Northfield Summer Concert Tradition Continues

soon will be filled with tapping toes, dancing children and the strains of marches.

The Northfield Community Band kicks off its 2011 season June 16 with a 6 p.m. concert during the Taste of Northfield festivities. The other concerts, on June 23, June 30 and July 7, begin at 7 p.m.

“It’s part of the tradition that’s been set up in Northfield, having a concert downtown on Thursday nights. It does go back to an older era,” said Paul Beck, a longtime band member beginning his second year as director.

Beck said the band is always interested in having new musicians join. 

“It’s a group where you read the music one night and play it in concert the next night. Some people are not as comfortable with that. But all are welcome to come and give us a try,” he said.

Composed of about 50 musicians, the band embraces the whole community.  Members include teenagers seeking more playing experience, retired band instructors, and adults who haven’t picked up an instrument since high school.  Most musicians are from the Northfield area, but some come from towns as far away as Owatonna and Eagan.

Dan Bergeson hadn’t played the trumpet for about 30 years when he joined the band seven years ago.

“I love to perform, and I love any kind of band music, from small ensembles to large concert bands,” he said. “It’s really fun playing for a crowd, seeing the smiles, watching the feet tap.”

This will be Maria Olson’s third summer playing the flute in the community band.  The student said the older members of the band are friendly and willing to answer questions she has about musical technique.

“For me, it’s a really neat chance to play over the summer, and to be able to play with a wider range of ages,” Olson said. “Also, the music can be a little more challenging.”

One of the band’s longest-serving members is Jesse Streitz. Streitz started playing clarinet in the band in 1968 as a high school student. Back then, he said, high school band members were required to play in the community band, and it was mostly a youth band.

“Now, two-thirds of our members are adults playing for the love of playing,” he said.

The band’s first rehearsal is 6:30-8:45 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, at the band room. Subsequent rehearsals are June 15, 22, 29 and July 6.  Participants pay a $5 fee, which is due at the first rehearsal.

Those interested in performing for one or more concerts should simply show up at a rehearsal.  For more information, email Paul Beck at Paul.Beck@nfld.k12.mn.us or visit them online.

The band is sponsored by the , the Northfield Area Foundation, and and colleges. The band also receives contributions from the and .