Welcome to Westport Community Band

westportcommunityband.com

Band Members Calendar Schedule

For Monday (5/16)

Monday May 16,

Hello all,

Just a quick reminder that we are going to record as much as possible tonight during our rehearsal. So remember to wear black (our concert dress) this evening...

The order of recording will be as follows:

Down East Fanfare

El Camino Real

Rest

Oh Waly Waly

We will see how much we get through though, and hopefully have enough to feel comfortable with posting. I know that there are a few of us who will be unable to make this rehearsal, either for illness or prior commitments, but I'm certain that we will have a group quite capable of making some wonderful music! Unless....

Keep your eyes on your email this afternoon. With the uncertainty of adverse weather in the forecast there is no guarantee that Westport Schools will have remained open for after school activities. As is the case in all weather and vacation related closings we are subject to the administrative decision regarding school closures. While I am fairly certain that this concern is one of low probability I want to be sure that we are all on the same page! Fingers crossed that we are all good to go though!!

Please consider signing up to be a part of of our Memorial Day parade group. We gain both town recognition as well as a generous fee for leading the festivities. Our group has always been a part of this town-wide event and this year will be no exception!!

See you all tonight!!

Salbe recording at Bedford Middle School during our

regularly scheduled rehearsal time. Please wear black pants, red web belt,

black shirt, black shoes and socks. Please remember to wait for the clear

signal after each piece.

Upcoming Concerts

Monday May 30, The Memorial Day Parade You are expected to arrive at

Saugatuck Elementary School at 8 a.m. to make final preparations for a 9

o’clock start. The school is located at 170 Riverside Avenue. You are

asked to be there by 8 because the roads are blocked off after that.

The uniform of the day is a pith helmet, white uniform shirt (short sleeved

with epaulets), red band jackets (if it is cold enough for jackets), red

webbed belt, khaki-colored pants (not shorts), and white shoes (sneakers).

You will need a lyre – you can borrow one if you don’t have one. This is a

rain or shine event. If rain threatens, please bring a rain jacket.

If you have any questions, you can reach

Susan Schaefer at;

sbschaefer@aol.com.

Lisa Brodlie at;

Lbrodlie64@gmail.com

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Sunday June 26, Concert at The Westport Senior Center. Address and

directions will be forthcoming at a later date. The concert is at 1:30

and you are expected to be there by 12:45 to set up and make final

preparations. The uniform will be black pants, red web belt, black

shirt and black shoes and socks. Please no sneakers!!!

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Monday July 4, Concert at The Weston Fireworks Celebration at Weston

High School on School Rd. We will be playing at 6:00 and you should

arrive by 5:15 to set up and make any final preparations. The uniform

will be white polo shirts with the band logo, black pants, red web belt,

and black shoes and socks. Please no sneakers. Parking instructions

to follow at a later date.

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Monday July 11, Our regularly scheduled rehearsal will be at the Levitt

Pavilion, weather permitting, at the regular time. Dress is optional!!!

Tuesday July 12, Concert at Levitt Pavilion in Westport. The concert will

begin at 7:00 and you should arrive at 6:15 to help set up and make

final preparations. The uniform will be white polo shirts with the band

logo, black pants, red web belt, and black shoes and socks. Please

no sneakers.

From Bill

WCB - Uniform Information

May 8, 2022

Fellow Band Members,

The following is important information regarding uniforms. If you have any questions, please let me know. Please pay close attention to the deadlines.

With summer Band performances in June & July, particular uniform parts are required as follows:

Black Pants

Black Shirt (for June 26)

Black Shoes and Black Socks

Khaki trousers (Memorial Day Parade Only)

White shoes & socks(sneakers) (Memorial Day Parade Only)

White short sleeved knit shirt with band logo on left chest

(for Levitt Pavilion and 4th of July)

Red webbed belt(All Performances)

For those band members who do not have the white knit shirt, and/or the red webbed belt, here is how you get them.

