I donned the white shirt and black pants again this evening, grabbed the trombone and accessories and headed out to our biweekly summer concert. Most are at nursing homes and the residents really enjoy the music. I love the marches, big band stuff and an occasional more sophisticated band piece. Right now we have a fun version of “Just a Closer Walk” in our repertoire too. Our director, Cathy Stickler, seems to have a knack for picking music the older folks like. JoAnne sometimes goes with me as she did tonight and also a few weeks ago to the annual Fourth of July concert at Johnson Park in Liverpool where she snapped this picture.
Band has always been a joy to me; in high school, college and now. There is the joy of making music. There is a sense of accomplishment in playing the music well. There is fun camaraderie in the trombone section and the overall group. And it is a complete change of scenery and pace. JoAnne quotes the classical musicians who said, “Music is a gift of God.” I know playing in Liverpool Community Band continues to be a gift to me.