The Chatham Concert Band has been a fixture in the community since 1927. (Chatham Concert Band Facebook) The Chatham Concert Band has been a fixture in the community since 1927. (Chatham Concert Band Facebook)
Chatham

Even through Second World War, Chatham concert band kept the music playing

From a wooden gazebo in the early 20th century to a modern-day cement band shell, the Chatham Concert Band has been making music for over 90 years.

"It's a true tradition," said Vaughn Pugh, the band's leader since 1984. "The fact that this band has the longevity is due in large part due to the support from the citizens who come out every summer and make it all worthwhile."

Formed in 1927, Wednesday night will mark the 92nd year for the band as it begins a series of free performances in front of a crowd at Tecumseh Park in Chatham. The theme for the show coincides with this coming weekend's Festival of Nations -- it is being dubbed "Opening Night Around the World."

Although the names and music have changed over the years, the commitment from the players remains the same, said Pugh.

"We play in a different church every month as part of our so-called off-season as well as playing at the Remembrance Day services and all sorts of other things," he said. "With that level of commitment, we know the people are going to be there... the concert band will easily reach a 100-year anniversary."

Several genres of music have hit peak popularity and then faded since the inception of the band. Favourites like Cab Calloway have transformed into Ray Charles, and eventually led to staples from bands such as Chicago and Blood Sweat and Tears. According to Pugh, the key is to keep an updated music library.

For this instalment of the concert band, the players have rehearsed new pieces from the Broadway musical Wicked as well as the revision of songs from The Lion King, said Pugh.

"It doesn't matter what your age is, age, creed colour, religion, none of that matters whatsoever," said Pugh. "It's all about the love of music and the ability to play it well."

Pugh has been involved with the band since 1965 when he started playing the trumpet with the band. That evolved into a love for his favourite instrument, the French Horn. By 1984, he was named the bandleader, a title that he keeps with him today. Having been a big part of his life, Pugh said some of his fondest memories come from watching the concert band.

"To me what's remarkable is that it was going all throughout WWII," he said. "Being just a little kid and my dad taking my sisters and I up to Tecumseh Park and you catch a band concert, and in the background, there would be a softball game... very fond memories."

Wednesday night's concert is one of 10 performances that will take place throughout the summer. The band also plays at eight church services throughout the year, a yearly Christmas concert, and at Remembrance Day ceremonies.

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