Listed below are the shirts in Men & Women’s sizes. Select the size you wish to order & please state if you are in need of a red webbed belt.

In order to receive the shirts in time for the first June concert, please email your order to Lisa at lbrodlie64@gmail.com by Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

State Men’s or Women’s & the size. Indicate if you will also need a belt.

Upon delivery, your check, to WCB, Inc for the shirt & belt will be accepted and that amount is tax deductible.

Men:

$29.00 - Small, medium, large

$31.00 – 2 X Large

$35.00 – 3 X large

Women:

$29.00 – Small, medium, large

$31.00 – 2 X large

$35.00 – 3 X large

Red, webbed belt - $6.00

*****************************************************************************

WCB participation in the Westport Memorial Day Parade – May 30. 2022

The uniform for this parade is different from the above. Khaki pants, white shoes & the red, webbed belt are the same. There is a particular shirt for this uniform and it is provided the day of the parade, along with a pith helmet. If the weather is chilly, the band has a large supply of red jackets, flannel lined, also provided on the day of the parade if needed. Longtime band members were required to have their own shirt, hat & jacket, but we have found loaning clean shirts, jackets & hats to be easier for everyone. Susan Schaefer is signing folks up to march, so get your name on the list. If you have a family member that would like to participate in a non-musical manner, needed are front of the band personnel: flag, sword & wooden gun carriers

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

April 15, 2021

Fellow Band Members,

It’s that time of the year again and we are making preparations for the annual Memorial Day Parade in Westport. The Westport Community Band has been a part of this yearly tradition since 1980 and we hope to continue for many years to come. We hope that a large number of members can participate. We will also need some extra people for the parade to carry 5 flags, 2 rifles, a saber and 2 banner carriers. These extra people can be friends, family or even neighbors, all are welcome to participate. The parade is early enough in the day to allow you to participate in other Memorial Day activities scheduled for the day. The band receives a very generous stipend from the town for our participation.

The parade this year is on Monday May 30, and starts at 9:00 o’clock sharp. You are expected to arrive at Saugatuck Elementary School at 8 a.m. to make final preparations for a 9 o’clock start. The school is located at

170 Riverside Avenue. The parade route is the same every year, taking us north on Riverside to Route 1, over the Post Road Bridge on Route 1, and left onto Myrtle Ave. At the Town Hall Reviewing Stand, we perform a “split”. Our Band separates into two lines on opposite sides of the road, and the Drum Major accompanies the veterans through our lines, while we play a salute to them. We then re-form our ranks, and the parade ends at Parker Harding Plaza.

The uniform of the day is a pith helmet, white uniform shirt, red band jackets (if it is cold enough for jackets), red webbed belt, khaki-colored pants (not shorts), and white shoes (sneakers). You will need a lyre – you can borrow one if you don’t have one. This is a rain or shine event. If rain threatens, bring a rain jacket. Of course we understand that some instruments cannot be risked out in rainy weather. Come anyway and we’ll give you a percussion instrument! For severe rain, the parade might be cancelled. If the parade is canceled due to extreme weather conditions, please call the Parks & Recreation cancellation line (203)341-5074 or visit at www.westportrecreation.com. Announcements will also be made on WICC 600 AM radio.

WCB Special Instructions

We are asking that all WCB marchers be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

If you have any questions, you can reach

Susan Schaefer

sbschaefer@aol.com.

Lisa Brodlie

Lbrodlie64@gmail.com

Please Fill out the attached form and return to

Susan Schaefer ASAP!!!

Band members Update

WCB Rehearsals - February 28th at Bedford Middle School!

Reminder - WCB Rehearsal Tonight at Bedford Middle School! Bring new parts!

Band,

Rehearsals are resuming tonight at 7:30PM!

We are back at Bedford Middle School (88 North Ave, Westport, CT 06880 - for those who are new).

Please make sure to print out the parts to the new pieces that Sal has sent out (Crescent Moon Dance and Dedicatory Overture) and bring them with you tonight.

