BAND HISTORY

Early Days

In 2002, following a successful summer music program, Victoria-based PJ Music Studios pursued the idea of developing a community concert band where students as well as adults could continue or re-develop their music skills in an organized and fun environment.

With conductor Michael Dominy, ALCM, directing, the Westshore Community Concert Band held its first organizing meeting on September 29, 2002 at Westmont School in Metchosin. Eight musicians played at the first rehearsal on November 3, 2002. During December of that year, the band made its first public appearance by providing a small ensemble for the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre's Christmas open house. The Westshore Community Concert Band started the 2003-2004 season with more than 20 full-time members and has rapidly grown into a well-balanced musical ensemble with more than 35 musicians performing at various community concerts and events.

Community Performances

Our concert seasons have been exciting and rewarding times for our musicians and audience members as the band continues to grow both in size and musical accomplishment. Sponsorships and honoraria earned by the band for performing at many community events have allowed us to purchase some much-needed equipment and musical scores of our own (instead of borrowing from other ensembles.) Long-time local musician and conductor Hans Boellard also donated his music library to the band in 2006. This addition of approximately 200 works for concert band is providing a greater repertoire for more exciting performances in upcoming concert seasons.

The band has established itself as an integral part of the cultural fabric of Greater Victoria's West Shore and looks forward to continued growth and contributions to the community.

Bookings

To book the Band for a public or private event, contact us at conductor@westshoreband.org.

Café Suites

The main source of income for the band for many years was the annual "Café Suite". The band held twelve of these events, each one very well attended. The event combined a concert by the band along with finger food and beverages included in the price of each ticket. There were door prizes and a silent auction. In its 20 years of operation, the band received no government support. Other income was derived from honoraria for performing at community events.

The first Café Suite was held at the St. Mary of the Incarnation Church in Metchosin. Those up to 2016 took place at The Forge church. Due to the event's growing popularity, the band decided it would be wise to move to a larger venue with more parking; we were grateful to Father Paul and the congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish for the use of their large church hall.

In the months before each year's Café Suite, members of the band requested donations of items that could be used for either a silent auction item, or for door prizes. Donors were publicly acknowledged during the event, as well as on this website.

Then came Covid-19. All band activity ceased. By the time the band was able to contemplate resuming Café Suite the property at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish had been sold and the church hall demolished. If the band is ever to resume this activity another site, with suitable space and facilities, must be found.

Our sincere thanks go to the many donors for Café Suites 1 to 12.

Click HERE for a composite list (in PDF format) of donors to Café Suites 1 to 12. We hope that band members and the public will, in turn, support these community-minded businesses.