Marshall band prepares for special concert

Percussionist Will Doolin's shirt seems to express a key question for Marshall Municipal Band members as they rehearse Wednesday, June 17, for the band's coming performance at the Missouri Bandmaster's Association Convention. Director Kevin Lines said musicians were working very hard to prepare for the concert. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The band will travel to the annual Missouri Bandmasters' Summer Convention at Port Arrowhead to perform before an audience of about 200, comprised almost entirely of other musicians and directors.

Lines said he knows the expectations may be a little higher than usual.

"The musicians have worked incredibly hard," he said. In addition to rehearsals, the band performed its planned program at its regular local concert Thursday, June 18.

"It's a rewarding thing for us to set the bar this high for ourselves and then achieve it," he said.

The chance to perform in front of other musicians is one appeal to the concert, but Lines said he's also interested in spreading the word about Marshall's musical scene.

"We're excited about this," Lines said. "We are the only community concert band that is performing. It's an opportunity for people throughout the state to hear about what we have to offer in Marshall."

Lines said he hears occasionally from former Marshall residents who say they wish their communities had the kind of musical opportunities found in Marshall. He said he hopes participants at the bandmasters' event will be inspired by Marshall's support for the arts.

Marshall's band is special, he said, because it is open to people from the community. It includes a wide range of ages and occupations -- in contrast to other bands at the convention that are typically made up of music teachers or other professionals.

"We have people in high school and into their 70s, homemakers and farmers," Lines said. "We just come together for the pleasure of performing music."

It's long been one of Lines' goals to take the band to the convention, which he has attended about 10 times during the past two decades.

Lines is acquainted with the current president of the bandmasters' organization, Keith Ruether.

"He said, 'Kevin, I want you guys to come down.' We didn't hesitate," Lines said.

The convention concert will help compensate for the fact that the band will not be performing at the Missouri State Fair this year. Lines said a number of band members had work conflicts, making the concert impractical.

Contact Eric Crump at marshalleditor@socket.net

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