The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, March 18, 2016 | 26 n i s s e n i Bus Oakville Orchestra notes 150th anniversary By Katelyn Dingman Canada's oldest continuously-operating community concert band is celebrating its 150th anniversary in the historic heart of Oakville this May. The anniversary concert, titled 150 Years on the Sixteen, will take its audience back to 1867 when the Oakville Wind Orchestra performed during the launch of George Chisholm's Whiteoak schooner on Sixteen Mile Creek. A high point in the history of Oakville's shipping yard, the Whiteoak schooner was destined to ship lumber, coal and grain on all the Great Lakes. The concert will be hosted on Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m. at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts, situated beside Sixteen Mile Creek. Approximately 40 members strong, the not-for-profit Oakville Wind Orchestra has become a staple in the community, performing during annual community events. "It's something we do for the love of the music and to support the town and the cultural events in the town," band member Stephen Williams said. "We play to satisfy our creative needs and to support a number of the town's activities." Williams, who has been a member of the band for approximately six years, plays amongst other musically inclined adults from all walks of life. From university students, teachers and doctors to retirees, engineers and even a forensic biologist, locals share their passion for music in the Oakville Wind Orchestra. "It really comes from people picking up an instrument in middle school or high school and wanting to continue on afterward," Williams stressed. "Community bands are all about providing that opportunity for people who aren't inclined to become a professional." And the orchestra members' talents do not go without recognition. In fact, the local band was awarded the Oakville Spirit Award for the Arts this year, which recognized the band's volunteerism and contributions to the enhancement of the arts in Oakville. In addition, Mayor Rob Burton recently proclaimed May 1, the date of 150 Years on the Sixteen concert, Oakville Wind Orchestra Day. The band's community involvement includes their participation in the Oakville Mayor's Historic Picnic, a Christmas concert at the Oakville Senior Citizens Residence and their Summer Concert series held on Tuesday evenings at 7p.m. from July 5 to August 9 at Coronation Park. Williams noted that the free concert series at Coronation Park draws between 300 and 500 visitors. "One of the things that is key to this band is that it started out, and continues to be, an outdoor band," Williams said, adding that their live performances includes classics, big band music and contemporary music. "We cover the whole musical spectrum." And although the musicians in the Oakville Wind Orchestra play because of their passion for the music, there is still a level of professionalism associated with the orchestra. Locals interested in joining the band attend three rehearsals with the group before the interested party, Musical Director Chris Arthurs and the section leader make any final decisions. "We play for fun but we want to make sure we maintain a certain level of musicality," said Williams. For more information on the Oakville Wind Orchestra and to purchase your tickets for the May 1 150 Years on the Sixteen concert, visit the band's website at owo.ca or purchase tickets at the Oakville Centre Box Office. The Oakville Wind Orchestra performs at several community events, including at the 2015 Coronation Park Summer series (top). Photo by Justin Greaves, Metroland Media Group Photo byLiesa Kortmann Bounce your way to achieving your fitness goals By Katelyn Dingman Looking back to your youth, jumping on trampolines is a fond memory for many adults. But as indoor trampoline parks become more widely available, soaring in the air with friends and family is no longer solely reserved for children and gymnasts. In fact, at Aerosports Trampoline Park in Oakville, adults can leap around during ultimate dodgeball, aerocise fitness classes and even open jumping sessions. And according to staff at Aerosports Trampoline Park ­ they are. "We sometimes have more adults than kids," Aerosports Trampoline Park co-owner Kate Kozub said. "It's definitely not only for kids." With more than 130 squares of trampoline to bounce on, Kozub said more and more adults are Adults enjoy a competitive heading to Aerosports Trampoline Park for their fitness needs. game of dodgeball at During the hour-long aerocise classes, guests can expect to Aeropsorts Trampoline burn up to 1,000 calories. Park in Oakville. "You're working out non stop," Kate emphasized. Photos by Justin Greaves, Dodgeball is another Aerosports program adults frequent. Metroland Media Group Kate noted that there are up to 12 co-ed adult dodgeball teams preparing to sling dogeballs at their opponents this upcoming season. Kate and her husband Jamie Kozub opened the doors to the public in November 2014 after connecting with the franchise owner of the Thunder Bay Aerosports Trampoline Park location. "There was nothing really around here for kids and adults like this," Kate explained. "It was important for us to open an Aerosports that is close to everything in the GTA." Situated in north Oakville just off of Highway 403, Kate said the trampoline park attracts visitors from Burlington, Hamilton, Mississauga and Oakville. With reasonable pricing, $14 an hour, trampoline jumping is becoming a widely popular family activity, suitable for children, adults and even seniors looking for a low impact cardio workout. Because of their growing clientele, Aerosports also offers a Rookie Pass for five hours of jumping, a Pro Pass for 10 hours of jumping and an Extreme Pass for 15 hours. The park has also become a popular destination for gymnasts and children's birthday parties. In fact, Kate said they host on average between 25 and 50 birthday parties each weekend. For more information on Aerosports Trampoline Park in Oakville visit aerosportsparks.ca or call 905-829-2989.