John Matthews9/16/2020 John Matthews is a proud member of the Stratford Concert Band. John joined the band, 7 years ago, directly following his 29 year career in education as a teacher and administrator.
John, a former secondary instrumental music teacher, has some facility on all of the brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. He has played alto sax in the band and is currently playing clarinet. John's performance experience includes Queens and Toronto University orchestras, concert and swing bands, some occassional experinece with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Kingston Symphony Orchestra. He also played for six years with the Lighthouse Swing Band, out of Kincardine, under the direction of Don Johnson. John is a very proud parent and grandfather to two beautiful grandsons and one grand-daughter. John's favourite song is Skinny Mirinky Dinky Doo.
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Chris Adair9/2/2020  I joined the Stratford Legion Concert Band/Stratford Concert Band in September of 1973. I played in the percussion section with my late father Keith, my brother Tim and, at one point, my son Jason. A few years ago, I moved to the trombone section. I've been playing trombone since high school, having learned the instrument from Central School music teacher and SCB trumpet player David Manning. What has been my favourite march to perform? In the 46+ years in this amazing band, I've had many favourite marches, but the best memory by far was performing “Thundercrest March.” This march brings fond memories of performing it with my father and my brother together as the complete percussion section.
Paula Bentley9/2/2020  Paula Bentley picked up trombone in grade 9 music and has been playing it since then. She joined the SCB, then called the Legion Band, in 1986 when she moved to Stratford. She is grateful to have played alongside great trombonists Merv Doerr, Clayton Brodhagen, and Jim Hamilton, to name three of many. She is enjoying playing with the currents greats, Mollie, Warren, Peter, Chris, and Josie. It is hard to choose a favourite piece, but the one that sends shivers up her spine every time it is played is “Highland Cathedral” with the pipe band. Paula's day job was high school teacher until she retired and pursued her fun job, ushering at the theatre.
Peter Bortolin9/2/2020  Hi! I'm Peter Bortolin and I've been part of the fantastic trombone section since 2017 and my favourite piece to date is Suite of Old American Dances. When I am not playing trombone in Stratford, I work as an engineering consultant specializing in oil & gas pipelines and related facilities, am a foodie (love trying out new restaurants), and (more importantly) play with the K-W Community Orchestra. The trombone section just started up Dem Bones, and I must say, we sound fabulous!
Warren Rooke9/2/2020  Warren started playing trombone in his high school marching band, complete with shiny tunics, plaid pants and tall fuzzy hats! He joined the Stratford Concert Band in 1995, when his youngest was just a few weeks old and would come to the concerts in the park in her stroller with her mom and older sister. Over the years all 4 members of the Rooke household have played in the band, and for a short period all at the same time. It's hard to pick a favourite piece - there's just so much great music! As for a favourite march, it's a toss up between 76 Trombones (of course) and Sousa's Liberty Bell March (aka the theme to "Monty Python's Flying Circus"). In his spare time Warren is a software developer for a large Canadian bank.
Mollie Petryna9/2/2020  Hi I am Mollie Petryna trombone player in the Stratford Concert Band which I joined in January 2015. I had played in the Timmins Symphony Orchestra and Timmins All Star Big Band before moving to Stratford. Believe it or not we travelled to Port Elgin as invited guests to play with other Big Bands. Considering I was becoming a B&B owner in May of 2015 I still wanted to keep my skills acute while making new friends. It was a super great decision . This quintet Dem Bones is a fun way to make music and work as a team . I love the challenge of each new March we play and Alfred Reed’s compositions can touch your heart or make you dance.
Allan Lee9/2/2020
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We would like to acknowledge that we practice and perform on the traditional territory of the
Anishnabek, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples.
Anishnabek, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois), and Ojibway/Chippewa peoples.
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