Performing with band is ‘a way of life’
SHAUN SALEM
Director Shaun Salem conducts for the band.
“We just continue playing the music that we learned how to play in school and continue to play as adults,” Salem said, adding that the group attracts “a lot of really talented musicians” as well as “people who haven’t picked up a horn in years.”
The band does not have auditions.
The band is not the same as the Oak Ridge High School WildBand.
Instead, it’s a nonprofit group that includes an often-changing roster of musicians of many different ages, practicing on Thursday nights. As of October, it will be Salem’s sixth year with the organization, but the band has existed since 1944.
“We want everyone to participate who is a musician and is willing and eager to play concerts with us,” Salem said.
“They’re passionate, they’re focused, they’re committed,” Salem said of the musicians.
He described working with them as his favorite part of his job.
“I never have to worry if they’ll be there for the concert,” he said. “When they say they’re going to be there, they’ll be there.”
The band plans to play a fall concert showcase at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at First Baptist Church; a Labor Day concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 1 at A.K. Bissell Park; a fall concert on Sunday Oct. 27, at A.K. Bissell Park; and a Christmas concert with date to be determined at First Baptist Church.
More information is on the organization’s website, orcb.org.
“At the end of the day, music performance is an integral part of what we do as people,” Salem said. “At least for musicians, it’s a way of life.”
Salem described multiple factors in choosing music, including the musicians who can show up for specific shows and rehearsals, the venues and audience feedback.
“It’s about rolling with the punches as they say,” he said, in regard to planning concerts. around the musicians who will make it.