West Central High School is preparing to celebrate a year of musical growth with its annual Spring Band Showcase, set for June 9 at the school.

The free, public concert will feature performances by the school’s Grade 9 and senior concert bands, the early-morning jazz band, and a collaborative grand finale with the Northern Crossing Community Band.

“This is our final concert of the year, and a chance for the students to share all the hard work they’ve put in,” said Candace Marshall, band director at West Central. “We just returned from the Alberta Band Festival in Red Deer, and now we’re excited to bring that music home.”

The evening will feature a range of musical styles, from concert band pieces to familiar pop hits and jazz numbers. The Grade 9 band will play a medley of ’80s and ‘90s favourites made popular in the Deadpool films, including “Like a Prayer,” “Take On Me,” and “Bye Bye Bye.” The jazz band’s set includes New Orleans-style jazz, including a rendition of the B-52s’ “Love Shack.”

The showcase also includes a special performance in honour of this year’s graduating seniors.

A highlight of the evening will be the debut collaboration between the high school’s senior band and the Northern Crossing Community Band, performing a cartoon-inspired piece titled Animation Wabbits.

“This is a really fun piece of music, it’s very much an ode to classic Looney Tunes we all grew up with — it’s a bit of a challenge for both bands,” Marshall added.

The Northern Crossing Community Band, led by Pioneer School music teacher Allison Lagree, includes musicians of all ages from the Rocky area. For those who were at the Footloose shows early in the spring, Marshall says attendees may recognize a few musicians, including bass player Aiden Koenig.

Admission to the June 9 band showcase is free, though attendees are encouraged to bring cash to support a 50/50 fundraiser for the school’s music program.

Marshall, who moved to Rocky Mountain House five years ago, says the town’s musical culture continues to impress her.

“There’s so much talent and enthusiasm here,” she said. “It’s just the best place to live— I love it here.”