SYRACUSE - Life for a community band averages about five years, according to Ray Maierle, president of The Lake Area Community Band.
"So for us to be around 20 years really says something about us," he said.
Thursday, the LACB will celebrate their 20th anniversary. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. at Lakeside Park, Syracuse, across from the Syracuse Community Center.
Their Fourth of July concert featured 45 performers. "For this one," said Maierle, "we hope to be much bigger."
The two-hour concert will open up with the LACB. Elkhart's Truth In Jazz then will perform before they combine with LACB. The last part of the concert will conclude with the LACB again.
"This one is going to run a solid two hours," Maierle said. If someone hasn't seen the band perform before, he said this will be the show to catch them.
Maierle said past LACB performers will play with the band. Bob Gray, principal cornetist from the Cincinnati All-Brass Band, will play a featured number with LACB. Gray retired from the Navy band.
Warsaw's Ben Meulink also will be featured in a number. Meulink plays the marimba.
Past LACB directors are expected to return to direct numbers for the concert. "We're going to have a large group this time," Maierle said.
During the show, Maierle said people and organizations will be recognized for helping the band, or for their participation in the band.
LACB started in 1987, and was founded by Syracuse resident Dale Mock. Mock envisioned a quality musical group that would not only entertain audiences, but also provide an outlet for this area's many talented musicians. According to Maierle, membership is open at all times to any adult, and by audition to qualified high school students.
The band is governed by an executive board consisting of members of the band voted on by the active membership. Board members are elected every September, and all board members serve a one-year term with the exception of the members at-large who serve a staggered two-year term. The new executive board takes office each January.
LACB is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization.
The Lake Area Community Band is directed by Martin Becker.
"We have all levels of players. We try to hold on to them and encourage them," said Maierle, a 17-year member.
About six to eight members have been with the band since its inception. "We've got quite a few in the band for the 19-year mark, 20 years. They get in there and enjoy it," said Maierle.
"If anyone is interested in playing an instrument, especially a clarinet, we encourage them to join us," he said.
The Lake Area Community Band can be contacted online at www.lacband.com; e-mail lacb@lacband.com; or write P.O. Box 123, Syracuse, IN 46567.