As mentioned last week, don't forget to wear a mask when not playing, and if you have not sent your COVID vaccine card to Patty at gelineau.music@SBCglobal.net, please do so. If you are unable to do that, please make sure you have a copy with you when you come to rehearsal tonight so that we can comply with the school system's request that we all be fully vaccinated with a booster shot.

See you all tonight!

From Sal

December News

From Sal

December News (including the concert video link!)

Twas the night before Christmas.... and boy has Bill Elias been busy!! You will find the link to our December 13th concert video below, and it is through the amazing videography wizardry of our very own "Elf Bill" that it has been completed in time for you to share with friends and relatives world wide in time for the holidays!! His magical editing skills are readily evident in this video and we are so very fortunate to have him on our side!!

The video link below can also be found on our Westport Community Band web page (www.westportcommunityband.com) as well as our WCB FaceBook page!! So, there are many ways that you can share the music!

I wish each and every one of you a joyous holiday season and can't wait to restart our band's journey in the new year! Watch your email for more WCB news, including where and when we will resume our next 6 weeks of rehearsals. If they are anything like the first 13 weeks we are sure to keep the spirit of music and camaraderie that Monday nights have come to represent over the past 4 decades!!!!

All Best, and Merry and Happy to all!!

Sal

Oh, and here is that link:

https://vimeo.com/659798101

Letter from Bill Elias

WCB - COVID Boosters

I am sure that you are fully aware that the covid infection rate is once again on the rise. As the song says, “You Are Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile,” it can also be said that you are not fully vaccinated without a booster shot. The state and federal governments are recommending that those individuals that are vaccinated should also get a booster shot. The board is strongly advising everyone to use this time off from playing to get your booster shot so that you are fully vaccinated when we resume rehearsals in January. We would hate to have to once again suspend rehearsal because too many of our members are sick or are refusing to get their booster shots. We waited a long time to start rehearsals and it would be a travesty to have to shut them down. Getting the booster is quite simple. I got mine at a CVS. They are being offered in most pharmacies, supermarkets and even Costco. So please, get your shot so we can finally get through this Damndemic.

Thanks,

Bill

We will be recording Monday (12/13)

Here’s the order of what we will rehearse and record:

Amazing Grace

El Camino Real

Ukrainian Bell Carol

Eighth Candle

Greensleeves

Carousel

Just a reminder to wear black pants, black shirt, black socks and shoes, the red web belt if you have one, and a festive scarf or hat if you would like.

If you arrive late, and the band is playing at the time, please wait until the band has finished before entering the room.

Also, please remain quiet after a piece until you hear me yell "clear" so that I have some dead space for editing.

Thanks,

Bill

Letter from Bill Elias

I would like to take a moment to welcome all the new board members to the fray and I look forward to a productive year.

Just a reminder, only one more rehearsal, Monday 12/6, before our recording on Monday Dec. 13.

Please make sure to make the rehearsal so that our recording can be impeccable, or whatever comes close to impeccable.

On the night of the recording, please arrive early so that we are ready to start recording at 7:30. If you should arrive late, please don’t enter the room until the piece being played is completed.

We will also be wearing our concert uniform of all black, black pants, black shirts, black shoes and black socks. If you would like to wear a festive scarf or hat, please feel free to do so.

After our recording, we will be on vacation until Monday 1/24/22, but try to get your donations and dues to Pattie as soon as possible before that. When we do resume rehearsals, you will be informed well in advance as to where our rehearsal will be held.

One last thing, Sal always looks forward to any comments or concerns that you may have about the band, both positive and negative. But, if you feel uncomfortable about addressing those concerns directly to Sal, please feel free to speak to a board member and your concern will be addressed anonymously.

By the way, how many trumpet players does it take to change a light bulb.

Five, one to change the bulb and four others to tell him how much better they could have done it.

Bill

A note from our new board

Band members

Given the unknown as it relates to the current climate of the COVID virus and its variants and to keep us all safe, the following requirements have been made by the board of directors:

1- All band members must wear masks when not in their seats unless standing outside. Wearing masks while playing is encouraged.

