Living Our Local History Out Loud

KISSM students to perform world premiere as part of KISSM 2018!

Excitement is building for the Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music’s 40th anniversary this July and with it, anticipation of a commissioned music piece written specifically for the Concert Band and Choir to perform!

Titled, The Legend of Billy Miner, this energetic piece has been composed by renowned composer Robert Buckley, who has extensive experience writing music for high school aged youth. Students enrolling in Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music (KISSM) this summer will have a chance to be part of the world-premiere performance of the piece that takes the audience on a musical and visual journey back to the time of legendary train robber Billy Miner.

“We’re excited to give our young musicians the opportunity to bring to life this unique piece of music written specifically about the vitality and history of our region,” said Kim Mangan Executive Director of the Kamloops Music Collective (KMC), which oversees KISSM. “Students participating in KISSM will have the benefit of working on this all-encompassing piece that includes concert band, choir and a large-screen digital projection of images.”

Mr. Buckley has been working with the KISSM Music Directors to bring the piece to Kamloops for the world premiere on July 24th, at 7 PM in the sagebrush Theatre. Tickets will go on sale through Kamloops Live Box Office in May.

Funding to create and perform the piece has come through the British Columbia Arts Council as part of its Community Grants program, with additional support from the Thompson Nicola Regional District.