Summer Band...woohoo!

It's hard to believe that this gazebo fits an entire municipal (city) band, but every summer our town's wind ensemble plays a weekly concert on this small stage for a hometown audience. And yes, it is very tight, indeed.

Our little town has a major dairy corporation and is known for being the ice cream capital of the world, and this weekend is our annual Ice Cream celebration. The event has gotten more extravagant over the years, but the best part is that after the band plays, we get free ice cream! Well, I hope so, anyway; it's been awhile since I've been home for the event. For our town's band concert Saturday night during the festival, I will be gracing the stage, I mean, standing cramped between the conductor and the bassoons, to play a solo with the band as accompaniment. The piece is a kitschy little thing, but perfect for a summer band setting with lots of runs and frills. My parents also play in the band on flute and clarinet. Then on Sunday my parents and I head to Sioux City on Sunday where the three of us also play in that municipal band, on a slightly bigger stage.

Yes, I have officially sold my soul to the devil by agreeing to play in not one, but two outdoor city bands again this summer. After years of suffering through the required hours of college band, I swore never to blast the melodies of a march again where the oboe blends in only slightly better than a sick, lame duck. But, alas, it is America where these summer bands run rampant, and if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Besides, it's turning out to be pretty fun and nice to see old music compatriots from years past. Plus, I suppose it doesn't hurt to keep the "chops" in shape, even if it is by playing loud, insensitive band music... (No orchestra snob here, promise.)