McGill’s returns with sizzling sounds

by Staff Pioneer Times
8 years ago
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
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The maestro for McGill’s Community Band is Kevin Mania.  
 

HOULTON — A sure sign of summer is the arrival of McGill’s Community Band playing cool tunes in Monument Park every Thursday evening.

“We are looking forward to a great concert season,” said Kevin Mania, band director. “We have many new songs to play this year. I love the dedication of not only the players in the group, but our audience that comes out to our concerts. McGill’s Band is truly a gem for our community that brings people out every week for good family event.”

 

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McGill’s Community Band plays Thursday, June 9 in Monument Park for their first concert of the season.
 

Many of the concerts are live streamed by WHOU radio station so that those who no longer reside in Houlton can listen to the music.

 

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McGills Community Band features youngsters like Autumn Ganzel, left, and experienced players like Arlene Bean.  
 

McGill’s Community Band of Houlton was organized in 1985 as the fulfillment of David McGillicuddy’s dream. McGillicuddy, band instructor for SAD 29, dreamt of resurrecting a local community band concept with membership comprised of local musicians who would perform in Monument Park on nice summer evenings as had been done in days past by the Houlton Town Band.

 

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The Rev. Marc Fuller, left, and Julia Lunn keep the tunes coming from the trombone section.
 

The first band was formed that year with 55 members. Membership in the band, at one point topped 100 players. Members now are a variety of younger and older players.

 

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Gary Bossie performs a solo on the saxophone.
 

The band kicked off its 31st season Thursday evening, with a picturesque evening of music. 

Concerts will continue through the summer season, every Thursday through Aug. 18. 

Special holiday performance will be held Saturday, July 2, at 7 p.m. in the park as part of Midnight Madness and the band will once again appear in the Fourth of July parade, Monday, July 4, at 10 A.M.

For more information, visit www.mcgillsband.com.