Historic band offering 10-week instruction for new players

By Andrew Wagstaff
The Citizen – Dec. 9, 2006

PARRSBORO – How many people have a love for music but, for one reason or another, have never picked up an instrument?

According to the Parrsboro Citizens Band, quite a few, something they hope to change.
The historic community band has received funding to conduct a 10-week music instruction program for adults that will start Monday, Jan. 8, 2007. Chuck Homewood has been hired as instructor, while band members will assist with the program.

“We’re hoping to attract those people who always wanted to play but didn’t because they were afraid, or because they had no music in their background,” said Homewood.

Only 10 spaces are available for the course, which will be held for two hours every Monday night through the winter at the band hall. The first hour will focus on theory instruction from Homewood, while the second hour will bring volunteers from the band in for some one-on-one mentoring with the students.

The band has a wide variety of instruments available for use in the program, while students may also bring their own.

The learning program will be an opportunity to not only teach those new to playing music, but also those who played in their youth but got away from it, or those who are new to the area and wish to get involved.

“There are many people in this community who played in the band during their youth, but became busy with a new family or a new job, or moved away for awhile and either lost their confidence or their interest in carrying on as musicians,” said Fuller.

“This is an opportunity for those people to get back into it.”

At a cost of only $25 for the entire 10-week program, the financial burden on those wishing to learn would be minimal for most. In addition, the funds raised will go in support of the band, which continues its campaign to save and restore the band hall building on King Street.