this band encourages participation by junior and senior high school students, adults who previously played instruments, and individuals learning to play later in life. Meeting weekly, this ensemble supports ongoing musical growth and community engagement.

Governance

The Society is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors. As of the latest information, Moira Findlay serves as the President. The organizational structure enables the Society to maintain its charitable status and continue its mission of community musical enrichment.

Activities and Community Impact

The Sackville Community Band Society is active in hosting concerts, community events, and educational workshops throughout the region. Its performances are well-attended, including popular events at local libraries, and its members volunteer their time and talents without membership fees, united by a shared passion for music.

Through its dual focus on performance excellence and community outreach, the Sackville Community Band Society plays a significant role in the cultural life of Nova Scotia and continues to inspire musicians of all ages and skill levels.

Business Registration Number: 804219343RR0001