Bill Wahl has conducted Medicine Hat's Concert Band Society for more than 50 years. Wahl was formerly Crescent Heights High School's band teacher from 1971 to 2003.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
After 50 years, Bill Wahl’s tenure as the conductor of the Medicine Hat Concert Band Society is ending on a high note.
Wahl founded what is now the Concert Band Society in 1985, and remained at its helm until last year when he announced his intention to step down. Several years ago, Wahl was diagnosed with dementia. Following his retirement from the Concert Band Society, he plans to focus on his health and spending time with family.
Before passing on his baton, Wahl will lead the band one last time, as they perform a concert – titled Jubilee Wahltz – which celebrates his musical legacy.
The concert is being held at the Esplanade May 28 at 7 p.m. A selection of Wahl’s favourite pieces will be performed by the society’s Andante and Allegro bands, with Wahl conducting two pieces for the Andante band and one for the Allegro.
“Bill is pretty excited,” Wahl’s wife, Beth, told the News. “At the rehearsals, it’s just amazing to see his response to being there. And people in the band are so supportive of Bill. They’re just amazing. They love to have him there.”
Not only will current Concert Band Society members be performing; former band members and former music students of Wahl’s will be taking part. Several musicians are even travelling to Medicine Hat for the event, Beth said.
Medicine Hat’s Dr. Don Davis will be the evening’s MC.
At the conductor’s podium, Wahl will be joined by his daughter Danielle, a band director, and grandson Bryant, who holds a Bachelor of Music degree and Master’s degree in conducting.
A fourth generation band conductor himself, Wahl is proud to perform alongside his family members.
“Our whole family has been involved (with the Concert Band Society) for a lot of years,” said Beth. “It’s something which has been a big part of our family. So, for all of them to be a part of this, it’s very special.”
Danielle and Bryant will conduct several pieces, respectively. Then, the Wahl family’s three generations will come together to conduct the grand finale.
“We would love to see every seat filled because, of course, this is a pretty special thing,” Beth said. “It’s a tribute to Bill.”
Tickets for the concert are available at tixx.ca.
