Last week, on August 12, the Waterford Community Band performed at the Waterford Community Center. They played pieces such as "Hitsville U.S.A." by John Wasson and "National Emblem" by E. E. Bagley, combining marches and movie soundtracks for a free concert for the public.
Jacob Wilson, the conductor for the band, has been a music educator for the Lyme-Old Lyme High School for over fifteen years. The reason for becoming the conductor for the Community Band was more than by chance.
"I was first called in for a fill-in several years ago," Wilson explained. Occasionally the permanent conductor cannot make it to a rehearsal, so another person has to fill in for that day. "Soon I got called in again, and I liked to conduct when I could. There were three different conductors over two years before I took over." The band has appreciated his willingness to remain with the band ever since.
As for his favorite place to perform with the Community Band, "We had a concert at the Waterford High auditorium once, that was fun. Acoustically, the concerts are the best in the auditorium, but I like our space at the center the most."
The next concert will be on Sunday, September 8, at noon at Harkness Park, during Family Day. Bring the kids along for the various events such as chariot riding and stop by for a while to listen to the band!
