NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA CONCERT BAND
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The Orillia Concert Band, under the direction of Randy Hoover, is returning to the stage on Dec. 4, however the band recognizes that not everyone can come to the theatre to enjoy the concerts. The solution? Live-streaming!!
Every Christmas season the Orillia Concert Band used to play live concerts in the three largest retirement homes in Orillia. Due to COVID, this is impossible this season, so the idea was born to use modern technology to live-stream the concerts to the retirement residences.
Then the band recognized that there were others in the community that could not or should not attend a live performance in these COVID times, so the Orillia Concert Band decided to release the live streams of their upcoming Christmas concerts on Dec. 4 to the public.
This initiative is not without cost and the band asks anyone who wishes to view the live streams, if financially able, to purchase a $15 OCB Seasonal Fundraiser ticket from the Orillia Opera House Box Office. A ticket is not required to access the live streams, but your support will be greatly appreciated. Please note the fundraiser ticket date is NOT the date of the concerts.
Both Christmas concerts will be live-streamed on Dec. 4. The first concert starts at 3:30 p.m. and is a one hour family friendly “Afternoon Christmas Concert” that is designed for kids, young and old. Santa is rumoured to be making an appearance!
Later that evening, at 7:30 p.m., the Orillia Concert Band presents an Orillia tradition, the “Christmas Prelude” concert, with guest artists, singer Christina Bosco and organist Blair Bailey.
To access the live-streams, go to the new Orillia Concert Band YouTube Channel where you will find a Live Stream link for each concert. The Live Streams will go “live” approximately 10 minutes before each concert. To find the Orillia Concert Band Channel page you can search YouTube for Orillia Concert Band, or click on this link (and bookmark it): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVTlh3EiRZwZAUEtjjO6NRw
As good as the live-stream promises to be, there is no substitute for attending a live concert! Tickets for the performances can be purchased from the Orillia Opera House Box Office in advance or at the door of St. Paul’s Centre on concert day (cash only). Interest in these concerts is high so we recommend securing your ticket online to avoid disappointment at the door. Seating is limited.
The Orillia Concert Band wishes to acknowledge the ground-breaking work St. Paul’s Church has done in perfecting live-streaming of their Sunday services, whose technicians and equipment the band has contracted to live stream the Christmas concerts for your enjoyment.
The Orillia Concert Band is incredibly lucky to have some very community minded sponsors: Steve Orr of Dapper Depot; Len Skok of Forest Hill Real Estate; John Mayo of BMO Wealth Management; Richard Fallows of Richard’s Goldsmithing; and Marites Mendoza of RBC Wealth Management. And a shout out to the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area, and the City of Orillia for their support.
The Orillia Band is always looking for new players, so if you would like to explore joining, please email the band at [email protected] with your experience and instrument type. Many current members joined after years of not playing while bringing up the kids, etc., and as empty nesters wanted to get back into playing again. Currently the band has openings for Trombone and Bassoon players in particular, but anyone is encouraged to inquire about an opening.
Please visit the Orillia Concert Band website for more details on the live-streams, the concerts and if attending, COVID-related audience requirements specific to the Orillia Concert Band concerts.
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