The annual Action Citizens' Band Christmas Concert is back this year after a two year hiatus due to pandemic restrictions. This year's event will be held at the Town Hall Centre on Saturday Dec. 3 at 2:00 pm.
The performance has been traditionally staged at Bethel Church, but a smaller enrolment prompted the switch to the downtown venue. Long-standing band-member Carin Pelka is directing the group, filling the shoes of some notable predecessors like Jeff Carr and the late George Elliott.
Concert-goers can expect to hear seasonal favourites like “Silver Bells”, “Feliz Navidad” and “Little Drummer Boy”. The audience will also be encouraged to sing along to carols including “The First Noel”, “Deck the Halls”, “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “O Christmas Tree”.
ACB is also celebrating its 150th anniversary this year (founded 1872) and the Christmas concerts are always anxiously awaited. The ensemble is both a marching and concert band that specializes in concerts and parades for community events in Acton and the surrounding area. These events include annual performances at the Canada Day celebrations, the Leathertown Festival, the Fall Fair and the Christmas parade.
Over the years, the Citizens' Band has been a multi-generational institution that has introduced many Acton families and children to music. ACB continues as a volunteer organization that provides free instruction to anyone interested in learning to play brass or woodwind instruments. Like other cultural entities, the band has lost membership during the last two years, with some of the younger members moving on to higher education and some of the older members not returning. The band is currently in a rebuilding phase and seeking new members. President John Burgess is planning to start a junior band program in the near future.
Saturday's Christmas Concert is presented in support of Acton Foodshare. Those attending are asked to bring a non-perishable food item or to make a cash donation at the door. Refreshments and light snacks will be available afterwards.
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