Lunchtime music

Music filled the air during Tuesday’s lunch hour at the area’s hospital.

Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra members visited the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s cafeteria to play a range of classical music Tuesday. The nine members of the wind ensemble wore surgery bonnets and sat near the entrance as doctors, nurses and patients ate lunch.

Colleen Gibson, principle oboe with the orchestra, first picked up her instrument in Grade 9 and has played it for 27 years. She said she started playing the oboe because of a competition she had with her older brother.

"The concerts are an opportunity to say thanks to the city," Gibson said. "It’s also an opportunity to play for people who wouldn’t normally be able to get to a concert. We’re going where our audience are and playing in some unusual places."

The orchestra broke up into four ensembles: brass, wind and two-string ensembles.

The orchestra has offered the free mini concerts annually since 2003.

Gibson said they usually play on stage and are the centre of attention. Playing at the hospital, Gibson and the other musicians are placed in the background for the people eating their lunches.

"We are never background music when we are on stage. There is always that danger when playing in a cafeteria that you might be disturbing someone’s lunch. So far the reaction has been positive," she said.

Don Edwards, director of communication for the Thunder Bay District Hospital, said more than 4,000 people come through the cafeteria to listen to the music.

Edwards said music is a good form of therapy for patients and everyone feels wonderful when the orchestra plays.

"People encourage us to have more concerts," Edwards said. "The ensemble is here by choice and we’re glad that they have chosen us. Every year they come back and bless us."

The Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra will conclude with a full orchestra concert Lakehead University at noon on Friday.