2- The use of bell covers is strongly encouraged

3- Chairs have been arranged to give members the most distance between players therefore members who arrive late are asked to sit in an open area as opposed to "squeezing in" between other players.

Letter from Marcia

Penfield Participants

Hi Penfield Participants!

Penfield is turning out to be a great rehearsal spot -- and now we have a great opportunity to extend into December.

The band reached into its coffers for our first six weeks. Now, an extremely generous anonymous donor has come forward and offered to match up to $750 toward the NEXT six weeks of rehearsals. The challenge: Over the next three weeks, we need to raise $750 to take full advantage of the match. With our donations + the match, $1500 will fund the Penfield Pavilion through to December 6th.

So, please, contribute a little. Contribute a lot. But please help pitch in. (Maybe you want to be our next matching donor??) You can make your donations to our Treasurer Patty Gelineau (first clarinet section) or catch me or Jim in the tuba section. Donations as always are tax-deductible.

Thanks in advance - it's great to have the band back together - let's keep things rolling!

Best,
Marcia

Musical Notes

WHAT A GREAT NIGHT

Hey Band - Have heard great things about the Levitt Pavilion concert! So sorry to have had to miss it.
Hats off to those who did so much to make it a successful event:

Sal, Susan and Lindsey for organizing all the music!
Susan for schlepping percussion!
Nan for boosting our visibility via web and Facebook!
Lisa for taking care of uniforms!
Patty for coordinating insurance!
Ken and Bill for their awesome photo and videography!
And to all of you who performed, attended, talked it up or were just there in spirit - well done!

If I left anyone off the list, the error is mine - lmk and I'll update.
Next up: We're working on getting things lined up for the Fall!.Watch your email for updates and for our Annual Meeting Report (due to COVID, we'll just share EOY info and plans--and you can get back to us with any comments/questions.)Best, Marcia

Memorial Day Parade - A big thank you!!

Thanks to all who marched today and helped to make the Westport Memorial Day Parade a success! And special thanks to:

Ian - for his musical leadership

Susan - for stepping in to coordinate music and more

Lisa B and Corky - for making everyone look sharp

Geoff - for carting instruments and equipment

So great that the weather cleared in time! Heard you all sounded awesome. Wish I could've been there...Best to all, Marcia

WCB MASTER CLASS RECORDINGS

Master Class Recordings

For those who have missed these - or want to view them again - below find links to prior Master Classes. Enjoy!

Carolyn Barber: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpSLCE-JTOA

Milt Allen: https://youtu.be/_h0qWzcOfkc

Sam Hazo: https://youtu.be/DacF4Nn8GOU

Mark Camphouse: https://youtu.be/wCUSaPUaJ5I

Jerry Rife: https://youtu.be/KDoVMkok64I

Anne McGinty: https://youtu.be/NxYoKRy7UYA

Thank you!

Hey Band,

Giving Day was a tremendous success - and we want to thank each and every one of you, whether you gave a little, a lot, or simply endured the onslaught of emails.There's still uncertainty about when and where we'll be able to reconvene, but two things are sure -
1) We're looking forward to it (oh, are we ever)!
2) We're more financially secure in approaching that date today than we were two days ago.
Hang in there, be well, and don't forget to practice!
Best,
The Board

FROM SAL

Hello All...

I want to take a moment today to say thank you... not only for a wonderful gift of appreciation (I received a very generous gift card yesterday from the members of the band) but also for allowing me to maintain a connection to a feeling of cultural relevance. The opportunity to bring icons in the world of music to your living rooms during our "Master Class Mondays" has been a balm to the open wound of musical stagnation. The sword has two edges however, as the joy of listening to and discussing some of the compositional gems that we have experienced also reminds us of the very inexplicable experience of not being able to be together... I am hopeful that this bi-weekly band aid will prove to be only a void filler though and that as soon as practical (and possible) we will find ourselves back together, making the exploration and joy of creating music come alive while sitting side by side in a socially un-distanced way!!

