MUSIC
temple block. Formerly in the Marine Band, he
worked with someone who invited him to a
rehearsal; he’s been active ever since. “It’s a lot of
fun,” he says.
Robert Back is at this particular rehearsal to
support his son, Alex, a trombone player at Oak
Hammock K-8. Alex didn’t grow up with a love
for music, but one day he said he wanted to be in
the band. Alex’s band director, Amy Isenhour, is
also a member of the Port St. Lucie Community
Band; she encouraged him to check it out.
Vaida says the band gladly welcomes newcomers
that “we keep getting all the time.” 7he first
step is to make contact via the band’s website
(www.pslcommunityband.org), email info@
pslcommunityband.org or call 772-807-4488.
Musicians are invited to sit in on rehearsals at
the McAlpin Fine Arts building on the campus of
IRSC in Fort Pierce (3209 Virginia Avenue). Southall
decides what parts are best suited for new
members. “:e’re at different levels,” says 9aida,
“so we need experienced musicians to cover all
the parts.”
The Port St. Lucie Community Band may be
voluntary and friendly, but when it comes to
performance, it’s all business. At concerts, the men
wear tuxedos while the women dress in all black.
The banter stills, now that they are in the public
eye. Every motion of the conductor’s wand is crisp
and purposeful. The arms raise, and all is quiet as
the band takes a collective breath, and ... music. E
12 Port St. Lucie Magazine
ELLEN GILLETTE
Si_teenyearold +errick *hen, right, has played Åute ^ith the band for three years. /e is
Qoined here by fello^ Okeechobee student ,than (dabo at his first rehearsal. Musicians of
all ages play together, and learn froT one another.
PO9; S;. L<*0, *OMM<50;@ )(5+
;he Port St. Lucie *oTTunity )and rehearses ^eekly, and perforTs throughout the year, priTarily at the Port St. Lucie *ivic *enter. ;he band ^as
founded in by local Tusicians ^ho had the support of area businesses and encourageTent of city officials.
/(www.pslcommunityband.org)
/pslcommunityband.org