The COVID-19 concert cancellation cascade started in early March of 2020 and Sun City Concert Band was no exception. The band stopped rehearsals on March 11, 2020. The pandemic gave a new definition to the phrase, The day the music died. As the U.S. continues to reopen, live music concerts are among the events starting to come back.
David Macaulay, band manager, said “Rehearsals resumed on April 14, 2021, at Shepherd of the Prairie Church and four weeks later moved to the Birch Room in Fountain View Lodge. The Sun City band was excited to again perform at June 26, 2021, Golf Cart Parade. It was the band’s twelfth Golf Cart Parade Concert.”
Band members new and old are glad to get out of their homes and practice with others.
Paul Markowski, a new member said, “I joined the band two years ago. I came to rehearsal and then the pandemic hit and all activities, rehearsals were canceled.”
What does he play?
Markowski said, “I play the trumpet. I started playing it when I was a kid for about 3½ years and decided to take it up 50 years later.”
Pat Henning, club secretary said, “I live down the street from Paul and I would hear him practicing for the 16 months. He was great and we are so glad that he has joined the band.”
Pam Jorgensen, Sun City Concert Band music director said, “We are glad to be back. I have been working with Sun City residents for seven years.”
Jorgensen is also a music teacher at School District 158’s Heineman Middle School.
Macaulay said, “Under the artistic direction of Pam Jorgensen, the Sun City Concert Band entertains with a diverse repertoire of compositions from patriotic, big band forties, pop, show tunes, and music in the modern genre.”
The next performance of the band will be at the Huntley Chamber of Commerce Expo at 10 a.m. on August 28 in downtown Huntley. The very popular Rock The Ages Concert will be at 7 p.m. on September 9. Watch the August and September Lifestyles magazine and Sun City Eblast for ticket information. On December 9 (7 p.m.) and December 11 (1 p.m.), the band will again entertain with its Holiday Concert in Drendel Hall.
People want an outlet from all the stress and isolation they’ve felt this last year, and music is the perfect opportunity to dance, sing, and overall, feel a calming sense of release.
Macaulay said, “The band rehearses in the Birch Room every Wednesday from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m.. The band is always looking for new members. If you played in your high school band 40 years ago, the Sun City Concert Band wants you! Contact Band President Rob Lindsey 847-904-3088 for more information.
