The Washington Band of Annville will mark 170 years of music-making with a free concert Aug. 2, featuring a lineup of the band’s favorite pieces.
The concert begins at 3 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 1500 Quentin Road, Lebanon.
Along with a few classic selections, the awards show-style concert will feature 10 categories of music nominated and voted on by band members. Categories include favorite march, favorite jazz or swing arrangement, favorite novelty piece, and favorite pop music arrangement, among others.
The band traces its roots to Aug. 2, 1856, when nine cornet players founded the group. They rehearsed in a tavern known as the Washington House on the west end of Annville, giving the band its name.
Today, the ensemble includes about 50 volunteer musicians ranging from high school students to players in their 80s. Under the direction of Mike Yeagley, the band rehearses in a historic 90-year-old building in Annville.
“It is such a privilege leading this great group of musicians,” Yeagley said. “It’s awe-inspiring to think that before online streaming services; before CDs, cassette tapes and eight-tracks; before television, radio and even the invention of the phonograph, the Washington Band of Annville has been sharing music with Annville and surrounding communities for 170 years.”
Guests are also invited to visit the band’s information table to view historical photos and memorabilia spanning the group’s history.
The concert is free, though donations are welcome. For more information or to donate, visit washingtonband.com.
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