Feature
October
21
I’m With the Band
by Vera Champagne
Love music? Play a musical instrument? Looking for someone to play with? Join the community band! Celebrating their 27th anniversary this year, the Houma-Terrebonne Community Band is staying strong with 40 members.
Providing great entertainment for young and old alike, the group performs a wide variety of music. The music of Journey, Bob Seger, The Doors, Earth, Wind & Fire, the hilarious “Chicken Dance” song and many other selections are part of their repertoire. The band consists of a collective group of individuals that are as unique as the different musical genres they feature. From the youngest member, who is only 14, to the oldest member, who is 80, every member shares a passion for music.
To become a member as a teenager, the musician must have participated in honors band during junior high or high school. However, once an adult, the only requirements are the ability to play an instrument and read music.
Big Band Bash Spooktacular
October 30
Houma Municipal Auditorium
8pm-midnight
Tickets are $10 and can be
purchased by calling 985-637-3894
or contact any of the community
band members.
Cindy King has been with the band practically since its inception and has held the chairman position for the past two years. She plays the flute, acquired from her daughter, and the piccolo, which she has owned since she performed in the Terrebonne High School Band. King gets excited when she speaks about the band that she cares about so deeply about as she explains, “Our major goal is to maintain membership but recruit for additional membership. It’s important the public knows we have this treasure for a place people can continue their musical abilities. Little Houma has its very own 27 year strong community band.” Within the community band are 25 members who make up the Stage Band. This group performs at many charity events as well as the Community Band’s biggest fundraiser the Big Band Bash Spooktacular. The concert will be held on October 30 at the Houma Municipal Auditorium from 8pm-midnight. Under the direction of conductors Eric Zelasko and Dave Domangue, the group is lead by two experienced musicians.
Those in attendance will enjoy a wide variety of music ranging from Gloria Estefan, Latino music and big band music, including songs like “In The Mood.” In addition to live music, the bash features dance contests and door prizes. Since the band depends heavily on ticket sales for the event, the stage band’s performance at the bash will generate needed funds for the band to operate next year. King explained that the band possesses their own equipment including instruments so that someone can join even if they don’t currently own an instrument. The band also has a huge library of music, their own equipment including chairs and stands, and a band trailer to store and transport their gear. They will also gladly accept instrument donations.
They even have instruments necessary for a concert orchestra, such as the bass clarinet, French horns and tubas, some of which they have acquired and repaired. Money earned from the Big Band Bash Spooktacular is put toward the general upkeep of instruments and operating costs such as insurance and rent.
Community Band Performances thus far this year have included their Anniversary Concert, Spring Concert, Flag Day Concert, Patriotic Concert and the Pops Concert. In addition to the upcoming Big Band Bash Spooktacular, their annual Christmas Concert is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 18 at the JC Penney Court at Southland Mall. This performance is free to the public.
The band rehearses every Thursday from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the Southdown School Stadium located at 1124 St. Charles Street, Houma. If you’re interested, just show up and a friendly group of musicians will welcome you. With a gleam in her eyes, King articulates with her usual enthusiasm, “We have a great music talent here.” It’s not about the past 27 years; it’s about the future of the band. It’s about where we’re going with the band, which is my purpose.”
Visit the Houma-Terrebonne Community band website www.htcb.org, send an e-mail to info@htcb.org or call Cindy King at 985-232-2702 or Jen Jenkins at 985-637-3894 for more information. You can even become their friend on Facebook by searching for “Houma-Terrebonne Community Band.”
