CHURCH PICNICS and BANDS

I grew up playing music on Saturday evenings for church picnics. They were ‘the big thing’ in many rural York County churches. I came at the tail end of the glory days of church picnics. As a young boy I would hear stories about how hugely popular picnics were ‘in the good old days’.

I played with the Dallastown Community Band, formerly the Dallastown Boys and Girls Band. The band had a long tradition of playing marches, religious music, jazz and other styles of music. It was an awesome experience for me. I loved the music, the atmosphere, and the food. A warm summer evening, under a few yellow light bulbs, playing good music and eating ice cream…a good time.
On August 22nd, the ASAPH Brass Band played a concert, an outdoor concert, on a warm summer evening, under a few yellow light bulbs. There was no ice cream. BUT, we raised $100 (Haitian) toward a ‘band stand’. My dream is to have a permanent concert stage in our community here in Passe-bois-d’ormes. People in this community love music, and they love to get together for programs. 

(A special part of this event was the first performance of five new brass players. They did a great job. I’m always making plans to have new players coming along to replace those who move on.) 

This first concert was a test. We put up some posters, but didn’t really announce it too much. Still, we had about  100 people show up to listen…standing…for over an hour. In the future I hope to encourage churches to ‘host’ such events providing food (for sale) and doing all of the preparation. I think it is a great ministry. Bringing people together for wholesome entertainment and fellowship.
I’m glad that ASAPH musicians are willing to share their talents toward that goal.