SYRACUSE – This Saturday, the Lake Area Community Band will present a special concert to commemorate its 25th Anniversary Season. The concert will be held at Wawasee High School at 3 p.m., with a reception to follow. The band has been bringing concert music to the Lake area communities for 25 years. The concert is free and open to the public. In December 1988, the idea for a community band in Kosciusko County was born. A community band is for adults over 18 who desire to continue playing their instruments regardless of playing level. After more than 300 phone calls and with help and encouragement from the Elkhart Municipal Band, the first rehearsal of Lake Area Symphonic Band was held at Wawasee High School May 22, 1989. There were 20 members present. A concert was performed with the Elkhart Municipal Band June 5. The first solo concert was in August and LACB had 12 appearances that year. They practiced at Syracuse Elementary School. The band was organized as a not-for-profit corporation. The first board members were Richard Stoll, president; Dale Mock, vice president; Vicki Stoll secretary/treasurer; Allan Metzler, director; Bob Trame, associate director/librarian; Mark Metzler, Rita Dodds, George Westfall and Susan Showalter. In February 1993, Allan Metzler resigned as director and Mike Sanders was elected to that position. The band was continuing to have 12 to 15 concerts in the summer and a Christmas concert. Funds were being raised for uniforms, instruments and music. Mike Clark and Martin Becker have also served as directors. Becker is in his 11th year serving as conductor. Currently, rehearsals are at Wawasee Middle School on Monday nights. Lake Area Community Band continues its summer concerts around the area: Warsaw First Fridays, Optimist Car Show, Lakeside Park in Syracuse, Greencroft in Goshen, Grace Village in Winona Lake, Dixie Park in North Webster and the Auburn Band Festival to name a few. Saturday’s concert will feature several Sousa marches, two compositions by Les Taylor, one being the commission work written to honor Phil Eherenman who was a long time member of the band and assistant director. Also honored will be Mike Clark, who sadly passed away last year after an extended illness. Mike Sanders will be features on a “Tribute to Lionel Hampton,” Marty Becker will be featured on a “Tribute to Louis Armstrong” titled “Satchmo!” The band also will recognize the following charter members of the band: Almeda Zumbrun, Michele Murto, Sue Taylor, Gary McDaniel, Phil Strieby and Don Klawitter. A historical slide show will also be shown. For additional information about the concert or joining the band, contact Becker or visit the band’s website at www.lacband.com
