Director Doug Doty started Clarkston Community Band’s new season with a spelling lesson.
‘There’s no ‘i? in band,? Doty told the 40 or so woodwind, brass, and percussionists, high school students to retirees. ‘The more, the merrier.?
Led by Doty, retired Clarkston band director, as well as current Clarkston conductors Michael Lewis and Shelley Schwaderer Roland, the band is preparing for its first concert, Oct. 19. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, 7 p.m., at Sashabaw Middle School.
‘The band is proud to serve the community by providing free entertainment,? said Marshall Copeman, trombone player. ‘It provides an ongoing environment for adults to continue their love of music.?
The group performs four community concerts, and has performed at Concerts in the Park and at local senior centers, Copeman said.
Players include high school students looking for more experience, adults who want to keep playing, and retirees looking to stay active, he said.
‘I was looking for someplace to play my trombone,? said Copeman, who joined the band six years ago.
‘I play in church, but I wanted someplace with more difficult music.?
‘They’re just wonderful. They actually follow my baton,? Doty said. ‘We have all levels, something for everybody, whether a virtuoso or just likes to play. We’ll accommodate just about anyone who likes to play.?
The band can still use new members, high-school age and older, especially clarinets, percussion, and trumpets, Copeman said.
‘It’s great. I’ve made many friends here,? he said. ‘We play music I like. We’re adults, so we have a say in how things go. Everyone here is here because they want to be. We all want to play.?
The band performed in the invitation-only Red Cedar Band Festival and Spectacle of Winds with the Greater Windsor Concert Band in Canada.
Cost is $30 per semester.
For more information, e-mail clarkstonband@gmail.com or check their website, www.clarkstoncommunityband.org.