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Next Concert Begins in:
"The Grand Finale"
Wednesday, July 14, 2010 at 8:00 PM
William Kelly Bandstand in South Park
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History of the Band - 1992 through Present
Since l970, the Lawrence City Band has been using the gazebo for the series of eight excellent summer band concerts. The band is a marvel to the many tourists, guests and recent residents who come to Lawrence for they do not expect this type of expertise in mid-America. Lawrence is now a city of between 80,000 and 90,000 but people of all ages support the "Summer Concerts in the Park" and love to say, "This is a bit of pioneer days preserved for us." Beginning with l992, there were many changes in the governing processes of the Lawrence City Band. Ill health caused Dr. Kelly to pass the baton to Robert E. Foster, Director of Bands at the University of Kansas. It was a sad day for Dr. Kelly but also a glad day for he knew he had found in Mr. Foster a young man interested in continuing the City Band and a believer in the philosophy which had been successful to date. Much of the organization of the Lawrence City Band was filed away in Dr. Kelly's memory and a bare minimum of written records were kept. The family method was discarded for a more business-like approach. Beginning with l992, a scrap book was kept for each year with detailed information about whom to see about what and when. A board was selected and a secretary/treasurer to check the roster, watch the calendar and be sure the concerts were scheduled. Musicians were notified by mail about concerts and rehearsals. Nobody had the time or desire to act as librarian and so a band student from the University of Kansas who might be in need of funds was hired to act as librarian. The board decided to have a paid announcer in order to provide more continuity. The one chosen is a favorite announcer from the local radio station. Mr. Foster provides him with excellent program notes and the announcer provides the "down to earth" comments...a "homey" style of delivery. It was likewise suggested the audience might enjoy printed programs.
The small programs were indeed well received...no litter as we had assumed might happen...and since it is arranged by one of the band members, the cost is minimal. The move from Kelly to Foster was very simple. Mr. Foster continues a similar type of programming ...the band continues its high level of expertise...and the audience keeps growing and growing. Dr. Kelly conducted a favorite Sousa march or Leroy Anderson selection on each concert as long as he was able. He was always in the audience for band music provided a special spark. When he passed away in l998, the Lawrence City Band played at his memorial service...a fitting tribute...a love affair that had lasted a life time.
History of the Band - Conclusion >>>
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