- by Hub staff

When Charles Stanley was assigned a trumpet by his school music teacher in grade 5 it was a perfect match. Now 15, the accomplished young musician is helping his mother Wendy as they both prepare for the Great Lake Winds' December concert.

Wendy had never played a musical instrument until, on a whim, she answered an email request from the concert band's musical director, Rob Tite, for someone to play their newly-acquired tuba. "I said I would learn one piece," Wendy said. "I don't read music, but I have learned "Angels Diggin' It" for this concert."

The Winds repertoire is always varied. The concert December 5 at 11 a.m. at Central Westside Church (the band's usual rehearsal spot) will include some seasonal numbers – like the aforementioned variation on Angels We Have Heard on High - and some solos. "That's what is great," says Charles, "Rob always chooses music that is somewhere in the middle of the range of ability in the band. For some it is a little challenging and for some it is a little easy. But he always gives us the opportunity to choose whatever we want to play if we want to do a solo – which I'll probably do this time." In one recent concert, a young musician played his own impressive organ composition, and besides Charles' trumpet solos, there have been French horn, saxophone, guitar and vocal offerings. But the main event is the concert band - a variety of woodwinds, brass and percussion - and now a tuba.

"Rob has been very patient and so encouraging. I did tell him I was willing to drop out if it would help the band," Wendy laughed. "But he and Charles told me to just keep trying."

Wendy's tuba has the same basic fingering as Charles' B-flat trumpet, although the music itself is written in the bass clef as opposed to the treble clef of the higher instrument. The biggest challenges with the tuba are the highest and lowest notes. Wendy had to learn how to hold her mouth and relax her jaw. And breathe. After her first try at the tuba, Wendy said she was light-headed from so much breathing! Again Charles, who would like to be a school music teacher one day, was a helpful tutor. He had to remind Wendy that she could not expect to be perfect right off.

Everyone is welcome to join the Great Lake Winds, from the curious beginner, to the average player, to more experienced performers who would like the opportunity to be mentors to help others enjoy the experience of making music. There are players from grade seven to their seventies.

Wendy says she would encourage anyone who might have an instrument "in the back of their closet".
"Maybe you played in the past and then, hey – life got busy. Just start again!" Music, the Stanleys both agree, brings people together and brings joy.

The Great Lake Winds start rehearsals again on Saturday, January 9 at 10 a.m. at Central Westside Church at 10th Street West and 4th Ave. in Owen Sound. For more information, email director Rob Tite at [email protected], or phone 519-372-1566. Facebook.com/greatlakewinds