Community band gathers musicians of all ages
Musicians of all ages unite to form community band; newcomers are welcome
Approximately 100 people braved the 90-plus temperature to hear the Hillsboro Community Band July 3 in its first performance of the summer at the fairgrounds pavilion.
Concert-goers who withstood the heat were treated to a repertoire of about one hour of rousing marches, some patriotic. If the members of the audience weren't feeling the spirit of the 4th of July when the concert started, they surely were by the concluding "Star Spangled Banner."
The community band was the idea of Gregg Walker, USD 410 band instructor, and Don Weinbrenner of rural Lehigh. Both men felt that there were a number of people in the community who wanted to play in a band and even more people who would come to listen.
Weinbrenner and Walker began talking about the idea when Weinbrenner played in the high school pep band a few years ago. So in May of 2002, the community band was born.
According to Weinbrenner, the band grew to approximately 40 members, mainly by word of mouth and recruiting.
"I had a desire for us to form a community band for many years," said Weinbrenner. "There are many good musicians in this community. I hoped we could re-establish old band traditions."
The band now has 28 to 30 members who practice one hour once a week in the high school band room under the direction of Walker. According to Walker, he doesn't see himself as the leader of the band.
"There are a number of former band directors in this community," Walker said. "Any one of them could direct the community band. I just help out because I want to see it continue."
The ages of band members range from 12 to 84. And the band isn't restricted to Hillsboro residents; there are members from neighboring communities, also.
"It's amazing how well some play," said Walker. "Playing comes back quickly for most of them. Even if it doesn't, they still have fun."
Playing in the community band has even inspired some members to purchase new instruments. Others use their old ones. And Walker has some instruments to lend.
"Members of the band have fun. It is something they enjoy," Walker said. "For most people who play an instrument, it is more fun to play in a group."
That was apparent at the concert last Thursday with band members congratulating each other, along with the audience, on a job well done.
Practices began in May with the band's last concert usually in early fall. Although the community band is mainly a summer project, some members play with the high school pep band throughout the year.
The next concert will be at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at the fairground pavilion during the Marion County Fair. And there is room in the band for more musicians.
"Anyone wanting to join the band just needs to come to the high school band room at 7 p.m. any Tuesday," Walker said.
"We hope to maintain the band," Weinbrenner said. "We would like to add people willing to participate and do what it takes to be a part of the band. I see this as a service to the community."
Mayor Delores Dalke has asked the community band to play at the opening of renovated Main Street in September. That may be the last performance of the band until next summer. However, Walker would like to see the band play at nursing homes and perhaps even give lessons to residents.
Fairgoers should stop by the pavilion the evening of Aug. 6 for a toe-tapping good time. Be prepared to smile, clap, and maybe even hum along, because when the HIlslboro Community Band plays, everyone in attendance has a good time
