The Band in the News!

(Reprinted with permission.) 
Published: August 20, 2006 11:09 pm   

New River Area Concert Band to begin practice
Michelle James
Register-Herald Reporter

After several months of silence, music will ring out Tuesday evening from the Benedum building on the campus of Mountain State University as the New River Area Concert Band starts practice.

In September 2005, band director Gene Wallace and MSU senior academic officer Dr. Vincent Beach reorganized the ensemble, which had disbanded in 1999.

Wallace and Beach say they were pleased with the results of the first year back and look forward to building on that success.

“It was a great experiment,” Beach said. “It worked out well and we’re looking to recruit more people.”

Musicians of all ages and levels of experience are invited to join the band.

Wallace says he welcomes those who play every day and those who might have to clean several inches of dust off their instrument cases.

Anyone worried about not having played in a while need not fear, as Wallace says the atmosphere is relaxed.

“If you like to play music and enjoy good company, come on out,” he said. “We’re not hard-nosed. You won’t get chewed out if you make a mistake. If you keep coming back, you’ll get better.”

Last year’s group improved greatly over the months and, in the spring, performed a concert at the Beckley Veterans Administration Medical Center. This year, Wallace says, the plans are to perform a Christmas concert as well.

The band will meet from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. every Tuesday in room No. 2 in the lower level of the Benedum building. Parking will be available in front of O’Dell Hall or in other student or guest parking spaces.

The band will take a few weeks off following its Christmas concert in early December, and practice will resume Tuesday, Jan. 9.

For more information, contact Wallace at 787-5820 or Beach at 929-1669.

For more information on the
New River Area Concert Band
Contact Dr. Vincent Beach, Dean
School of Arts and Sciences at
Mountain State University at
304-929-1669, or contact
Gene Wallace, Assistant Director
New River Area Concert Band
at 304-787-5820