Thank you again for being who you are and for allowing me the opportunity to redefine who I am, week to week...

Till we meet again,

Sal

PS: Please place March 8th on your calendars! Composer Sam Hazo will be spending an hour with us that evening to share his compositional insight and musical artistry. I can't wait for you to meet him and hear his story! Please feel free to share the Zoom link when you receive it with anyone that you think would enjoy the hour!!!!

Giving Day February 25th

Giving Day starts Thursday, February 25th at midnight and runs for 24 hours.
Please consider giving on Giving Day.

Give a little, give a lot - whatever you're comfortable with in these trying times.

Thank you for supporting the arts.

Westport Community Band

Donate to Westport Community Band here

BAND MEMBERS

Since we will not have rehearsals for the rest of the year, dues are suspended for the fall semester. Additionally, all Board members have agreed to stay on for the 2020-2021 season.

if anyone is interested in producing a virtual music video for the WCB, please send us an email!

Thanks all!

Marcia & Emily

LETTER FROM MARCIA

BAND REHEARSALS

All Band Members

All Band Rehearsal are

paused until further notice

MONDAYS

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Bedford Middle School

88 North Avenue, Westport.

Directions

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LISTEN TO OUR BAND!!!

New Music Videos added from our

"Play with the Community Band"

Concerts

CLICK HERE

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Please click on the menu at the top

right for further information.

~Updated December 12, 2021

WESTPORT COMMUNITY BAND CONTACT

email address -

westportctcommunityband@gmail.com

Webmaster -

N. Jordan

Westport Community Band is a

non-profit organization

501 (c)(3

Donate here

Letters from Marcia

Upcoming Events and Messages

Hi Band -
Hope you all are well and staying healthy! See below for WCB news - please read it all:

1. Regretfully due to the pandemic, there will be no rehearsals or gigs for the fall semester. We will continue to meet through our Zoom Masterclass series and will notify you before each session. The next class will be on Monday, September 21st, 7:30 PM. Please hold the date and watch your email for an invite. More details to follow!

2. Since we will not have rehearsals for the rest of the year, dues are suspended for the fall semester. Additionally, all Board members have agreed to stay on for the 2020-2021 season.

3. Music: Please return your WCB music and folder by September 21st. You may drop off your music at any of the below addresses, or instead mail directly to Sal. If you choose to drop off your music in person, please practice socially distant guidelines (masks/distance) and we do ask that you text before you visit to confirm timing.

PLEASE check your email for where to return your music, either by mail or in-person.

4. Lastly, if anyone is interested in producing a virtual music video for the WCB, please send us an email!

Thanks all!

Marcia & Emily

Pictures from last year's Band Dinner

Welcome to Westport Community Band

Band Members Calendar Schedule

For Monday (5/16)

Upcoming Concerts

From Bill

WCB - Uniform Information

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE

THE UKRAINIAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

Band members Update

WCB Rehearsals - February 28th at Bedford Middle School!

Westport Community Band Holiday Concert

From Sal

December News

Letter from Bill Elias

WCB - COVID Boosters

We will be recording Monday (12/13)

Letter from Bill Elias

A note from our new board

Band members

Westport Community Band Information

New Board

Letter from Marcia

Penfield Participants

Levitt Pavilion Concert - July 13, 2021

LEVITT PAVILION CONCERT

Musical Notes

WHAT A GREAT NIGHT

Memorial Day Parade - A big thank you!!

WCB MASTER CLASS RECORDINGS

Thank you!

FROM SAL

Giving Day February 25th

BAND MEMBERS

Letters from Marcia

Upcoming Events and Messages

PLAY WITH THE COMMUNITY BAND CONCERT

Westport community band announcements

Band Member of the year - 2019

Band Member of the year - 2019

Band Member of the year - 2019

Assistant Director

Band Member of the year - 2019

Band Member of the year - 2019

Purple Hearts Homes Tribute to a Hero

Westport Community Band