The River City Band has been in recess for some time but is considering resuming a regular schedule, perhaps in October or November. This decision is contingent upon the status of the new strains of Covid and Flu as well as input from the band’s membership prior to making the final decision of a starting date for rehearsals. Rehearsals will continue to be at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall located at 601 W. Dry Street on the second Monday of the month beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Bill Grusendorf, River City Band Director, added he had talked with many people over the period of the last several years who said they would consider playing in the band, but it had been so long since they had played their instrument, they felt they had forgotten everything they had learned. Therefore, the band will organize a “Re-Start Band” for anyone who would like to play an instrument and participate in a band once again. The “Re-Start Band’will meet on the Wednesday following the “second Monday of the month rehearsal” of the River City Band. These rehearsals will also be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The “Re-Start” Band will use a beginner’s band book focusing on sound, pitch production, and fingering. The main emphasis will be to regain the embouchure strength and endurance needed to play simple tunes and easy band music. The goal for these players is to eventually be a part of the regular River City Band.
If you no longer have your instrument, the band is prepared to provide one, free of charge, to anyone interested. The band currently has flutes, clarinets, saxophones (alto and tenor), a bass clarinet, trumpets and cornets, French horns, trombones, baritones, tubas, and a varied array of percussion instruments. The ultimate goal for both bands is to recover playing ability and lip strength by early December and combine to play a short concert before this year’s annual Christmas parade.
Current members of the River City Band may also attend the “Re-Start Band” to regain embouchure strength and endurance as well.
Anyone interested in participating in the “Re-Start Band” or needing to reserve an instrument, please contact Bill Grusendorf at 325-372-5821.