“The RCAF Band is a national band that calls Winnipeg its home. Every time I hear them I’m blown away by how professional, dedicated and devoted they are as a group. Truly, they are a treasure. It’s outstanding to see so many people here tonight,” Col Spott, 17 Wing Winnipeg Commanding Officer said during his remarks from the stage at the intermission at the RCAF Band’s Home for the Holidays concert at the Burton Cummings Theatre on December 2. Col Spott was one of about 450 people in attendance.
The concert was held in support of United Way Winnipeg and featured such holiday favorites as Joy to the World (arrangement by Tom Kubis), Sleigh Ride (by Leroy Anderson), White Christmas (by Irving Berlin, arr. by Annie McCrady), Winter Wonderland/Let It Snow (arr. Mark Bailey), A Charlie Brown Christmas (by Vince A. Guaraldi, arr. Roy W. Kaighn, the evocative Christmas in the Trenches 1915 (by Cormac MacConnell, arr. by Matt McCrady).
“I’m so glad that you could make time in your busy schedules for this special event in support of a stronger and more resilient city,” Dana Spiring, Honorary Colonel of 2 Canadian Air Division and Chair of United Way 2022 Campaign, said to the audience during intermission. “Winnipeg is a community of people who care about each other. All of us want the best for our families, communities and our neighborhoods. It’s caring people like you that believe if we work together we can make sure that a network of support is steadily in place leaving no Winnipegger behind. Thanks to everyone who decided to donate tonight. Every dollar you give makes such a profound difference in our city. “The RCAF Band is world class and to be able to listen to a concert like this and give back to our community is truly special.”
“For me and my family, the RCAF Band holiday concert is a highlight every year,” said Scott Gillingham, Mayor of Winnipeg. “It kicks off the Christmas season for us. The RCAF Band is outstanding and tonight’s concert has been spectacular. On behalf of myself and my family I want to wish all the men and women in the CAF a happy holiday and happy New Year.”
Sergeant Cindy Scott, a vocalist with the RCAF Band, admitted that she was very proud of “what we were able to put together” for the public. “I think it brought a little bit of something for everybody, and we were definitely able to convey a wonderful holiday spirit,” she said. “Today was one of those moments where everybody came together again. That powerful music just brought everybody a little bit closer together. With the United Way here taking donations, it really helped that community feel that we were pulling together and doing something better for somebody else.”