Turley Publications photo by Ruth M. Lyon

Combined Air National Guard bands of the Northeast and the Gulf Coast opened their concert tour in East Brookfield on July 1. The concert was under the auspices of East Brookfield’s Quaboag 350^th Committee.

East Brookfield kicks off summer concert series with National Guard band

By Ruth M. Lyon

Turley Publications Reporter

EAST BROOKFIELD – The combined Air National Guard Bands of the Northeast and the Gulf Coast presented a concert, the first in a New England–New York series, on Thursday, July 1 at East Brookfield Elementary School. The indoor concert attracted a crowd of mostly over-forty concert goers to a diversified presentation of military, jazz and show tunes.

Attendees were greeted by M Sgt. Erika Stevens, who served as emcee and a singer as well. She sang solos and a duet with T Sgt.Lane McCray. Additionally, the two participated in a musical quartet with other orchestra members.

An appreciative appearing audience applauded each selection as presented, but one couple, Marilyn and John Milks for North Brookfield just couldn’t stay in their seats, they said, when the familiar introduction to “In the Mood” began. They enthusiastically danced this and several succeeding numbers in the aisle.

As Stevens introduced commander/conductor Major Jeffrey Mathews, members of East Brookfield Boy Scout troop # 238 presented the colors.

Mathews is the commander and conductor or the Air National Guard Band of the Gulf Coast of the Texas Air National Guard. He is an Associate Professor of Music at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, where he also currently serves as Associate Director of Bands. In 2011, Major Mathews will leave that position to become Chief of Air National Guard Bands. In this position he will be responsible for budgeting and policy for all eleven Air National Guard Bands in the U.S.

The well-received concert had been arranged by Joan Bedard, who planned and arranged, with the aid and assistance of local musician Dennis LeBeau, a concert series on the gazebo at Connie Mack Field. She informed the board of selectmen this year that, although she could not plan a summer series of concerts, she and LeBeau had already arranged for the July 1 presentation. There was no cost to the town for the band, but LeBeau and Bedard, under the auspices of the East Brookfield Quaboag 350^th Committee, provided dinner at E.B. Flatts for the band.

Since this concert could not logistically be an outdoor concert, 300 free tickets were placed in several local stores, libraries and restaurants on a first come, first serve basis.

Toward the end of the concert, local military heroes Willrose Goodro and John Rotchford were presented for recognition.

Bedard, rising to thank the band for making this tiny town the first on the current tour, said, “Isn’t it wonderful? There couldn’t be a better way to celebrate Independence Day.”

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