Second Wind Community Concert Band

05/27/2026

Join us at the Boardmore Theatre on June 17th as we come together to conclude our season with “Time for Summer: A Musical Journey Through Time”.

05/25/2026

The Stompin' Tom Award was named after Stompin' Tom Connors, honouring significant contributions to the Atlantic Canadian music industry. Each year, we recognize 5 individuals or groups who have made long-term, outstanding contributions to the East Coast music industry.

In 1993, the ECMA intended to present Stompin' Tom Connors with the Dr. Helen Creighton Lifetime Achievement Award. Instead of accepting it, Connors requested that the ECMA establish a brand new award to honor the "unsung heroes", the musicians, industry workers, and local contributors who pave the way for other artists in Atlantic Canada.

Congratulations to our deserving recipients of this year's award:
- Wayne O'Connor (NS)
- John Hutton (NL)
- Theresa Malenfant (NB)
- Rhéal Arsenault (PEI)
- Laura Mercer (CB)

05/11/2026

𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹 – 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁

Matthew Mulvihill has been dedicated to the trumpet since 2015, but has been involved in music for as long as he can remember. Raised in Albert Bridge, Nova Scotia, Canada, Matthew is in the Bachelor of Music program at Mount Allison University, New Brunswick, Canada, studying trumpet under Matthew Ross. He has performed with various national ensembles, including the National Youth Band of Canada and the Jack Long National Honour Band of Canada. He is currently the principal trumpet in the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and the Mount Allison Symphonic Band, a member of the Capers Big Band, Mount Allison Jazz Ensemble, and has performed with the Tutta Musica Orchestra in New Brunswick. He has held the position of principal trumpet for the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble, Cape Breton Second Wind Community Band, and Cape Breton Orchestra in previous years.

Matthew has received a national gold medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music of Canada in trumpet, as well as gold medals in both trumpet and piano for Atlantic Canada. He is also a recipient of the Nova Scotia Talent Trust fund, and has been supported by Jeunesses Musicales Canada, both of which aid emerging artists from Nova Scotia and Canada in achieving excellence in their artistic journey. In addition, Matthew is a recipient of the Mount Allison University Marjorie Young Bell and Mary Emerancy Pickard Bell Scholarships.

Matthew hopes to continue his musical studies in trumpet performance after his undergraduate degree.

05/01/2026

Laura Mercer is the CBFM Cape Bretoner of the Month❤️

Laura’s impact on Cape Breton can be measured in the thousands of lives she touched through music, education, and volunteerism.

She was a longtime educator who inspired generations of students through school band programs, helping young people build confidence, discipline, and a lifelong connection to music.

She extended that impact beyond the classroom by founding and leading the Second Wind Community Concert Band, giving adults a chance to continue playing and stay connected to their community.

Laura was also a key contributor to major cultural events, including Stanfest, Celtic Colours International Festival, and the East Coast Music Awards.

For more than 20 years at Stanfest alone, she played a central role in artist relations, ensuring performers and volunteers were supported, organized, and cared for.

Her work helped sustain events that are vital to Cape Breton’s cultural identity and economy.

She was known for her consistency and leadership.

She showed up early, stayed late, and stepped in wherever needed. When challenges arose, she was part of the solution. Just as importantly, she supported the people around her, checking in, encouraging others, and helping teams function at their best.

On a personal level, Laura had a direct impact on many families across the island, through the way she supported, encouraged, and uplifted people.

Her ability to make others feel valued was a defining part of her contribution.

Laura Mercer strengthened Cape Breton’s cultural community, supported its people, and created lasting opportunities for others to connect through music.

Laura sadly passed away earlier this month.

Many people have said she is very deserving of this recognition as CBFM’s Cape Bretoner of the Month❤️

04/17/2026

04/15/2026

No doubt some of you knew Laura. We pass along our sincere condolences to Laura's family and friends. :(
"Music for life!"

04/11/2026

View Laura Mercer's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/09/2026

Laura Mercer - https://mailchi.mp/eed7d8a922da/laura-mercer-music-for-life With heavy hearts, we remember Laura Mercer — educator, mentor, musician, and friend. Laura’s kindness, generosity, and lifelong dedication to music shaped countless lives within our community. Her legacy will live on through the musicians she inspired and the friendships she nurtured. Rest peacefully, Laura.

Visit our Newsletter to read more about Laura Mercer and celebrate her remarkable legacy.

04/04/2026