The Red Band was invited back to Mechanicville, NY (just
north of Albany) to perform for the Feast of the Assumption on the actual Feast
Day - Friday, August 15.
This year we were asked to lead a short procession from
the new Church around the block to the old Church which closed in 2009.
The parking lot behind the Church was all setup with
tents for food, games, and pastries.Inside the school was a flea market and thrift shop.
We marched into the school lot to complete the procession
just as they were erecting a rock-climbing wall and shortly before the food
booths opened.
It was a two hour bus trip for us so we had plenty of
food on the bus and we were able to have a dinner of sandwiches, peppers, and
tomato pie along with many other treats.
Then it was time to setup in the old Church for our
concert. The altar had been removed and we placed our chairs and music stands
on the platform that was left. All the pews were still in place so the audience
had plenty of seating.Usually when we have our festival concerts outside – the audience is part of the noise. Everyone is eating, talking and greeting friends, and the children are running around playing games and enjoying the rides.
But this concert had a completely different atmosphere.
The activity and noise from the feast was still going on outside but the
concert was inside.
The audience – and it was a large one – came to listen.
There were no distractions. They were quiet and attentive – even as they danced
the polka and tarantella down the aisles of the church.
A good time was had by all – especially the musicians.
Maybe it was the acoustics in the church but we all
agreed that we gave an exceptional performance that evening.
On the ride back to Utica – everyone was quiet, some
sleeping - just reliving the excitement from the day.
VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!!
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