Concordia Nebraska junior Arabella Blakeley started community band in her home county over the summer

by Hope Nelson

Seward, NE (09/27/2024) — Over the summer, junior behavioral science and psychology major Arabella Blakeley brought together nearly 20 members of her community in rural Illinois to create a new experience that hadn't yet been introduced in her area: a community band. Blakeley, who lives in Havana, Illinois, played the baritone saxophone as well as her usual clarinet in the group, which performed under the direction of Amanda Wiegers.

Last year, Blakeley, who is a member of the Concordia Wind Symphony, heard other members of the group discussing their involvement in community bands - something that she'd never seen in her area, but wanted to.

"I decided to try talking to people who had either more of an ability to start [a band] or maybe try and start one of my own with the help of more connected people in my community," she said.

From there, Blakeley's motivation transformed into real action. She reached out to a prominent community businessman, her high school band director and her pastor. Through these connections, the band found members, a music library from which to choose repertoire and a practice space - the basement of Blakeley's church.

"I understand that people have lives and that summer can be busy," Blakeley said. "So I wanted to set up one rehearsal a week for an hour - and that's what we did, on Mondays at 7 p.m. in my church basement!"

Nineteen community members stuck with the group for the entire summer, and a few joined for a rehearsal or two but couldn't continue due to various scheduling conflicts. Although Blakeley originally planned to call the group the Mason County Community Band, members came even from neighboring counties like Fulton, Menard and Cass. She was impressed with the turnout and inspired by the ways in which members of various skill levels worked together to solve problems, learn new music and communicate with one another.

"The age ranges and the experience level helped different generations get to know each other and connect with a commonality they had - music," Blakeley said. "It was a challenge to find music easy enough for our more beginner players while not being too easy for our more advanced players."

The group's youngest member was Blakeley's younger brother. With their mother's help, he was able to follow along with the music and participate in the group process of music creation.

In early August, the group had their first performance, which took place on a sunny evening and had "great attendance." Their debut included five pieces by composers such as John Phillip Sousa, Robert W. Smith and Randall Standridge. It was a success.

"The biggest takeaway I had was to just trust the process. And communication. Communication is a big thing...with this because we were across counties and different schedules, so that helped to keep the band together. [Trusting the process and communication] can help me in the future with the band and with other happenings in life in so many ways."

Regarding the future of the band, Blakeley has big plans. The group has definite plans for a similar performance in the summer of 2025, but Blakeley is looking forward to other "gigs" throughout the year.

"Future plans are already in motion for the band for Christmas. We're thinking of playing Christmas carols or having a concert - that's what's in the works right now. I'm hoping to do other 'gigs' in the future as well. We're thinking of playing at local nursing homes and other similar places just to bring joy to the community."

Furthermore, Blakeley credits the experiences she's had so far at Concordia with contributing to her motivation for starting the community band.

"Concordia is a meeting place for not only a lot of my friends but also my bandmates. Without Concordia I wouldn't have gotten the idea of starting the band without talking to others about their experiences. I can also thank Concordia for bringing me out of my comfort zone to put myself out there and meet new people...I'm trying new things that I wouldn't have done in high school."

Along with her double major in behavioral science and psychology, Blakeley also has three minors: Spanish, world and intercultural studies and American Sign Language. She plans to pursue a career in social workfollowing her graduation from Concordia.

"I would like to be a social worker and help in a population where I feel that I can do the most help. Connecting with people through school and now the community band will definitely be beneficial when connecting with other people in my future profession."

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