Community Impact - Culture, Recreation & Environment
Sharing the Music
What a difference good equipment makes! The G.S. Lakie Stage Band now has its own drum set, electric basses, guitar amp, and bass amp, thanks to a grant from the Lethbridge Community Foundation.
"We used to have to "beg, borrow or steal" the equipment we needed for the band," said director Ken Rogers. "The students would haul their own amps from home to the school for rehearsals and then haul them back home each time."
"Without the support from the Foundation I just don't know where the funds would have come from to get the equipment," said Rogers. "We feel very lucky."
The extra-curricular 20-piece band is in its third year of operation. These enthusiastic young musicians enjoy performing wherever and whenever possible. They perform for banquets and special events around Lethbridge and share their music by performing at schools in Lethbridge, Calgary & Edmonton as well as many of the small towns along the way. "We especially like playing in elementary schools that may not have instrumental music programs. The student audiences are always thrilled to hear us."
From the LCF Report to the Community 2006
That has all changed now. "Being able to purchase instruments an dequipment for the rhythm section has made a real difference to the band. Now we are self-contained and have good equipment that will last 30 years," he said. "We were able to acquire top notch equipment that sounds great." According to Rogers, it is easier for students to learn to play on good instruments. "Not having good equipment is like trying to learn to ride a bike with flat tires."
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Updated September 2009
www.lethbridgecommunityfoundation.ca
403.328.5297 office@lethbridgecommunityfoundation.ca 404 8th St South
