Spring concert dedicated to boy's memory
MCB to perform next Sat.
Published on
Apr 04, 2008
A scheduled spring performance by the Milton Concert Band (MCB) recently took on a deeper, more meaningful purpose after tragedy struck one of its members.
A few hours after the newly-formed MCB's first-ever Christmas concert last December, members received the sad news that the six-year-old son of band member Kelly Kilbride had passed away of a rare metabolic disease.
Wanting to do something in memory of little Kirkland Kilbride, the band decided to dedicate its upcoming spring concert to him. The concert -- which will serve to remember Kirkland as well as raise funds and awareness for the illness that took him -- will take place Saturday, Apr. 12 at 8 p.m. at St. Paul's United Church, 123 Main St. E.
Joining the MCB for the performance -- for a second time -- will be the St. Paul's United Church Senior Choir, conducted by Judy Hunter.
The band will perform a medley of songs arranged by conductor Joseph Resendes entitled 'A Message for Kirkland.'
"Being such a close-knit group, we wanted to show our support to our fellow band member, her family and to the research fund that was named for her son," said MCB's Cheryl Ciccarelli.
The upcoming concert will be filled with uplifting music including light spirituals and gospel.
"We feel honoured to make this dedication to Kirkland and believe it's fitting in a season bursting with new life that we remember the life of one very special boy," Ciccarelli said.
It was believed that Kirkland died of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C, which prompted problems in the mitochondria of his cells. But recently his parents were told that might not be the case, leaving many unanswered questions.
There isn't much research into metabolic diseases.
Kilbride, who plays trombone with the band, said she's touched by the support she's been shown by the group's members, particularly through this concert.
In a roundabout way, it was Kirkland who helped her find her way back to the music she'd once loved.
"I told myself I was going to have to do something that would bring happiness into my life so it would make the lonely days more bearable for me once Kirkland was gone,"Kilbride recalled.
That "something" was to dust off her trombone and start playing again -- with MCB, which she'd read about.
"I was welcomed with open arms and soon found my place," she said. "Music instantly brought back much joy into my life and the camaraderie was just what I needed as Kirkland's last days approached."
Members of the band supported her wholeheartedly after Kirkland's death.
"I never imagined that that one decision to join the MCB could turn out to be one of the greatest gifts that could be brought about through Kirkland," Kilbride said.
At the upcoming concert's intermission, the band will invite the audience to visit an information booth to learn more about the Kirkland Kilbride Research Fund at The Hospital for Sick Children and the Mito March for Kirkland fundraising event.
Band members have chosen to wear green ribbons at all performances this season in support of mitochondrial awareness.
The MCB is now in its second year. Members and organizers say the band has jelled into a well-balanced and exciting ensemble.
"We had such an overwhelmingly positive response to the band, the location and our guest performers at our Christmas concert that we wanted to keep what worked while offering a selection of music that's as fresh and invigorating as spring itself," said band president Angela Rozario.
Something that sets this group apart from traditional concert bands is its repertoire. Resendes imparts his own unique influences into performances.
"Many North American concert bands have a similar repertoire," Resendes said. "While selections from Broadway, big band, classical and contemporary North American composers will always be a part of our musical offerings, I am able to draw on my cultural background to introduce some very innovative European works."
The band prides itself on injecting each selection with emotion, allowing them to communicate the story behind the notes.
"We've worked so hard to breathe life into each piece," Rozario said, adding the acoustics at St. Paul's enhance their efforts.
Tickets to the concert cost $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and are free for kids under 12.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are available at the door or in advance by calling (905) 693-9886 or e-mailing tickets@miltonconcertband.com.
For more information about the Mito March for Kirkland, visit www.mitomarch.ca.
To find out more about the MCB, visit www.miltonconcertband.com.