Kirkland Concert Band trumpet section

About us

The Kirkland Concert Band is an amateur community wind orchestra formed in 1984 with a history in the world of MONTREAL community wind ensembles.

KCB is a place for experienced musicians to play and as an ensemble providing musical entertainment and joy to the citizens of the West Island and the surrounding Montreal area. Our experienced musicians range from amateurs to semi-professionals who love to play their instrument(s), practice together, and perform for the community.

MUSIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR

Brent Besner

A graduate of McGill University and Université de Montréal in clarinet performance and HEC Montreal in arts management, Brent has been playing clarinet professionally for the past 25 years and has played with a number of professional orchestras including the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. An enthusiasm for conducting led him to the podium in the mid-2000s and since then, he has conducted various professional and amateur ensembles. His passion for making music shows in his commitment to excellence and his joyful dedication to the members of his ensembles.

 

Musical Director Emeritus 1984-2023

Patrick Downs

Born in Plattsburgh, New York, Patrick Downs holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh, and has been a professional musician since 1972. He has performed with the Canada Symphony Orchestra, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Kitchener‐Waterloo Orchestra and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.  Patrick was the original conductor of the Kirkland Concert Band beginning in 1984 and served for 39 years.