Organization president Al Bourke is upping the ante for the resurrection of successful community band- one that he hopes will thrive by the motto "People plus music," he said.

With a $6,300 grant from the City of Brampton for 2009, Bourke is bringing in musical director Doug Manning to help the organization make a strong comeback.

Since the CCB suspended its activities in 2002, the organization concentrated its efforts on the sister jazz/stage band, the Chinguacousy Swing Orchestra. With that group achieving tremendous success, Bourke felt it was time to shift some of the focus back to the concert band and revive a long-standing musical fixture in Brampton.

"It's been a rebuilding process," said Bourke, president since 2000. "We started a research committee, and decided 'yes' that we should put the concert band back together."

Bourke envisions this "next generation community band" as very accessible to community members who have varying levels of skill. He hopes to see roughly 30 members this year, and grow from there.

During its peak, the Chinguacousy Concert Band had well over 80 members- and in its final year before taking hiatus, the membership dropped to eight musicians.

However, with a few years to reflect and a new focus, Bourke is positive the band can grow its membership...