A tribute to long-time band teacher Colleen Oscar-Swan
By Joan Janzen
joanjanzen@yahoo.com
Long-time band teacher and conductor Colleen Oscar-Swan is retiring after 32 years of dedication and service at Kindersley Composite School (KCS). “I was always in KCS and Elizabeth School from the get-go in 1989,” Colleen said. “I was in Coleville for about twelve years until they decided to bring Coleville kids into Kindersley for band. I spent some time in Westberry, but all of it’s been in the band world.”
Calla McLean, who was on the band parents committee for seven years, said, “I had the privilege of going as a chaperone on two amazing band trips to Seattle. Of course, the band from small-town Saskatchewan always brought home the gold! There are many trophies on display at KCS that speak to the excellence of our band program. Colleen’s been a pillar of the music community for so long and is leaving a big hole to fill.” That hole will be filled by one of Colleen’s former students, Michael Reece, who graduated from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S).
Colleen also graduated from the U of S in 1989; previous to that, she grew up on a farm in the Kindersley-Eston area and attended school in Eston, where she was involved in band. “I had marched in many Goose Festival parades prior to teaching band,” she said.
In the fall of 1989, she started working in the Kindersley School Division. “I was quite familiar with what was happening in Kindersley, and I got an opportunity to work with others and carry on the traditions that they had established, laying the foundation for the band program.” Ever since then, Colleen continued to build upon that foundation, teaching students necessary skills.
“When you get students in Grade 5, you teach them the basics. It’s really important to have the technical foundation in order to be successful, and so you can build on that and gain confidence,” she explained. “The band world is similar to putting a football or hockey team together. They have to put out their best effort. I’ve had great players, and I’ve had players who always had to work hard to do well, and they’ve been amazing team players.”
It’s obvious Colleen loves what she does and loves conducting. “Conducting is a feeling no other teacher gets to have. That amazing feeling when I’m in front of the group conducting, and they’re pouring their hearts out, working together and being fulfilled by the music and appreciating what they’re playing,” she said.
She misses the trips she enjoyed with all the groups of students. “It’s not about how great they play, but about being great ambassadors for our school. We would fill a restaurant with 100 students and when we would leave, the restaurant staff would be standing at the door shaking hands and having fun with the kids because they had been so respectful.”
Heather Ahrens, the President of the Band Parents Association, wanted to thank Colleen for her many years of time and energy instilling the love of music in so many kids. “We’ll miss her contributions at our monthly meetings,” she added.
Bev McDougall has also been a long-time member of the band parents association. “Whether it’s planning the next trip, fundraising activity or concert, Colleen always has a hands-on approach and puts an enormous amount of time and effort into making the band program a success.”
As for the future, Colleen will be filling a temporary position, possibly subbing, and helping out whatever way she can. But she’s also looking forward to doing things that she couldn’t do while teaching. “I want to spend time with my mom, who lives in Saskatoon and am looking forward to going to the Olympic trials with her and spending time with other friends who have retired.”
Kindersley has one of the few remaining marching bands in the province. Calla McLean said, “Both the winter band concert and the Strawberry Social are highlights of the year, and Colleen always added so much to these concerts. I want to thank Colleen for her hard work, dedication and commitment to the band program and music community of Kindersley.”
The annual Goose Festival parade was another community event that was always a huge hit due to Colleen’s hard work. Colleen is hoping there will be another Goose Festival parade in the future. “I don’t think I’ve ever watched a Goose Festival parade. I’ve either been in it or conducted the band; I’ve never watched from the sidelines.”
