The Chemical City Band (CCB) concluded its 2020 season with an August 5 concert at the Nicholson-Guenther Community Band Shell in Midland's Central Park. The concert was played without the traditional Monday evening rehearsal, because rain prevented us from gathering at the band shell. Wednesday evening was warm with sunshine and well attended by a large and very appreciative audience. An all-time record cash contribution total was received in the drum shells that night.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2020 season was unique in many other ways (several listed below):
- The CCB Board of Directors (Board) met twice, starting in April, to determine if any concerts were possible.
- In June, the City of Midland gave permission to use the band shell for all rehearsals and concerts, if social distancing could be practiced by the musicians.
- The Board met once again to discuss the Hold Harmless and Waiver agreement required by Midland Parks & Recreation and set a 6 concert season to begin 2 weeks later than usual.
- A seating arrangement was created on the concrete slab and tested with 38 chairs, maintaining a 6 foot spacing.
- The first rehearsal was held at the band shell on June 29.
- Musicians wore masks on arrival and departure. While seated, the masks could be removed for warm-up and performance.
- Percussionists and conductor (standing) wore masks continuously.
- Flutes were placed in the front row, because most of the air passes directly over the embouchure hole with no obstruction.
- The Board was responsible for setup and tear down at each service, minimizing the contact between musicians and with chairs/music stands.
- Both rehearsals and concerts were performed without an intermission.
- An average of 39 musicians (out of 76 on the roster) played each week (normally ~50), and 21 members performed all 6 weeks.
The CCB has a six-member volunteer Board, who are also members of the band:
- Richard S. Harner, president
- Susan Gessford, vice-president
- Gaye Terwillegar, secretary
- Richard L. Scott, treasurer
- Stephen DeRees, music director
- Mara Stewart, publicity director
In addition to contributions from the general public, the Board would like to acknowledge financial support from The Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundations and The Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation. The CCB also participated in the Give Local Midland one-day fundraiser in May, sponsored by the Midland Area Community Foundation. Contributions can be made at any time to the MACF by indicating the Chemical City Band long-term investment fund.
The precautions we took were prudent and in line with state and local requirements. As far as we know, no new cases of Covid-19 transmission were due to CCB performances. Hopefully, 2021 will bring a return to normal schedules and musical gatherings.
Hope to see you all next summer,
Rich Harner, chairman of the Board
