It had been a busy day although I did have quite a lot of down time and surfed the television to find something new and interesting. Having heard about Weiners wiener on every station with a few minutes of Casey Anthonys’ trial and even a few seconds hearing of the five US troops being killed in Iraq by a bomb while they were in their “trailer” asleep, I gave up and did go to what I previously called an orchestra. I must correct that it is a Municipal Band.
It is the 154th season for the Decatur Municipal Band. I found the history more interesting than the music. It is a band with the one of the most continuous service in the United States and Canada. Conceived by nine charter members in 1857 and was previously known at the Decatur Brass Band, Decatur Comet Band and Decatur Silver Band and others through the years.
The presentation this evening was played very well according to this untrained ear; however many of the numbers were ones that I had never heard and wouldn’t remember if I heard them again. But some of the selections were from music that I thought was old back in 1957. The exceptions were Duke Ellington’s “Don’t get around much anymore”, “Don’t do nothin’ till you hear from me”, “Sophisticated Lady” and “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing”. A couple of these were still popular in the mid to late fifties. I was glad to hear those old familiar notes and set my toes to tapping and my hands a slappin’ ”.
The highlight of the first half of the performance was from the Vocalist Kristin Shafer. She is a young local lady who has been performing (as a vocalist and dancer) from an early age, both locally and in many different venues both here and abroad. She has studied and earned her degree from Millikin and currently teaches voice here in our area.
She began her selections with Gershwins “Someone to Watch Over Me” and highlights made popular by the “Dreamgirls”. A group I am not familiar with, but as I recall it was announced that they were a group back in the 50s’. Her stage presence was exceptional and appropriate for each of her presentations and is exceeded only by a wonderful and strong voice. Truly enjoyable.
I estimate that the audience was 500 at a minimum ninety five percent of which were over 65. I was disappointed that the applause was not enthusiastic and was short. I also noted that out of the several hundred pairs of feet that I could see, there was only an occasional foot tapper.
Undoubtedly I would rather have been shakin’ my bootie to some Mo-Town or getting my groove on with Garth Brooks , “I’ve got friends in lower places”, but guess I would be a little out of place where this music is played. But here’s a link to Garth….feel free to play it and shake your bootie with Garth:)
I hope that I never get to a point that doesn’t allow me to show my enthusiasm for a great performance. All in all it was a pleasant evening and well appreciated at the end of the day.
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