By Jim Beers Contributing Writer
CHESTER –The Chester Municipal Band is back for its 2022 Summer Concert Series. A rich tradition continues this summer as it has for more than 75 years.
The continuous string of concerts was broken in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck with a vengeance, but Muni Band Director Steve Colonel struck up the band again last summer of 2021 even though COVID seating was implemented.
Steve Colonel, Chester Municipal Band Director, talks to a good crowd of 50 or more people at the opening night of the 2022 Chester Muni Band Summer Concert Series Tuesday June 21. Summer concerts take place each Tuesday night of the summer (except July 12) behind the American Legion in Chester. The community is encouraged to attend all concerts which begin at 7 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. Refreshments are available from the Legion Club Room. Lawn chairs are welcome to go along with the usual cool breeze behind the Legion. Jim Beers Photo
The Municipal Band plays each Tuesday throughout the summer with the exception of a week off mid-summer for vacations. Rehearsals take place on Monday nights from 7-9:00 in the air-conditioned Chester Grade School. Concerts take place behind the American Legion in Chester beginning at 7:00 p.m. and concluding at 8:00 p.m.
This year’s band features approximately 50 members ranging from a few “rookie” high school members to a few 50-year veterans. In-between there are several high school veterans, several college veterans and even a few veterans who travel from Sparta or other nearby towns to perform with the local musicians.
Steve Colonel, Chester High School Band Director, leads the group and has since John Birchler resigned from the position 24 years ago. Sue Colonel, Steve’s wife who is also the Chester Grade School Band Director, assists Steve with secretarial duties. He also has a Municipal Band Board of Directors who help with decision-making and some physical responsibilities.
The schedule for the remainder of the summer is as follows:
Tuesday June 28: Concert
Monday July 3: Kaskaskia Island Patriotic Ceremony
Monday July 11: No Rehearsal
Tuesday July 12: No Concert
Monday 18: Rehearsal
Tuesday July 19: Concert
Monday July 25: Rehearsal
Tuesday July 26: Concert
Monday August 1: Rehearsal
Tuesday August 2: Concert
Monday August 8: Rehearsal
Tuesday August 9: Concert (Final Concert of 2022)
The Municipal Band is open to musicians of all ages and abilities. Acceptance is dependent upon need of instrumentation and playing ability of applicants. Performing in the band is a good teaching/learning opportunity for school age students and it provides a great avenue for older musicians to continue their playing careers.
Concerts are performed on the band stand behind the American Legion. There is plenty of parking and seating room behind the Legion with ample shade for spectators.
Some concert guests choose to bring lawn chairs and sit on the parking lot while others prefer to stay in their automobiles. Refreshments are available inside the Legion Club Room and guests are also welcome to bring snacks and beverages of their own.
Summer band concerts are a great way for families to come and enjoy good, wholesome, family entertainment. There is always a breeze behind the American Legion to add to listening comfort.