Springfield Community Band starts rehearsals

Nick Pelton lifted his baton, the band swung into a snappy rendition of “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” and the first rehearsal of the Springfield Community Band’s 2017 season was underway recently at the Riverside Middle School auditorium.

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Springfield Community Band starts rehearsals BY KAREN ENGDAHL, The ShopperApril 24, 2017 Springfield Stock photo. SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – Nick Pelton lifted his baton, the band swung into a snappy rendition of “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” and the first rehearsal of the Springfield Community Band’s 2017 season was underway recently at the Riverside Middle School auditorium. For nearly 70 years, the Springfield Community Band has been a beloved summer tradition in Springfield and surrounding towns, providing weekly outdoor concerts featuring a wide range of music from popular hits to traditional band marches. “This year we’re going to revisit some of the favorites,” said Pelton, who is in his seventh year as director. “One march we’re playing tonight is ‘On the Mall,’ written for an event in Washington, DC.” Pelton, a saxophonist, says he enjoys the energy and versatility of the group. “I played saxophone in the community band when I was a kid,” he says, “and now it’s great to help keep the tradition going.” The Springfield Community Band continues in the tradition of community bands begun in 1828 in Allentown, Penn. Springfield’s band was formed in 1946 when some 19 high school and adult musicians got together under the direction of Wendell Cook. Since then the band has played under 12 more conductors. Springfield Rob Mackenzie assembles his clarinet. Photo by Karen Engdahl. The band typically includes from 20 to 30 musicians, from beginners to seasoned veterans. They rehearse weekly starting at the end of April and present their much-anticipated concerts starting in June. “We have a lot of fun,” said Sherry Willumitis, flutist and registrar of the group. “We help and support each other, so people who are new to the group can feel comfortable playing the music.” The Springfield Community Band welcomes all musicians, whether current members, past members, or have thought about dusting off their instruments after a musical hiatus. All of the band members are there for the joy of making music together and enhancing their skills, and they encourage new members to come and join them to share the fun. Players that need help obtaining or restoring serviceable instruments, or just need additional information and encouragement, can contact Karen Bailey at 802-886-5478.