The Kings Community Concert Band (KCCB) is an adult concert and marching band based in Kentville, Kings County, Nova Scotia, in the heart of the Annapolis Valley. Welcome to our website.
The KCCB has two main objectives. It seeks to bring some of the rich tradition of band music to the public for their enjoyment. It also provides an opportunity for its members to have the fun of playing together and enhancing their instrumental skills. The KCCB was founded in 1994 and played as the 'Acadia Alumni Band and Friends' until 1998 at which time is was incorporated as the 'Greenwich Concert Band Society' and took the name that it now plays under.
Over the years the Band has brought entertainment to the Valley, the South Shore, New Germany, Halifax and Charlottetown with performances in parades, concerts, municipal events, with the RCMP musical ride in Oxford, NS, and special programs in a local mall. In November 2004, it had the priviledge of giving the inaugural concert in the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville's newly refurbished Acadia Cinema. The Band has performed many Christmas concerts for the 'residents' of the Nova Scotia Youth Facility in Waterville.
In the fall, members of the Band change their red KCCB shirts to Acadia Alumni red shirts and become the Acadia Alumni Band for the annual Acadia Homecoming Parade. As well, a number of the band members occasionly play at Acadia home football games as the Alumni "Spirit" Band.
The Kings Community Concert Band practices every Monday night at the United Church Of St. Paul and St. Stephen at 440 Main St. in Kentville, Nova Scotia.
Director
We welcome Hal Jessome as the New Director of Music for the KCCB. Hal has spent the past 22 years as a professional musician with the Canadian Forces and most recently since 2000 as Director of the 14 Wing Brass and Reed Band. After a year long posting with the Central Band of the Canadian Forces Hal is back in the valley and eager to take the podium with the KCCB group.
Hal first studied music with Jack Armitage, who encouraged him to follow music as a career. Enrolling at Dalhousie, Hal took music and minored in theatre. Hal ended up switching majors to educational psychology and subsequently spent three years with the Halifax School Board working with special needs children. In his third year, with the school board auditions opened with the Canadian Forces and Hal successfully won a spot at the Canadian Forces School of Music. His postings have included the Stadacona Band in Halifax, the Naden Band in Victoria BC, the Central Band in Ottawa and as the Bandmaster at 14 Wing Greenwood. Hal has performed all over the world as a member of forces bands and highlights include the China Music Festival, The Royal Tournament in London England, The Breda Tattoo in Holland, the Bermuda Tattoo and Remembrance Ceremonies at Vimy Ridge. He has studied conducting with both Dr Mark Hopkins and Frank Battisti. He also presents clinics and lectures to schools and other groups interested in music and the music profession and has extensive experience with producing shows, tattoos, and tours. Active in his community and his children’s activities Hal is passionate about the performing arts and encourage all to pursue same.
Hal resides in Margaretsville in a century home with his spouse Heather, the music and drama teacher at West Kings High School, and five children ages 14 through 19 months, or should he say aspiring flute, saxophone, piano, guitar, trumpet, percussion and “pots and pans players” all who have a passion for music and the performing arts.
Associated Ensembles
Various members of the KCCB are involved in other ensembles. The following are located in the Valley area
The Nova Swing Band, is a smaller ensemble that specializes in swing band music and music of the "Big Band" era. This band is available to perform at both concerts and dances. Each year, in the spring, the Swing Band plays two concerts in the Al Whittle Theatre in Wolfville. For more information contact Stewart Bishop 542-7085
The Downtown Swing Band operates out of Windsor and performs at various local functions.
