The Board of Directors of the Medicine Hat Concert Band Society (MHCBS) is pleased to announce that Mark Ward and Curtis Perrin have been selected as the new permanent conductors for the concert bands, effective August 2022. Mark will be taking on the role of Conductor of Bands for the Andante band, while Curtis will be assuming the duties of Conductor of Bands for the Allegro band.
Mark Ward
Having spent his career as a band teacher in Abbotsford, BC, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, Mark’s music background spans over 42 years. Following his retirement from teaching high school band in 2013, Mark continues to share his passion for music as a brass instructor at the Medicine Hat College, Conductor of the Lethbridge Community Band Society’s Gold Band and over the past year as interim conductor for the Medicine Hat Concert Band Society. In addition to being a seasoned conductor, Mark is also an active singer and musician, having performed with choirs, orchestras, community musical theatre groups and bands, including the Andante and Allegro Medicine Hat concert bands.
I am very passionate about community bands and the important role they play in providing an opportunity for people of all ages to develop their musical skills and continue to perform in a supportive and joyful environment. ~ Mark Ward
Curtis Perrin
Currently working as the band teacher at Crescent Heights High School in Medicine Hat, Curtis has a broad background in music teaching and conducting stemming over ten years. In addition to being a teacher, Curtis has been an active member of the Medicine Hat Concert Band Society since moving to the city in 2014. Over the past year, he has shared the role as the interim conductor for the MHCBS alongside Mark Ward. When he’s not teaching and mentoring musicians, Curtis actively participates in the community music scene as a performer with the Medicine Hat Jazz Septet.
I believe that community bands hold a very special place in music making: they are a social outlet for people who want to make like-minded connections, especially for people who might be new to our community and looking for friends and colleagues in a new city. ~ Curtis Perrin
The Medicine Hat Concert Band Society Board of Directors would like to congratulate both Mark and Curtis on their new positions. The society looks forward to having their shared passion for music, dedication to community bands, and artistic direction lead both the Andante and Allegro bands into a new chapter for the MHCBS.
Background
In the summer of 2021, MHCBS founder (1984) and longtime conductor Bill Wahl announced his retirement from the MHCBS and as lead conductor of both the Andante and Allegro bands. Having contributed to the wind band community for over 50 years, a tribute concert recognizing Bill’s accomplishments, contributions and lifetime commitment will take place on May 28th at the Esplanade. Tickets to A Jubilee Wahltz: A Celebration of Bill Wahl are now available for purchase at tixx.ca.