Houlton Pioneer Times photo/Joseph Cyr
CONDUCTING BUSINESS — Dave McGillicuddy was back behind the baton July 18 filling in for Joe Fagnant as conductor for McGill’s Community Band. The band has enjoyed steady attendance at its Thursday evening performances.
By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — It is a tradition of summer that is like no other.
Every Thursday evening, weather permitting, from mid-June to August, McGill’s Community Band takes over Monument Park and fills downtown Houlton with the sweet sound of music.
When Dave McGillicuddy first formed McGill’s Community Band back in 1985 he was convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that it would be successful. Twenty-eight years later, McGillicuddy’s premonition has proven to be spot on as the band that bears his name continues to draw crowds.
“I was sure it would be a hit,” McGillicuddy said. “I knew we had so many talented musicians that still resided in the area. I first went to the adults to fill out the group and then I would look at my high school band to augment.”
Houlton Pioneer Times photo/Joseph Cyr
DRUMLINE — Kevin Mania is all smiles as he plays drums.
Although he no longer is the band’s director — he turned the baton over to current RSU 29 band director Joe Fagnant in 2005 — McGillicuddy remains an active part of the band, playing saxophone. Occasionally, he steps back into the conductor role, whenever Fagnant is unavailable.
When McGill’s Community Band of Houlton was formed nearly 30 years ago, it marked the fulfillment of McGillicuddy’s dream of forming a community band in town to showcase the musical talents of the local residents. With musicians from Houlton and surrounding towns, plus New Brunswick, Canada, and out-of- state visitors during the summer months, there were 55 members in the first band, in a variety of ages.
The band has ranged in size from 50-90 over the years. On any given week, there are about 70 musicians performing. It is widely regarded as one of the largest, if not the largest, community bands in the state. Houlton’s first town band was organized in 1911, according to Michael Clark, band manager, but at some point in time, that band ceased to exist until McGillicuddy brought it back in 1985.
Houlton Pioneer Times photo/Joseph Cyr
GOOD CROWD — Good weather has resulted in large crowds at Thursday evening shows.
Concerts were held in the open, with musicians exposed to the elements until 1998 when, with the help of the Houlton Rotary Club, an amphitheatre was built in the park. Rehearsals begin in March and if there are not enough adult musicians to fill out the band, current Houlton High School and occasionally junior high students, are recruited to the ranks.
“If I felt there were some junior high kids who were comfortable playing and could handle it, I asked them to join,” McGillicuddy said. “I really recruited some talented high school kids. It was a chance for them to keep playing in the summer.”
Houlton Pioneer Times photo/Joseph Cyr
TIMPANI TIME — Michael Clark bangs out some notes on the timpani as a member of the percussion unit.
Originally, McGill’s Community Band only performed every other Thursday for fear of burning out the musicians. After three or four years of summer shows, he realized having a weekly schedule was not only possible, but preferred by most of the musicians.
The band is supported by the audience with a passing of the hat at intermission. The concert typically draws about 200 individuals. With that support, new sheet music is purchased and provides the players with a comfortable uniform.
“The public has always loved the performances and has been a real incentive for this group to go on,” he said. “Once we start playing, there is always a crowd.”
Houlton Pioneer Times photo/Joseph Cyr
THE CAT IN THE HAT — Serving as the substitute conductor on July 18 prompted David McGillicuddy to dig out his old straw hat, which he wore for many years while leading the band.
Performances are scheduled every Thursday evening, starting at 7 p.m., and typically last about an hour and 30 minutes. The group’s final show is scheduled for Thursday Aug. 22. In the event of rain, that show is moved to the Houlton High School.
Houlton Pioneer Times photo/Joseph Cyr
TUBA TUNE — Phoenix Crockett, a Houlton High School student, plays the tuba during a recent performance of McGill’s Community Band.
