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Peterborough New Horizons Bands 14th Annual Christmas Concert: Holiday Hoopla

A packed audience enjoys the Holiday Hoopla concert

Audiences sat back and relaxed while enjoying the variety of music performed by the 200 musicians in Peterborough New Horizons Bands (PNHB) — five bands in all — from beginners in the Green Band to the more sophisticated Odyssey players.

Small ensemble Flutissimo entertains concert goers in the reception lobby

To start things off, emcee Heather Thompson introduced MPP Jeff Leal and Councillor Leslie Parnell to say a few words. PHNB representatives thanked Leal for the Ontario Seniors Secretariat Grant of $8,000 and the City for the Community Investment Grant of $3,000. These two grants allow the PNHB to reach out to the community through small ensemble performances and publicity.

As well, Andrew Pyle, The Pyle Group, Scotia Wealth Management, major sponsor for the December concert for the third consecutive year, wished everyone well and reinforced his commitment to the betterment of our community.

Justin Hiscox conducts the Odyssey band

At the comfortable venue at Calvary Pentecostal Church, the audience tapped, clapped and sang along on occasion to a variety of genres including some familiar holiday pieces. The very capable conductors: Sal Castiglione, Mark Hiscox, Justin Hiscox, Jon Knights and Gord Thompson led the bands in Broadway tunes, movie themes, classical pieces, rock’n roll, Big Band smash hits, ballads and much more.

Of note were two numbers: one a tune from Slum Dog Millionaire (Allegro) and Uptown Funk (Odyssey) by singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, winner of four Grammy awards.

Beginners, Green Band members after the concert

When it came to the well-known Feliz Navidad, performed by Jubilee Band, the conductors took over a round and encouraged audience participation. True to the PNHB spirit, the night was filled with good cheer, fun and camaraderie.

Lorna Verhulst, PNHB chair, waiting to perform in Odyssey