Meredith Mackeen
This year, L’Harmonie de Knowlton Harmony Band celebrates 30 years of performing concerts for all occasions, from Brome Fair to Christmas, Remembrance Day, and Canada Day. To mark the anniversary, the band will perform at the Festival des Harmonies du Québec in Sherbrooke this May, where a variety of musical groups will entertain for the weekend.
The band was formed during a Knowlton Composite High School reunion in the summer of 1995. Members who had originally played under Harry Long in the 1950s and Leo Corcoran in the 1960s and 1970s came from Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Knowlton to reunite for the joy of playing together again. Even for those who hadn’t played in years, the lessons of their youth quickly returned, and they found they could still read music and play with ease.
Those who lived in the area enjoyed the experience so much that they decided to continue playing together under the direction of Roger de la Mare. Over the years, different conductors have led the band, including Susan Reiniger and Bob Smith. For the past year, Serge Lavertu has taken up the baton.
The 25-member band has welcomed players from Abercorn, Dunham, Cowansville, Granby, and Sutton, as well as a few students from Massey Vanier. Musicians rehearse Monday nights at Knowlton Academy, playing a diverse repertoire that includes marches, jazz, folk tunes, and classical pieces.
Serge Lavertu has a particular fondness for Canadian composers, so the band often performs pieces like Vive la Canadienne, Mon pays, and Red River Valley. Their next concert will take place in early spring in Knowlton.
For more information, contact 09meredith@gmail.com.
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