One area of my identity that I embody frequently but do not talk about much is being a musician. I use that description carefully as I consider myself very much an amateur. Nevertheless, I love making music, and I get to do that year around as a member of the Estes Park Village Band.
I have been an active musician for over three decades while living in North Carolina and now Estes Park. I have been a member of several community bands.
A community band is an instrumental ensemble that usually includes woodwinds, brass, and percussion. The members are local volunteers. These groups provide an accessible, low-pressure environment for musicians of all ages and skill levels to rehearse, perform, and connect with one another.
Our Village Band includes teenagers to retirees. Some individuals have been professional musicians, composers, and teachers. Others, like me, played growing up and then came back to music making in mid-adulthood. For over 30 years, I have enjoyed the camaraderie of other band members who love music.
Our “season” in Estes Park is primarily the spring into summer, although we always do a Christmas concert. We rehearse once a week and perform several times a year. We perform mostly “crowd pleasers” such as marches, Broadway medleys, and light arrangements although we also tackle more challenging modern concert band music. We perform outdoors in the summer and at the local high school auditorium in the winter and spring. Our concerts are free with an invitation to donate if desired.
I play a cornet. It is like a trumpet but has a mellower sound. In 4th grade when we started taking band lessons, I did not choose the cornet. There was one in my family that had belonged to my uncle David who passed away in a tractor accident. I inherited his cornet. If I could have chosen, I am not sure what would have been my first choice. I did play the French horn in high school as well and always loved it. However, upon my return to music-making, I knew I was not talented enough to make a musical contribution on a French horn. I enjoy playing trumpet parts.
Music evokes emotions in me. I recall some of the marches that I remember playing in high school. I have bittersweet memories when we play Christmas music that I know my mom loved. Tunes from classic Broadway musicals are always fun. I enjoy playing modern compositions too, as I am making new memories for myself.
The community band is both a social and artistic outlet. I am not a great musician and have no desire to be much better than someone who plays easy 2nd or 3rd parts, but I enjoy the opportunities. I am proud to contribute to the cultural arts of our little town.