On June 13, continuing its summer series, the Martin Community Band gave downtown Martin a 20th century circus experience at Festival Park with the theme, “Circus Life.”
This is the second of four concerts the band plans to give, the next two being “A Star-Spangled Celebration” and “Music from the Stage and Screen.” For this performance, UTM Director of Bands John Oelrich found that a circus theme would be beneficial for both the band and audience.
“Bands were an integral part of circuses, especially early in the 20th century. There is a wealth of wind band music that comes directly from or was inspired by the circus. [I] mostly [chose it] though because the music is fun to listen to and fun to play,” Oelrich said.
Although Oelrich enjoyed all the pieces that evening, he especially enjoyed “Fantasy on a Theme by Sousa” by Boysen, “The Volunteer” by Simon, featuringUTM Assistant Professor Dr. Joseph Frye as trombone soloist, and “Cartoon Capers” by Bulla.
“I really enjoyed ‘Fantasy on a Theme by Sousa’ for Boysen’s development of Sousa’s original melody, ‘The Volunteer’ because it allowed me to collaborate with Joseph Frye as a soloist and ‘Cartoon Capers’ because it is fun music and the musicians really enjoyed it,” Oelrich said.
Unlike the last concert, the band was able to perform at Festival Park this time, which Oelrich thought added to the festivity.
“We were able to perform outside and foster exactly the kind of atmosphere I had in mind when planning the ensemble. It was wonderful to have several hundred people in attendance and to provide an artistic event to bring our community together,” Oelrich said.
So far, Oelrich has enjoyed seeing people experience music together, giving them entertainment and connection.
“It has been a fantastic and inspiring experience to meet new people and to witness the power that music has to bring people together. It has also been wonderful to see the love of music rekindled in people that had not played in many years,” Oelrich said.
“In addition to enjoying a live performance of great music, events like these concerts give the average community member a sense of connection andbelongingness to other residents and the community at large. It’s also a great opportunity for an evening of free entertainment during the summer when there may not be as many events happening.”
Despite there only being two concerts left in the series, Oelrich is still welcoming new members to the ensemble.
“It is not too late to participate. There are two remaining performances, June 27 and July 11. New members are always welcome,” Oelrich said.
For the next concert, “Star-Spangled Celebration,” Trenton Peabody High School Band Director Steven Westbrook will guest conduct. Also, the House Band will be performing at Festival Park on Thursday, June 20 at 7 p.m.
For more information on joining the Martin Community Band or future performances, visit http://www.utm.edu/departments/band/community_band.php.
