The Blawenburg Band is set to commemorate its 124th anniversary year with a free gala concert May 18 at 3 p.m. at the Hopewell Valley Central High School Performing Arts Center.
Founded in Blawenburg in 1890, the Blawenburg Band is one of the oldest community bands in the state and among the most active.
Conducted since 1985 by Dr. Jerry Rife, Professor of Music and Chair of the Fine Arts Department at Rider University, the band performs 25 to 30 concerts a year throughout the area. They play at holiday parades, community celebrations, church socials, and at many senior centers and retirement homes.
The anniversary concert program this year is a tribute to the Golden Age of concert bands epitomized by John Philip Sousa. There will be selections from Sousa’s Looking Upward Suite and his rarely performed Harmonica Wizard March. There will also be a salute to the American Musical with highlights from Carousel and Porgy and Bess.
The band has about 75 active members, ranging in age from their teens to their eighties. They are dedicated amateurs as well as musicians with formal musical training and professional experience. Members include teachers, business people, computer specialists, homemakers, medical professionals and active retirees.
Admission is free.
The Hopewell Valley Central High School Performing Arts Center is located at 259 Pennington-Titusville Road, Pennington.
