On Monday, September 12, the Eastern Shore Wind Ensemble, the all-ages community concert band based in Chestertown, will begin its 11th season of rehearsals and concerts. Under the direction of Dr. Keith Wharton, longtime popular music teacher in the Kent County Public Schools and lecturer in music at Washington College, the band always welcomes new members, without audition or fee. The start of a new season is an especially good time to become a member, but new members may join at any time.
Although there are places for all wind and percussion instrumentalists, players of these instruments are especially needed: clarinet, bassoon, French horn, baritone horn, tuba and percussion. The sort of large, expensive instruments commonly not purchased during one’s school years usually can be loaned.
The band is a quite diverse group in several respects, though members share in common a love of making music with others, especially in a collegial and supportive atmosphere. They come from throughout Kent and Queen Anne’s counties, and sometimes beyond, with a variety of musical backgrounds and experiences. Some are still in their student years, from middle school to college. Some have played fairly steadily during their adult years while others have returned to their instruments after many years away from them, sometimes only after retiring. Current or former occupations also range widely, from teaching (including music-teaching) to practicing medicine and accounting, owning or managing businesses, serving in the military, and more.
The band rehearses Monday evenings, starting to play promptly at 7:00 p.m. and ending promptly at 8:30, in the band room of Kent County Middle School, 402 E. Campus Ave., Chestertown. For more information or to join, call 410-778-2829 or 410-810-1834—or just come extra-early to a rehearsal.
The ensemble presents four free band-sponsored band concerts each season and also plays occasionally by invitation. The band is supported by grants from the Kent County Arts Council and donations.
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