The Clarkston Community Band is playing good music and having a great time doing it.
The group, which started in 1996, is now up to 45 members. Originally it was a 25 member band. The members simply enjoy to play.
That is the case with both Fred Sarmiento and Philip Satterthwaite. Both have been members since the band’s inception.
“I played all my life through school,” Sarmiento said. “The instrument was tucked away and I played it only off and on. However, I dusted off the instrument to join the band.”
Satterthwaite has a similar story.
“I was in the School of Music at Michigan State University and had played in other community bands in Orion and Oxford,” Satterthwaite said. “I saw the ad in the paper for this band and I was the first person to sign up. We have been going strong ever since. I really enjoy it.”
Sarmiento signed up shortly thereafter. The two did not know each other before the Clarkston Community Band, but now they are good friends. They were bound by the love of the trumpet.
“We are a very tight-knit group. Everybody enjoys it and we have a good turnout. I have met a lot of friends in the band,” Sarmiento said.
The band was started by Jeanne Pierce as a local outlet for music. The band has grown into a diverse group with people falling between the ages of 18 and 86.
“I really had no idea what to expect when I first signed up for the band,” Sarmiento said. “I was surprised by how much fun I was having. I was having such a great time it made me go out and buy a new trumpet.”
While they both enjoy playing their instruments, they say the band is what keeps them working hard.
“People want to play and being in a band really helps us be disciplined in our practice,” Satterthwaite said. “It gives us all a real reason to practice during the week. We want to be prepared for rehearsal.”
Each year the band plays at least two shows. They have a Christmas and a spring concert. This year the Christmas show is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 14 at Clarkston Middle School.
On the schedule for that concert is a performance by the Clarkston Brass before the band takes over with songs including “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “Amazing Grace” and “White Christmas.”
“All the concerts are free to the public. All they have to do is show up and enjoy the music,” Satterthwaite said. “We usually get about 200 people at the concerts but we are looking to get the word out to the community.”
As with any group, money is somewhat of an issue. The group receives some contributions from local businesses but purchasing music can be expensive.
“There are some financial concerns. We don’t ask people to contribute to us but we wouldn’t turn down an angel,” Satterthwaite said.
Their spring concert is slated for May 23. In addition to the two planned concerts, the band is also looking to play at different places around the area.
The band practices every Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sashabaw Middle School. The band only plays throughout the school year since that is when they can get into the building to practice. Anyone interested in playing in the band can show up at practice or call (248) 625-8013.
“We are always looking for musicians. No matter what instrument you play we can not get enough,” Satterthwaite said. “While we have people with different skill levels you probably need to be at least the high school level because some of the music gets difficult.”
Both the musicians feel having a community band is important to the Clarkston area. This is their way of giving back to their community.
“We have fun and truly enjoy playing the music. The fact that we are able to make music and share it with others makes us feel good,” Satterthwaite said. “Playing is very relaxing.”