HISTORY

Offered as a night school course to adults “with no musical experience who were willing to take a chance and learn a new skill”, the band was formed in 1982 with eighteen participants, under the guidance of Mr. Curt Jantzen.  He laid out three simple rules: 1) students must not know anything about music (or pretend not to), 2) not worry about making terrible sounds at first, and 3) never take themselves seriously.

            The course proved popular and to meet demand Mr. Jantzen started three more Beginning Bands in subsequent years.  These were eventually molded to form the Delta Music Makers.

            Over the years, the Delta Music Makers have held various workshops to develop and enhance the skills of the players.  These have included evening sectional instructions with local professionals, weekends of immersion in band ensemble playing, refining tuning and intonation, or learning rhythm techniques from experts in the field.

            Since its inception, the Delta Music Makers have played concerts throughout the Lower Mainland, including Delta Music-in-the-Park summer concerts.  Once a year they perform joint concerts with the Delta Community Band and the Delta Sings! Choir.  As well, they enjoy entertaining at the local extended care unit at Delta Hospital where several of their members service as volunteers.  The band plays in Vancouver’s Stanley Park, Metrotown in Burnaby, and at the International Shopping outlet at the Douglas border crossing between Canada and the U.S.

            Their first tour was to Disneyland, California, in 1988.  Since then they have travelled to Disney World, Florida, the Canyonlands of Utah and Nevada, and Great Britain in July 1999.

            From their humble beginnings the band has grown and developed into a successful musical group.  The “beginners” are now seasoned veterans and have been joined by some more advanced players.  All continue to rehearse and practice conscientiously and to challenge themselves to aspire to higher levels of musicianship.  They all take their music seriously, but maintain a relaxed and friendly social atmosphere.

            The Third Stage, or jazz band, was formed originally as an offshoot of the Concert Band for members who wanted additional experience of playing jazz.  It has developed, under the direction of Mr. Dave Fullerton, into an full-fledged stage band.