Summer Concert July 23/24
Kitsilano Showboat
Concert. July 14/24
Organizers comment “we’d love to have you back next year!”
Spring Concert Photos. June 22, 24
Comment from audience member
“Sooo very good. No surprise that we thoroughly enjoyed the whole performance. I am definitely a Delta band groupie. See you absolutely for the Kits Showboat.”
Photo courtesy of Rob Hopkins
Music Monday Photos
The Trombone section gets a boost!
Tribute to Dick Williams
In memory of Dick Williams (1933-2023) whose wonderful musicianship graced our clarinet section as well as those of many other ensembles’.
Obit for Charles Richard Williams (1933-1923)
Dr. Charles Richard (Dick) Williams (1933-2023) passed away in the early morning hours on Dec. 30th. He is now at peace.
Dick was a musician in the US Navy, serving on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean during the Korean War, and playing in the parade in Washington D.C. for President Eisenhower’s inauguration in 1953 (where according to him, he learned to avoid walking behind the elephants).
After leaving the Navy, Dick returned to university studies where he received a BS in chemistry, and master’s and PhD degrees in mathematics. He taught math for 20 years at Midwestern State University in Texas and computer science for 20 years for California State University Dominguez Hills. Besides serving as president of the CSU senate, he served on the statewide committee that was instrumental in establishing California State University Channel Islands in Camarillo.
Dick was an accomplished musician and clarinetist so after retiring to Point Roberts to be close to the family, he found groups to join: A Little Night Music Orchestra, The Delta Music Makers, The Delta Concert Band, and the Royal City Concert Band. Dick was a member of the Point Roberts Winds which he and Lucy founded. He also played for the Sunday services for many years at Trinity Lutheran Church. He never wanted to give up the clarinet but finally retired from playing altogether at age 86 after 78 years.
After moving to Point Roberts, the Downtown Wacky Walkers welcomed him wholeheartedly and supplied him with dozens of friends, good walks & talks, and more than a dozen years of fun memories. The Friday afternoon bridge games with Curt Bush, Sally Roberts and her son, Len were a highlight.
Dick volunteered for several years for the Point Roberts Food Bank, was a member of the TOOBS (Tsawwassen Order of Old Bastards), and was proud to have served on the Whatcom County Hospital District Board
Dick was a lifelong learner. He was genuinely curious about the world and all of its inhabitants. That curiosity translated into an openness towards people and situations. He was a kind, caring, generous and loving member of our family and of any community in which he took part. One of the last things he shared was his belief that liking someone was a choice, so why not choose to like them? I don’t think I know of anyone who didn’t like him.
Dick is survived by Lucy, his wife of 41 years, son David Williams, daughter Kelly Williams, and daughter Valerie Woodard, as well as grandchildren, Dr. Spencer Williams, Lucien Williams, Miles Williams, and Boone Williams.
In lieu of cards or flowers a donation can be given in Dick’s memory to the Trinity Church’s building fund. The 100+ year old church in Point Roberts needs some serious foundation work and repairs. Canadian checks can be made out to Daily Bread for a Canadian tax receipt. Trinity Lutheran Church, Box 437, Point Roberts, WA 98281
Facebook Posts!
A recent post on our Facebook page thanking us for a wonderful concert!
“They did a fantastic job. Best concert I saw all year. If one wasn’t in the holiday spirit before that concert, they sure were afterwards.”
Our Concert with VMWC. Nov 11
Rehearsal with VMWC. Nov 7th
Rehearsal. July 11/23
Eastlink Community TV Bandfest Story
ShowBoat Fire Fund
Please Donate! https://gofund.me/42b1f251
Remembering Dr Love!
Remembering Nina!
John’s 90th Birthday Bash!
DCB Brass. V 1.0
NDAC Grand Opening Day!
NDAC Grand Opening Day!
DCB plays ‘Curtain Call’
The DCB Brass
Remembering Phil
Phil Warren 1932 – 2022
We were deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of one of our founding members and longtime clarinetist, Phil Warren. We will certainly miss his fine playing in our Delta Concert Band and Tailgate Jazz Band, as well as his dry wit and sense of humour. As it turns out, Phil was also conductor Jim Tempest’s Psychology professor in university, so a multilevel association that is one of the many treasured aspects of playing in a community band.
No doubt, Phil is reunited with his beloved wife, Dee, who also was one of our supporters, and is entertaining folks with his clarinet and pearls of wisdom now that they are together in a better place.
Our first 2021 rehearsal at the North Delta Arts Centre!
Nice Bassdrum!!!
Celebrating our first rehearsal of 2021!
2020 Virtual Christmas party!
Celebrating our first rehearsal of the 2020 season!
A wonderful night of music making and camaraderie. We look forward to the time when all of you are able to join us. We miss you!
Chrissie Thernes, Delta Concert Band, French horn
Reconnecting
I know that the need for community and connection is greater than ever before. In the time of a global pandemic, activities that have the ability to connect us emotionally while maintaining a safe distance have become a saving grace. In particular, creativity through the visual arts, music, poetry, painting, and movement have blossomed as opportunities where we are reminded of what it is to be human.
Creating Music Together
I had not realized how much I missed music rehearsals with my community concert band. We were physically distanced and wore masks as we set up music stands and chairs, but as we started playing my brain attuned in a way I had forgotten existed. Amidst all the strangeness and stress of the pandemic, playing live with other musicians in the open air sent a lightning bolt of connection directly to my heart.
The neighbourhood felt it as well. People out walking were inextricably drawn towards the music. Some stopped briefly, and others brought blankets or camp chairs to bask in the evening sun and listen to the music being created.
“Community and connection remind us of what it means to be human.”
The music played through me and eddied around my feet before rising up into the warm, evening air. My heart ached as the final chords evaporated – a simple beauty that I had not even realized I missed.
As the sun began to dip lower our rehearsal ended and the masks reappeared. We were careful not to linger in our usual groups as we packed up to go home. We retreated to our separate vehicles, but I carried a re-remembered togetherness as I hummed unconsciously all the way home.
Chrissie Thernes, Delta Concert Band, French horn
At our last rehearsal before Covid, Guy Roberts (trumpet), who was subbing for Joan, got out his camera and took this picture of us rehearsing in the Centre.
Brant Mitchell, our wonderful Euphonium player, and member of the DCB for almost 50 years, decided to retire from the Band in September. We miss Brant and his beautiful tone.
