Norwich City Band begins season at Gus Macker Friday
NORWICH – In a move that has become tradition over the last decade, the Norwich City Band will kick off its summer series of concerts at 7 p.m. Friday in East Park, as thousands of Gus Macker enthusiasts flood downtown for the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
A summer staple dating back to the early 20th century, the city band is “not only nostalgic, it’s a vibrant part of our lives and really a wonderful thing,” said band business manager and long-time participant Lee Wilhelm, who has performed on trombone with the ensemble for over three decades. “This is just a wonderful thing and something we all love to do.”
Between 45 and 55 local musicians, representing all ages, typically turn out for the weekly performances. Gary Solomon will once again conduct the group, according to Wilhelm, who added, like many other Chenango County community bands, the Norwich City Band is multi-generational and over the years, it has become common for him to share the stage with one or more of his five children.
“All of these local bands really share in their talents and that helps to keep this thing alive and rolling,” he added.
As in seasons past, the group will tackle a wide variety of material. Friday’s concert will offer those attending a selection of songs that range all over the board from “Amazing Grace” to “Rock Around the Clock” and from “YMCA” to the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Wilhelm reported that, for the most part, the city band has “steadily grown in the past 30 years,” and said he’s “amazed by the number of residents who have performed with the band through the years.”
“People from all over the county, and beyond, come to play,” stated Wilhelm. “You never know who’s going to show up, which keeps us guessing and interested.”
In addition, Wilhelm said he’s “very excited” for the new Friends of the Park bandstand, part of the local organization’s East and West Park renovations that are scheduled to begin sometime this summer.
“We’re waiting and anticipating, and we can’t wait until we can get everyone on the stage,” commented Wilhelm. “From a musical standpoint, from a performance standpoint, you’ve got to appreciate what the Friends of the Park do.”
The Norwich City Band, funded and supported by the City of Norwich, the New York State Council of the Arts and the Greater Norwich Foundation, will perform at 7 p.m. on Fridays in East Park through Aug. 13. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the Norwich Fire House. For more information, contact Wilhelm at 336-8537 or Solomon at 674-4963.
A summer staple dating back to the early 20th century, the city band is “not only nostalgic, it’s a vibrant part of our lives and really a wonderful thing,” said band business manager and long-time participant Lee Wilhelm, who has performed on trombone with the ensemble for over three decades. “This is just a wonderful thing and something we all love to do.”
Between 45 and 55 local musicians, representing all ages, typically turn out for the weekly performances. Gary Solomon will once again conduct the group, according to Wilhelm, who added, like many other Chenango County community bands, the Norwich City Band is multi-generational and over the years, it has become common for him to share the stage with one or more of his five children.
“All of these local bands really share in their talents and that helps to keep this thing alive and rolling,” he added.
As in seasons past, the group will tackle a wide variety of material. Friday’s concert will offer those attending a selection of songs that range all over the board from “Amazing Grace” to “Rock Around the Clock” and from “YMCA” to the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Wilhelm reported that, for the most part, the city band has “steadily grown in the past 30 years,” and said he’s “amazed by the number of residents who have performed with the band through the years.”
“People from all over the county, and beyond, come to play,” stated Wilhelm. “You never know who’s going to show up, which keeps us guessing and interested.”
In addition, Wilhelm said he’s “very excited” for the new Friends of the Park bandstand, part of the local organization’s East and West Park renovations that are scheduled to begin sometime this summer.
“We’re waiting and anticipating, and we can’t wait until we can get everyone on the stage,” commented Wilhelm. “From a musical standpoint, from a performance standpoint, you’ve got to appreciate what the Friends of the Park do.”
The Norwich City Band, funded and supported by the City of Norwich, the New York State Council of the Arts and the Greater Norwich Foundation, will perform at 7 p.m. on Fridays in East Park through Aug. 13. In the event of rain, the concert will be moved to the Norwich Fire House. For more information, contact Wilhelm at 336-8537 or Solomon at 674-4963.
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