MUSIC
a big family,” says band president 3at 9aida, welcoming a
member back for the winter, then introducing the newest
musicians and guests. The retired teacher’s aide also serves
as the band’s librarian.
$s everyone is seated, the room fills with scales and arpeggios
as musicians warm up their instruments, arrange music
and check cellphones before rehearsal officially begins. $s
Southall takes his place at his music stand, he chats. “:hy
do we warm up with chorales"” Southall asks. “:e have to
warm up body, brain and instrument. Now repeat and adjust
for pitch.”
A family atmosphere pervades rehearsals. Southall’s grandson
listens from a stroller, occasionally joining Grandpa at his
music stand. Southall keeps a friendly, teasing banter going
throughout rehearsal. “In the education world, you have to
be positive,” he says. Musical numbers are punctuated with
instruction. “$ir ... air! <ou’re not following me, trombones ...
Did I say something funny? ... Lisa, do you want me to send
you to your room for a time out" *ood!”
3reparing for an upcoming &hristmas concert, the first
piece receives praise. “*ood first read. It will be fine.” 7he
next gets a slightly less enthusiastic response. “<our playing
resembled that piece. I think I know it.” +e’d had a nightmare
recently about a specific piece of music. “I have a list of
what I’ll never do again, and that one’s at the top.” 5eferring
to the next title, he Tuips, “¶It’s the Most :onderful 7ime of
the <ear’ when we rehearse for this concert.”
Southall shouts goodnaturedly over the music, “<ou’re
sharp, trombones, and I don’t mean that you’re snappy dressers.
Now, where’s my master sleigh bell player? What qualifies
you, anyway" 'id you train with Santa" 7hey call him >>
10 Port St. Lucie Magazine
PORT ST. LUCIE COMMUNITY BAND
What unites a secretary, nurse, golf pro, student, and business executive?
What unites retirees with teens? The love of music, the joy of perfoming.