Band of the hills

Band of the hills

Written by Katherine Kennedy Thursday, 07 June 2007

Band members perform for the love of the music

A Disney tune performed during a Band of the Hills concert in April had an effect many teachers and parents would envy: It made children stop playing, sit and listen.

Director Bob Dalrymple said that is why music is important: It touches everyone.

Band of the Hills formed nine years ago with 15 members to provide a cultural and musical experience for the residents living in the central Texas area.

“When we started, we didn’t have the capacity to play middle school-type music. Now, we have grown in both quality and quantity [between 30-40 members] and are able to play more challenging music,” Dalrymple said. “The band provides a wonderful adult activity that is different from the daily routines of our members. It is a pleasure to bring music to those in our community who want to hear it.”

Band members include teachers, executives, students, retired people and business owners.

“Anyone who has a horn and knows how to play is welcome. There is no time limit or expiration date on ability. We have a member who joined after not playing for almost 40 years,” Dalrymple said. “Our band is a place for family; there are husbands with wives, brothers with sisters and children with parents and grandparents.”

People who join the band love music and want to spend their free time practicing what they love. Dalrymple said the hours of rehearsal provide a break from reality and a time to gain back sanity.

“Most non-profit members carry a lifelong learned skill. They join specific organizations for a particular cause,” Dalrymple said. “We join because we want to play. We truly love what we are doing.”

Band of the Hills plays a variety of music: marches, classical, show tunes, big band, patriotic and seasonal.

“Three fourths of our performances are outside,” Dalrymple said. “We try to provide happiness of the seasons. We bring enjoyment to the retirement homes at Christmas and hold a patriotic Fourth of July performance.”

Band president Amy Firkins has been a member for three years. She says the band plays music that people don’t always hear on the radio.

“Attending our concerts is a great way for people to spend their afternoon or evening.” Firkins said. “Our concerts are fun, community oriented and free.”

Firkins said joining the band has positively influenced her life as well as her family’s.

“Joining the band has had a profound impact on my children,” Firkins said. “Before I started playing again, they didn’t show any interest in playing a musical instrument. Now, my son is becoming quite a good trumpet player and my daughter wants to play the violin, drums and clarinet. It’s fun.”

Dalrymple said the band plans to grow to about 90 members and will continue to expand their performances to venues outside of the central Texas area.

“We would like to play more indoor concerts and hope to start touring more,” Dalrymple said. “When the band tours, we get to play with other community bands for a fresh crowd. It is a great learning experience.”

Upcoming Events

July 4: Cedar Park, Fourth of July Celebration, 5 p.m., Elizabeth Milburn Park, 1901 Sun Chase Blvd.

Next year marks Band of the Hills’ten-year anniversary. Watch www.bandofthehills.org for an announcement about celebration plans.

Band of the Hills, Bob Dalrymple, director • 789-4956