One of the band’ s founders, Mel Chance, with high school students Francsca Mata and Nicole Prosch.
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and the agelessness of making music with professionals, amateurs, high school and college students, young teens, and retirees. Her friend and fellow clarinet player, Cheryl Owen, have sat next to each other in the band since 2006. With a twinkle and nod, Cheryl says there was one time when Ray separated them because they were“ having too much fun.” Cheryl is also known for playing“ a pretty mean kazoo.”
French horn player, Steve Shroyer, also plays trumpet and is learning to play alto saxophone. Steve has been playing since he was 8 years old, being taught by his father, who was a high school band director. He played in bands in high school and college, dance bands, and orchestras in Arizona. A semi-pro at this point in his life, he has been playing since 2002 with the Brown County Community Band. Steve encourages anyone who has a musical
40 Our Brown County • Jan./ Feb. 2020
instrument anywhere in their history to consider joining:“ It’ s a blast!”
President-elect, Bill Schnackel, has been playing trumpet with the band for ten years or so. Though he had not touched his instrument since 1967 and said that facing at least two players in the trumpet section who played professionally intimidating, he soon felt welcomed and part of this musical community.
The Band plays several concerts throughout the year. The anniversary concert is in the fall. The Christmas Concert is a gift to the community. A benefit concert for the local Habit for Humanity is held in May, with the Habitat group providing promotion. Every June a concert is performed for the Sweetwater residents at their beach pavilion.
The Brown County Community Band now has about 35 active players. They play show tunes, marches, classical pieces, jazz, Dixieland and welcome new members who like to produce friendships and music all at the same time.
For more information visit < browncountycommunityband. com > or contact Bill Schnackel at < Schnackelb @ yahoo. com > or( 765) 490-0789. •
Steve Shroyer on the french horn.