Pick up your instrument and join in the music of the city band | News, Sports, Jobs

Photo by Dwayne Black. The Marshall City Band performs during Music in the Park on June 12. The band is looking for more musicians.

MARSHALL – The Marshall City Band is known for its entertaining concerts, but wants to get even better with additional members.

At a recent Wednesday night concert, co-conductor Wayne Ivers made a special appeal to the audience, inviting anyone with band experience to consider performing.

“If you play an instrument, we would love to have you in the band,” Said Ivers. “We’re having a good season, but new members are always helpful in a band like ours. We have room for more people on stage.”

He said band organizers could provide a musical instrument if someone doesn’t have one at home anymore. They could also offer lessons for those who want a refresher course.

He added that it is possible to join the band even if a potential member has not played an instrument since high school. Band members can be of any age, from teenagers to retirees.

“You don’t have to be an experienced musician to play in the band,” Said Ivers. “Most of our music is easy to learn. Practicing with other musicians is one of the best ways to improve.”

The town band rehearses on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Marshall Middle School band room. On Wednesday evenings, they perform at 7 p.m. in the Liberty Park band shell. The season runs from early June to mid-July and includes a special Fourth of July concert in Independence Park.

The concerts offer a mix of traditional and contemporary brass music. The selection includes show tunes, patriotic music, pop songs and classical pieces.

The current conductors (Ivers, John Ginocchio and Wes Myers) have preserved many of the band’s traditions, which date back at least several decades.

One of them is the Children’s March, which usually takes place in the middle of the concert program. Concerts begin with the national anthem and usually end with a Sousa March.

Ivers said being in the band is a great way to network and build friendships.

He said people should not underestimate themselves when considering membership.

“Many adults believe they cannot play an instrument because they have forgotten how to play,” he said. “That’s almost never the case. People don’t completely forget it. Once you learn an instrument, it’s a hobby you can enjoy for a lifetime.”