By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
Many musicians and instruments have come and gone, but the Salina Municipal Band has remained a mainstay in the community for more than 100 years.
The band concluded its 137th season as it often does, riding on a trailer and performing in the Tri-Rivers Fair Parade Tuesday evening. The band also has performed at the Smoky Hill River Festival and occasionally for other events.
Director Tom Miles told Salina Post that band members come from a variety of ages, backgrounds, and locations, some driving up to 50 miles to rehearse and perform. Miles, himself, drives over from Abilene.
Miles said band members also have differing musical abilities.
"Some have played with the Salina Symphony. Others are relatively new to their instruments," he said.
The one thing the 40 members have in common, however, is their love of making music.
During its summer performance season, the band typically plays on Tuesday evenings on the Eric Stein Stage in Salina's Oakdale Park. The band also does one exchange performance with the Abilene Municipal Band. The concerts are open to the public at no charge.
The Salina Municipal Band rehearses on the third floor of Memorial Hall. Miles said that each week he selects 12 pieces of music to perform from the band's library of more than 300 songs. The selections are a mixture of musical types, including marches, overtures, Broadway, sacred, Latin, and pop music.
"We play good music well," he said.
The band is funded by the City of Salina, which provides the rehearsal space and some money. Miles said part of the money is used for the purchase of music, which he buys every other year. Some of the funds also are used for the upkeep of a few band-owned instruments. Many of the musicians, however, bring their own instruments to play, he said.
To learn more about the Salina Municipal Band, including its 137-year history, go to the band's website.