Palatine Area Marching Band Starting Rehearsals for July 2 Parade

Adults and high school students with previous instrumental experience are invited to join the Palatine Area 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 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 Parade since 2008, and they have also performed at the Brookfield Zoo Boo at the Zoo event on several occasions. The group is comprised of members who range in age from teenagers to about 80. Some of the band members even perform in the group with other members of their own families.

Marching band rehearsals will be held on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. from June 2 to June 30 at the Palatine Park District Community Center, 250 W. Wood St., Palatine, and the adjacent outdoor track at Ost Field. Participants are asked to bring their instruments, a music lyre, a water bottle, and comfortable shoes to rehearsals. The program will culminate with a performance in the Palatine Jaycees Fourth of July parade scheduled for Saturday, July 2 at 10 a.m. The fee for the program is $35 for residents, and $44 for nonresidents. Registration is available using program number 333330-01 at www.palatineparks.org.

Nancy Trieb, an alto sax from the band, came to the group with a concert band background. Trieb says, "My favorite part about being in the Palatine Area Community Marching Band is that it truly is a community group, and we are all made to feel welcome, no matter how old you are, or even if you never marched-like me. Most of us are not playing regularly anymore, so it is a thrill to be part of a musical family again. Some of our members encourage their high schoolers to join us, so there is a real sense of connecting for them, doing something they all love." Trieb added, "We take pride in our performance, and on parade day, the response we get from the spectators is awesome! They cheer when we play the patriotic tunes, especially when there are service men and service women around. We feel so honored and proud to play for them."

Courtney McNally, another Palatine Area Marching Band member, said "I've never been in a marching band before and it was a wonderful experience. It's a fun way to learn about marching band, and the other members are great people."

For information about the Palatine Area Marching Band, contact Michael Noens, Cultural Arts coordinator, at (847) 496-6237 or mnoens@palatineparks.org.

The mission of Palatine Park District is to provide a variety of safe, enjoyable, and affordable parks, programs, and recreational facilities that will enhance the quality of life by promoting good health and well-being for all residents and visitors while being fiscally responsible stewards of community assets and tax dollars.