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June 20, 2009

Municipal band fills Fuqua Park with music

John Walker

DUNCAN — On a quiet, cool and breezy evening, the air vibrated with the humming of brass, wind and other instruments tuning up and preparing to perform a series of melodies and songs to those in lawn chairs around the Fuqua Park pavilion.

Those in attendance Thursday witnessed the Chisholm Trail Municipal Band perform songs from the ‘20s, ‘40s and ‘60s as well as other favorite songs from the past for about an hour.

“I love it when they put these things on,” said Alison Heitner. “I was here last year.”

The feeling was shared by most everyone there, which numbered about 70 or so besides all the band members.

“I thought it was pretty good,” said 85-year-old Jim Ragland, who has played the trumpet in the band for the last 15 years or so.

“He’s probably one of the oldest members there,” said his wife, Leola.

Not only does the band feature some of the senior citizens of the Duncan area, but many of the high school band play as well.

The band is directed by Jeramy Haas, the high school band director.

“We try to do about three concerts a year before July 4,” Haas said. “After July 4, many of the students are involved in camps and its too hot. It’s difficult to keep going.”

Thursday’s concert in the park was the second one this season. The final concert takes place 8 p.m. July 2 and will feature patriotic songs to commemorate Independence Day.

Haas and the band start practicing in earnest for the final concert on Tuesday at the high school.

Some of the songs played Thursday:

n Stone Mountain Stomp.

Haas said that this was a typical country song back in the day that was played in other parts of the country.

n When the Yuba Plays the Rumba on the Tuba.

“I’m a low brass person,” Haas said. “I always try to find a piece that features the low brass.”

The low brass, such as the trombone and the tuba, are not featured much in the melodies of songs, he said.

n Medley of songs from the 1960s.

“Hopefully this brings back good memories,” Haas said. “That’s what good music can do.”

n Selections from Fantasia.

n Medley of Saturday morning cartoons.

“It’s always a lot of fun to play,” Haas said. “Hopefully it brings back memories of good times.”

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