Who we are:
The Gloucester Community Concert Band is a non-profit musical ensemble that gives amateur musicians the opportunity to play in an orchestra, simply for the love of music. The band aims to move its public with its musicality, its sensitivity, its energy and its rich and varied repertoire. The GCCB’s repertoire is diverse both in its style and difficulty of interpretation. It includes marches, movie selections, folklore from around the world, classical music, Christmas music, etc.
What we do:
The GCCB offers the community a quality sociocultural activity that gives people a taste for music, while enabling its members to play music in an ensemble for fun. The orchestra performs regularly in seniors’ homes and at various community events, such as the Canadian Tulip Festival. The band also holds two annual concerts: at Christmas and in the Spring.
Our membership:
The GCCB regroups approximately 55 amateur musicians of all ages and walks of life. They have the privilege of playing under the baton of Mrs. Lisa Concessi-Maclean in a relaxed and jovial atmosphere, inspired by a love for music.
How to donate:
We are a registered charity. If you want to forward your United Way donations to us, our charitable number is 132985649RR0001.
About our conductor:
Lisa Concessi Maclean knew at the age of 17 that she had wanted to be a music teacher, for the sole purpose of conducting her own band. Four years of undergrad study at the University of Western Ontario and one year of Teacher's College had led Lisa to pursue her dreams, and then some. Not only has she been a music teacher with the Ottawa-Carleton Catholic School Board for 21 years, she has also been involved with the Gloucester Community Concert Band since her move to Ottawa in 1988. She had begun as a clarinet player, then bass clarinet player, then occasional replacement conductor for then-leader Mr. Nelson McClinton. It was Nelson who suggested that she begin a Youth band, under the GCCB organization, as a feeder system for the adult community group. The Ottawa River Youth Band had begun in 1991 with a membership of 30 youth.
Within the year, Nelson had decided to focus on other projects and step down from the GCCB. He asked Lisa to take over as conductor. Lisa did not hesitate to say yes. This was a unique opportunity to share her love of music with others and spend more time doing what she loved, conducting a concert band. Her approach with this vibrant Community group is to ensure that they are happy. She challenges them with more difficult pieces, yet loves a good laugh. She believes in providing enjoyable entertainment for the audience therefore a variety of music is performed and pleasurable for all.
