Palatine Area Community Marching Band Now Forming

Adults and high school students with previous instrumental experience are invited to join the Palatine Area Community Marching Band; marching experience is not necessary. Under the direction of Melissa Hartley and Emily Frazier, this group offers the camaraderie of playing in a band while marching in step. Kristen Laine, author of "American Band," provided the inspiration for these ladies to form a marching band in Palatine. In 2011, Ms. Laine even assisted the band with fundraising efforts to purchase drums for the group. The band has been marching in the Palatine Jaycees Fourth of July Hometown Fest Parade since 2008, and they have also performed at the Brookfield Zoo Boo at the Zoo event along with various community performances in and around Palatine. The group is comprised of members who range in age from teenagers to grandparents. Some of the band members even perform in the group with other members of their own families.

Marching band rehearsals will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 7:30pm from June 3 to July 3 at the Palatine Park District Community Center and the outdoor track. Participants are asked to bring their instruments, a music lyre, a water bottle and comfortable shoes for marching. The program will culminate with a performance in the Palatine Jaycees' Fourth of July parade scheduled for Saturday, July 5 at 10:00am. The fee for the program is $35 for residents, and $44 for non-residents. Registration is available at www.palatineparks.org using program code 2602-1.

For more information about the Palatine Area Marching Band, please contact Carol Lange, Cultural Arts Coordinator, at 847-496-6237 or clange@palatineparks.org.

The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable and affordable parks and recreation facilities and activities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors of the Palatine Park District.