On March 8th, the Government of Alberta surprised musicians when they relaxed the COVID-19 restrictions allowing individual performers or performance groups (10 participants maximum) to access indoor and outdoor facilities for rehearsals, lessons, filming or broadcasting virtual performances. Jumped on this welcoming change was the Rocky Mountain Symphony Orchestra (RMSO) and the Foothills Brass Quintet.
“As soon as the change was announced, Carlos (the Music Director of the RMSO) called and asked if we wanted to do a concert,” says Foothills Brass’ trumpeter Chris Morrison. “That was Monday. The following Sunday, we were recording our concert.”
During the summer months when the number of COVID-19 cases was low, Chris and four other members of Foothills Brass performed 19 concerts at various outdoor venues such as parks and cafés. As the outdoor temperature dropped, so did their performance opportunities. They presented one pre-recorded concert with the Pro Arts Society and were preparing for the RMSO’s brass-themed Christmas concert, then the concert was cancelled as Alberta has announced strict measures to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 on December 8th.
“So we are very happy to be back on the stage finally, even with the 3-metre restriction,” says Chris. “After a while, it stopped bothering us that we were so far apart. Then we just enjoyed playing music. It’s not the same as performing in front of the audience but at least we are playing together.”
Now celebrating 40 years of entertaining audiences, Foothills Brass is known for performing a fun and unique selection of swing, blues, jazz, pop, classical, and other genres of music. Entitled Swing into Spring, their March 20th concert will feature music from Gospel to Dixieland with some old-time classics, and a sprinkling of spring tunes such as Strawberry Fields Forever and April in Paris.
Swing into Spring with the Foothills Brass Quintet will take place on Saturday, March 20th. Tickets are $15 per household for concert access. There are also three other price points ranging up to $50 for anyone who wishes to pay extra to support local music. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.rmso.ca.
Interview by ©Calgary Classical
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