With some borrowed instruments, an unused classroom and a lot of enthusiasm, retired Wallaceburg District Secondary School (WDSS) music teacher Dave Babbitt has a dream of making concert music come alive in his hometown – and he’s not alone.
More than 100 people turned out for two information sessions earlier this month to hear Babbitt’s pitch for re-establishing a concert band in a town with a rich history of music.
“It’s uncharted territory,” he told those in attendance, “but we’ve got some good partners and we’re going to see what we can do.”
Those partners include the Lambton Kent District School Board and the Wallaceburg and District Council for the Arts.
Through the efforts of WDSS principal Rob Lee and board trustee Tom McGregor, the Wallaceburg Community Music Program will have use of the instruments and the former music room for the next three years.
The program will be operated through the arts council, the oldest such organization in Chatham-Kent, having its roots in the early 1980s.
“It was such a shame to see these instruments sit idle or be dispersed when there was a need in the community,” said arts council president Dave Elliott.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Dave’s ability to serve as music director.”
Elliott said public interest has remained high with people dropping off instruments at his business.
“We’ve had a people dropping off a clarinet, an accordion, drums, a guitar and someone even wanted to donate a piano,” he said. “We haven’t even expected that kind of a response. People are just coming out of the woodwork.”
As an arts council initiative, the effort falls under the umbrella of a charitable organization so donations of money or instruments can be tax deductible.
Part of Babbitt’s motivation came from the fact that for the first time in its history, WDSS isn’t offering instrumental music in its curriculum.
Having retired after a 30-year career as a music teacher at WDSS, Babbitt said he has the time and the energy for the project.
Elliott said he was happy with the interest shown.
“This is as a good a turnout as we could have expected,” he said. “With the enthusiasm shown tonight, the use of the room and the instruments, this program has got some legs.”
“I don’t want to build just a band, I want to build an organization that will perpetuate a band,” he said. Toward that end, the group is seeking not only musicians but also anyone who wants to lend a hand with organizing.
Babbitt said membership in the band isn’t limited to Wallaceburg residents.
“If you’re from Dresden, Port Lambton, Walpole Island or any of the rural areas around here, please come out,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter if you currently play an instrument, used to play one or want to learn, get in touch with us and we’ll see what we can do.”
He said the effort would have an instructional component that may act as a feeder group for the band.
Out of respect for guitar and drum teachers, the group won’t be offering lessons on those instruments.
“We respect the dedication of our local music teachers and their right to make a living,” he said. “We want to live harmoniously with them.”
Babbitt paid homage to former groups such as the Wallaceburg Kiltie Band, Wallaceburg Community Band, the Bob Jack’s Orchestra, New Horizon’s Band and The Brass Factory.
“We respect the past but we want to forge the next chapter,” he said. “We have everything but the music.”
For further information, contact Babbitt at 519-627-9803, Elliott at 519-809-2224 or visit the arts council web page at
