Community band gearing up for summer concerts
Christie Cochran has been the Coshocton Community Band’s director for 13 years. (Jen Jones)
Since the summer of 1966, the community band has been performing summer concerts on the court square in Coshocton. Last year, due to COVID, was the first year the series had to be cancelled. Tim Vance, president of the Coshocton County Community Band said, “We are calling this our ‘COVID-19 Come Back Season.”
The band is made up of people of all ages, from their 90s to high school students. Musicians from outside of Coshocton County also travel here to play. “Anyone who plays an instrument is welcome to join us. Even if it’s been years since you played, we would enjoy having you here,” Vance said.
Christie Cochran has been the band’s director for 13 years. “People have been pent up so hopefully, they are ready to come out and enjoy some music. We’ll be playing lots of marches, as those are fan favorites, but we play a wide variety of music. I think everyone is ready for live entertainment – and it’s free.”
This summer, the concert series will be a little different than in years past. The band will be playing every two weeks instead of every week. The first concert will be Friday, June 4 and will start at 7 p.m. on the court square. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and plan to social distance. The last concert will be Friday, July 16.
Vance also said the band is very grateful to Isaac Bush and Kids America for letting them practice there. “We have room to social distance here. It’s obvious the musicians want to play. Last week, we had about 35 people here. We have a nice, rounded band, with all ages and walks of life. We have retired music teachers, students and people who love to play their instruments.”
The Coshocton County Community Band practices on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at Kids America. For more information about joining the band, you can call Vance at 740-502-6891.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
