Life is busy for everyone in some way or another, and being in a music group can be difficult to include in a schedule. The IUK and Howard County Community Band proves that the hard work can be rewarding for anyone who’s willing to participate, and provides a sense of community that can be hard to find in other places.
This is the music group’s 25th season. Current director John Pinson has been in the position since 2011, and is the second director of the band after Eric Thornbury. Like most groups, the band went through a rough patch during the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they’ve been trying to get back into the regular groove of things since then.
For Anna Peppers, this band is a step in the right direction for her future college career. Like a lot of people, her musical career began in her middle school band, when she was in the 6th grade. Her main instrument is trumpet, and she has participated in groups like jazz band, pep band, and steel band. Her current plan is to transfer to IU South Bend to pursue music education.
Even if someone isn’t planning on doing music as a career, Peppers recognizes the benefits that they still can take from regularly playing an instrument.
“Playing an instrument stimulates your brain, multiple parts at the same time. It doesn’t just benefit your music career, but can improve your academic life and studies as well. I’ve noticed that for myself in my own classes.”
This is Frannie Kidwell’s seventh season participating as a community member of the band. Her main instrument is clarinet, and while at Kokomo High School she was able to be a part of their concert band, marching band, indoor winds, and indoor percussion. Kidwell has been able to watch this band grow into the group it is now, and is excited to see what possibilities present themselves in the future.
“When I first started at IUK, we were so small, and just the fact that we’re as big as we are now is huge. We’re always open to the public, even if you haven’t played for 10 years, I think we should really encourage people to come and try it out.”
Although the fall semester is halfway finished, students can still get involved with this music group if they are interested. If someone wants to sit in on a rehearsal to see what it’s like to play in the ensemble, that’s always an available option. In the Spring, both concert and jazz band will be an option for classes, so make sure to talk to your advisor about registering if you’d like to sign up. Both ensembles rehearse on Wednesday evenings in Kresge Auditorium: concert band from 6-7:30, and jazz band from 7:45-9:00.
There are two concerts upcoming for this group, scheduled as fall and winter recitals. The “Wizard Witches & Warlocks” themed concert will be hosted on October 29, at 7p.m, in Kresge auditorium. Band members will be dressed up in Halloween costumes, and it’s encouraged for audience members to do the same, if they’d like. If you need any more convincing, there will be free candy!
On December 12, there will be an ensemble winter recital in Haven’s auditorium at 7pm.The IUK Band will be performing alongside the Cougar Choir.
Regardless of the group, Pinson hopes that more students are encouraged to get involved in the music opportunities IUK offers.
“I would love to see the ensembles here grow in numbers and abilities, so that there’s a thriving musical culture on campus.”
