Summer- I love it. It is a time of year when life moves a tad slower and more casual. It is a time of dining al fresco, of baseball, and family gatherings. It is also a time when communities gather to enjoy the fellowship of an outdoor musical performance.
During this season, the Salem Band performs a myriad of concerts in the town square of historic “Old Salem”. Established in 1771, this band is proud to hold the title of the oldest community band in our nation. Yesterday evening, they performed.
Old Salem is truly a gem of historic reference and life. This colonial enclave provides a window into our heritage as a nation. Its Moravian roots are manifest in the architectural details exhibited throughout the community: the arched porticos, simplistic trim, and pure form.
Under a canopy of spruce and crepe myrtles, this orchestral ensemble played to a mostly seasoned lot. Among this silver set was a collection of grandchildren and canine family members. The latter, nearly hypnotized by the evening's heat.
A theme of “Sports” was the thread that wove the evening’s collection of tunes together. The assortment included summer classics such as Albert von Tilzer’s, “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”, and patriotic melodies as, “God Bless America”. Not to be outdone, Mother Nature’s own chorus of cicadas relentlessly buzzed throughout the evening.
Thankfully, paddle fans had been distributed to combat the wrath of mosquitos, flies, and other seasonal pests. As I peered about the crowd, a great appreciation was most evident in the nearly continuous flutter of motion. There was a feeling of serenity here.
The audience sang along. The audience tapped their toes and clapped their hands in rhythm. The audience smiled as a young couple did their own version of swing dancing to John Wasson’s “Jump Swing Fever”. “Ah….this is what summer is all about”, I said to myself.
As the sun began to fade and the town square’s lights began to pop like fireflies, I could only think to myself how lucky I am to experience this recurrent ritual. It has become one of the hallmarks of the season.
No community band concert is complete without the performance of a John Philip Sousa number. It has a way of making you sit up and feel proud. “The Gladiator March” did not disappoint.
As I folded my chair and headed back to my car, my mind glistened with contentment: “summer--I love it”.
This was a Moment in America.
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