LAYTON -- Despite having no recording contract and few groupies, the Layton Main Street Band led by conductor Richard M. Heath continues to strike a chord with the community by increasing its play dates in its fifth year of existence.
Since the formation of the band in 2004 as an insurance policy to ensure the city had live music in its annual Fourth of July parade, the volunteer group has been increasing in popularity.
"This year (we're) having more performances," Heath said.
Performances for the group this year include a Christmas performance, a March pops concert, a combined performance with the Layton High School and Northridge High School bands, the city's Fourth of July parade and the Nov. 11 Veteran's Day program in the new gym at Central Davis Junior High School in Layton.
"We're getting well known enough to have played on both sides of I-15," joked Heath, 58.
Heath, who has a music degree from Southern Utah University and has 33 years of music teaching experience at Central Davis Junior High, is contracted with the city to be the band leader.
But city officials know Heath works a lot more hours than the $500 a year he receives in compensation.
"It is more of a labor of love," Layton Parks and Recreation Director Dave Price said. "(Heath) has been very generous to the community at large to help us with this program."
The band, formed through the city's recreation department, is a traditional community concert band that plays marches and popular compositions, Parks and Recreation special events coordinator Michelle Howard said.
"Along with some very accomplished musicians in the group are some younger students, and some who are returning to play with an organized musical group," Howard said. The band is always looking for volunteers who have an interest in playing.
"We won't turn anybody away," Heath said. Want proof? Members range in age from 80 years old to junior high age teens.
Interested musicians may attend any of the one-hour rehearsals each Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. at Central Davis Junior High, or call (801) 544-5922 or (801) 336-3924.
"I thought, let's give it a try and see what happens," Heath said, recalling when he was first approached by the city five years ago to lead the newly organized Main Street band.
Richard Seagull, of Farmington, is assistant band director.
"The personnel of the band has changed with people moving in and out of the area," Heath said of the group that has fluctuated between 20 to 28 members.
Over the years, the hardest section of the group to keep staffed has been the clarinet players, he said, but the band has a full clarinet section.
Despite the turnover in musicians, the group has avoided hitting a sour note.
"We're not performing what professional groups do, but we are performing good- quality music," Heath said, whose personal music taste gravitates to the classical end of jazz.
"We have folks in the band that have degrees in music. A lot of them have had college playing experience, at least high school playing experience," he said.
But it is mainly the enjoyment the band members receive from playing that brings many of them back each year.
"These folks are there to recreate and have fun," Heath said, "and that's why they're here."
Heath said it gives area musicians the chance to have a few nice opportunities to play in public. "We're there to serve the community."
And like his band members, the percussionist enjoys harmonizing with his players.
"It has been a fun run," said Heath, who intends on being the leader of the band for years to come.
Comments