By Moana Kutsche

Special to the Sounder

On Sunday, June 14, the Orcas Island Community Band traveled to Ladner, B.C., to perform at the two-day Ladner Bandfest with 22 other all-volunteer community bands. The Orcas band was the only US band at the event.

Conductor Joe Babcock, 30 Orcas musicians, spouses and supporters made the trip, which included an impromptu concert aboard the ferry.

The band played two Sousa marches, a Dixieland-style rendition of the hymn “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” the “The Magnificent Seven,” Everett Maxwell’s Mexican-style paso doble “Ojo de Aguila,” and selections from “An English Sea Song Suite” by Philip Sparke and “Third Suite” by Robert Jager.

Each band received gift certificates from Ladner-area music stores to thank them for participating. The Orcas band donated their certificates to the Delta, B.C., elementary music department.