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In the fall of 1982, the Des Plaines Park District noticed a need for a community band in the area. They called a meeting between Park District personnel and interested local musicians. Suzette Horyza who was Park District Recreation Supervisor at that time, was given the resposibility of overseeing the meeting. At the time, Larry Carle was only interested in playing percussion for the new band. However, since he was an orchestra director for School District 62, he was asked to be the director for the new band. He accepted and continues today. The first band rehearsal was held at Iroquois Junior High School on January 26, 1983. Music was borrowed from Maine West High School and seven musicians attended. As membership increased, the band was able to start its own library with funds from the Park District. After 17 years the band has grown in number to approximately 50 members, 5 file cabinets full of music, and a nice budget from the Park District. We also earn some extra money from the Park District by playing special concerts for other park districts and celebrations. Part of our music library was a gift from Mr. John Yaccino, a long-time Des Plaines resident and retired band director at Maryville Academy. Included in his large collection were many old standards, classics, and some music which is now out of print. Donations for music are always welcome. In June 1983, a band board was established and by-laws were written. We needed a logo to distinguish our band, so a contest was held. The winning entry was submitted by Nancy Nowaczek and is still being used today. After several years of rehearsing on Wednesday night, the band members decided to switch to Thursday which seemed to be a freer night for many people. The change occurred in May of 1987 and has remained this way ever since. Our very first concert was played on June 18, 1983 (Saturday) at Speigler's loading dock. This is now the downtown parking deck. The occasion ws the Des Plaines Art Guild's Annual Art Fair. Twenty five musicians were present and everyone enjoyed the music. Since the first concert, we have played for many notable occasions. The grand re-opening of Randhurst Shopping Center, the Des Plaines Sesquicentennial celebration, the opening of Prairie Lakes Park District facility, and the "passing of the books" at the new Des Plaines Library. We have played for the Des Plaines Jaycees' Oktoberfest, the crop walk, and welcoming Santa. We had our largest audience when we played for the Norridge Park District concert series in July 1986. Approximately 3000 lawn chair spectators attended! Our longest concert lasted 3 hours (with 2 breaks) on September 6, 1987 when we palyed at the Maine Township Freedom Fest held at Maryville Academy to celebrate the signing of the Constitution. On July 4, 1988, we played a holiday concert at Lake Opeka in Des Plaines and afterwards held a family picnic. This tradition continues today as part of our last summer concert of the season entitled "Band Member's Favorites". |