20060118 Westminster Municipal Band looks to 2006

Ending year on musical note, Municipal Band looks to 2006

01/18/06 by Kevin Dayhoff Special to The Eagle

Photo: Members of the Westminster Municipal Band make their way along the parade route in Kingsville during the 2004 Independence Day Parade. File photo by Mike Buscher.

It's gray and cold outside, and spring concerts and summer parades seem so far away, but on a recent Monday, the Westminster Municipal Band started warming up for another busy 2006 schedule.

"We had a great year in 2005," said Sandy Miller, who has been the band director since March 2000.

Sandy has been in the band for about 15 years with her husband, Dave, who plays the trumpet and fills in as the drum major occasionally.

The Millers are one of many husband-and-wife teams in the band. She plays the clarinet - when she's not out front and waving a baton, that is.

"We're looking forward to an even greater year in 2006," said Scott Flohr, a band member since 1978. When he is not playing the trombone, he also handles responsibilities as the band's vice president.

Flohr said he "takes a great deal of pride in being part of a community tradition that goes back to the 1800s É and I can't tell ya how much fun it is to play in the band."

According to the band's Web site, the organization was formed in 1893 as the Westminster City Band. The site's history of the band notes that in 1916, many members of the band went into the Maryland National Guard under the heading 'First Regimental Band of Maryland National Guard,' and were sent to the Mexican Border. In 1918, the band even went to France during World War I. The band reorganized in 1950 under the current name Westminster Municipal Band.

The Web site adds that "a Color Guard was added in 1957 and is now the trademark that separates us" from other bands.

Westminster Common Councilwoman Suzanne Albert said she always enjoys hearing the band.

"I hear great compliments on how well the band performs and represents the city throughout the state," she said. "They always look so sharp marching up the street. ... I'm particularly impressed with the color guard."

Band president Greg Wantz, who started with the organization in 1978, is another example of the many "band families."

His wife, Karen, carries the band banner; brother Steve is the band's drum major; mom plays the saxophone and dad, Jim, plays the trombone.

"The band has been a family tradition for over 40 years," he said.

"We had many memorable performances in 2005, including the August community concert at Belle Grove Square, winning first place at the annual state fire fighters' convention in Ocean City and the Fourth of July parades in Catonsville and Havre de Grace," Wantz said.

"Huge crowds," he said. "Great publicity for Westminster."

Band treasurer Delbert Myerly plays drums, and said, "I joined the band around 1960. It's a good group of men and women who love to play music. We come together like family and have a lot of fun."

Myerly also seizes every opportunity to drum up some donations for the band.

"We're a nonprofit and always looking for contributions," she said.

Band drum major Steve Wantz echoed what many band members said: "the one big highlight of 2005 was dedicating our newly renovated band home on May 15, 2005" on John Street.

Wantz said that for most of the history of the band, members rehearsed on the third floor of the old firehouse on Main Street or on the second floor of the Stone Building - above "B's Coffee Shoppe" on Liberty Street.

The fire company moved in 1998, and O'Lordan's Irish Pub now occupies the Stone Building. The band was homeless for several years.

Working with the Westminster Fire Department and city government, band members rolled up their sleeves, set aside their instruments and performed with shovels, hammers and screwdrivers for many months to get their new home ready.

According to Flohr, George West served as the renovation project manager, assisted by Jim Wantz; and Jay Markle was the head carpenter. Blaine Flickinger was chief electrician.

Flohr said he is also happy to now have a garage for the band's 1947 Chevrolet panel truck used to transport equipment to band events.

In 2005, the band played in 37 events. Just before Christmas, at its annual band member recognition event, Mike Mora, Chris Crofoot, Mike Buffington, Larry Myers, Tony LaRose, Eric Utermahlen, Gene White, Brandy Simpson, Sue Mora, Joan Magnant, Dave Miller and Charlie Simpson were all recognized for attending the most band events and rehearsals in 2005.

"We're all one big family. We're proud to represent Westminster," said Greg Wantz.

"It's a great satisfaction marching up the street celebrating a great family tradition and our community," Miller said.

Both Miller and Wantz noted that the band is always looking for new members and donations.

And although the band probably won't be going to France or the Mexican border this year, fans can stay tuned with their schedule at www.westminsterband.com, or by calling 410-848-8852 or 410-857-0344.

E-mail Kevin Dayhoff at kdayhoff AT carr.org.

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