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Impressions
of By Joyce
Seagle
Who
plays in the Cortland Community Band? My husband Stan does. For him, music is an
avocation, a diversion from the routine of his life in the Titanium Industry. In
the past he enjoyed a stint with Purdue University Bands and years in the W.D.
Packard Band in Others
in the Cortland Community Band have a similar history. Widowed, Joan Watson
moved to Cortview Apartments. After doing nothing musically for 50 years she
located and practiced a trombone, and made her way to rehearsal. Norma Fitch had
always been a violinist, but learned to play flute at the request of her late
husband John, so they could be band members together. Debbie Armbasick, having
dropped out due to an overwhelming time schedule of college study, work and
family activities, is back, eagerly playing her clarinet. Nearly every member
has a story. Some are like Garey Watson, who is retired from a musical career of
teaching and performing and finds the Band an opportunity to continue the use of
his talents. Others, though they never played professionally, have always
enjoyed being part of a musical group. Together these people create uplifting,
entertaining concerts. A
person’s age is not a consideration. The late Bill Davis played the trumpet
well into his late 80s. Matthew Roberts performed on the drums at age 10. There
are many married couples and members of one family; even a Mother (Shirley
Riggs), Daughter and Granddaughter combination. Everyone has a unique story
behind their playing.
Cortland Community Band has neither a constitution nor a process for
tryouts. Those interested in playing, simply join. There are no elections. The
legwork, planning and administration is assumed by a group of helpful,
interested members such as Pat Shelar, who functions much like a Secretary,
scheduling events and publicity. Frank Shirley might be considered the
President, as his efforts and leadership fill that bill. However, titles are not
important. Others in the Band are just as willing to work and they, too, fulfill
the responsibilities at hand. All
types of music (classical, marches, polkas, Broadway tunes, American songs,
religious and so forth) are played at nursing homes, patriotic celebrations,
picnics and parades. Annual, and well attended, public events are the concerts
at Since
the 1870s there has been a community band in
Funding comes from donations, usually from those who have invited the
band to play at a public function. Folding chairs, new music, postage and office
supplies are among the expenses these donations have covered. The Band sponsors
no moneymaking project, as all members would like to keep the focus on music,
fun, fellowship and giving of their best to others, not on activities that tend
to distract from the true essence of the Band.
Conductor, Craig Wiencek agrees with this philosophy. Yet he strives to
bring out the musical best when working with the Band. He uses what his degree
from the Dana School of Music and his varied experience in teaching and
performance has taught him. When asked what he would want others to know about
the Band, Craig answered: “I'd
like to give the impression that the band is accessible and our door is always
open (to new members.) Individual talents in the band cover all levels of
ability and experience. In this regard, our "professional"
musicians (retired and active band directors, and the like) have found an outlet
to practice and perform, as well as share their lessons and advice with many who
ask for it. The majority of the band may have played in High School
or college years ago, while some are learning a new instrument, or just becoming
reacquainted with an old talent. We've also had some very young members
just beginning. “
He
continues, “My aspiration for the band is continual growth and improvement.
Music is a never-ending adventure - that is to say, there's no "goal"
we're trying to reach, other than steady progress! The band has reached a
"critical mass" in the last few years, where membership has grown
enough to give us a confidence about each performance. Good performances
lead to new members, and new members allow us to tackle new music. In this
instance, change is good! It keeps the band focused; it keeps rehearsals
fun, and it keeps the director challenged! Each person in the group has
something they like to take home from each rehearsal or concert, something that
gives them a reason to come back. I can't speak for anyone in the band, of
course, but only for myself. For me, it's that moment when a piece of
music finally comes together, and its first performance is a success. A "success"
I judge by the fact that instead of working to direct the band, I am, instead,
able to gently guide them, and mostly listen to the music, music that
we have, as a group, been able to make our own.” There are presently 45 active members in the Cortland Band, but there is always room for more. Newcomers are welcomed. If you find yourself checking out that dusty instrument and feeling the urge to participate in the fun, fellowship and music of Cortland Community Band, don’t hesitate to phone Pat Shelar at 330-652-2424. She will give you the information necessary. She is also the one to contact, if you would like to invite the band to play at your special function. |
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Last updated: November 01, 2006. |
