Music For Life

The tag line “Music For Life” was coined by founding conductor of Second Wind Community Concert Band (SWCCB), Laura Mercer and her friend, fellow educator and mentor, Ron MacKay.  They both believed that the music that was taught and loved in grade school or privately as youngsters, would never leave their souls, especially if they had wonderful training and experiences. It was important for the music student to be able to carry on playing whether they furthered their studies in music or just played in an ensemble or a community group.

In Cape Breton, they worked together to create a space where people could continue pursuing their musical passions. This effort transformed lives, offering an opportunity for
individuals to step away from their busy routines and recharge. Music became a welcome escape, giving people a chance to unwind and engage their minds in a different way. After rehearsals, it was common to hear remarks like, “Wow, that was the fastest two hours ever!”—a testament to how energizing and rewarding the experience was for everyone involved.

Ron and Laura had a passion for the young musician whether they were 6 or 76.  It was so important to them to create successes right from their beginning sound and first notes to great experiences in performance.