THE HOMETOWN CONCERT BAND   

is comprised of Villages residents with a variety of musical backgrounds,

from professional to those who have picked up their instruments after

an extended hiatus. The band currently has 97 members and performs

concert band music from Broadway, Hollywood, marches and pop classics.

The Hometown Band performs at the Savannah Center,

throughout The Villages and beyond.

The band rehearses Tuesdays from 4-6pm at Mulberry Recreation

Center in The Villages, from mid-August through April.

Hometown Band

Thursday, 4 to 6pm, Mulberry Grove

Hugh Wicks 352-431-8004

hwicks627@gmail.com

“IN PERSON” PATRIOTIC CONCERT

After more than a year of not meeting because of the pandemic,

approximately 100 members from the Bands of The Villages (BOTV) came

together early in June to begin “in-person” rehearsals. The reason was to

prepare for the annual 4th of July Patriotic Concert! The Mulberry Recreation

Center buzzed with excitement as the delighted musicians finally were

meeting and playing music again.  

The three BOTV directors: Jean Butler (Concert Band), Ward Green (New

Horizons), and Hugh Wicks (Hometown Band) took turns directing

the enthusiastic group!  Musicians were volunteers from the three bands.

Although many had participated throughout the “lock down” in Zoom 

rehearsals, it was a thrill for them to join colleagues to play music together.

It was an even greater thrill to learn in a few weeks they would play a live

concert for an audience!

The evening of the concert, the band was proudly wearing red, white,

and blue clothing. They were locked, loaded, and ready to play tunes such

as “Broad Stripes and Bright Stars”, “An American Spectacular”, and

American Folks Rhapsody”. The restricted audience of about 80-90 family

and friends outdid themselves by clapping and cheering for the flag-waving

music.

The band’s season concluded with the concert because of the summer break.

In the Fall good news is anticipated when the three bands return to their

usual rehearsals and performances. Check the BOTV websites for

information about performances. It will be a pleasure to once again

recommend attendance at the BOTV concerts—for sure, the bands will be

ready to entertain you!

Ways to Improve Practice Time

http:

//lewbuckley.com/

blog/practicing.html

The Villages Concert Band

is active in the area, supporting groups and organizations with the funds from all concerts.

Jean Butler, the conductor of The Villages Concert Band has built a great musical organization here in The Villages that approaches every playing opportunity with tremendous professionalism.  Interested in becoming a part of The Villages Concert Band?

Contact,

Jean Butler at butlerjean@comcast.net

or 352-751-3401

Attendance Policy for playing a Concert

Attendances at

rehearsals are expectations for

a bandsman to play

in the concerts.

There could be cogent reasons that prohibit attendance at every rehearsal.

However, the band’s

policy to play in a concert include attendance of the

last four rehearsals 

plus the dress

rehearsal.

If there are unusual

circumstances that

preclude meeting

the attendance requirements,

a member may

contact the Director

in an effort to obtain

an exemption.

Section leaders are

to be informed about

any granted

exemptions of

the policy.

Sunshine Strollers