This year marks a milestone for the Iola Municipal Band as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. It’s the oldest performing band west of the Mississippi, according to remarks by percussionist John Sheehan at Thursday night’s performance.
The free concerts are every Thursday at 8 p.m. on the downtown square for the months of June and July.
According to local lore, the tradition was begun by veterans returning home from the Civil War who missed the camaraderie of evenings spent around the campfire, perhaps inspired by tunes such as “John Brown’s Body” and “Yankee Doodle,” or consoled by the melodic “Home, Sweet Home.”
From lullabies to love songs, ballads to music-hall ditties, music is a universal language and its production a rewarding experience.
As proof, in a census at Monday’s band practice, of the 21 in attendance, five had been with the band 25 or more years, including cornet player Andy Dunlap at 47 years. At the other end of the spectrum is newcomer Madeleine Wanker, age 13, on the trumpet.
Rosemarie Jay, clarinetist, and a member of the band for 17 years, commented, “One year I had an 88-year-old on one side of me and a 12-year-old on the other.”
Music is what bridged the generations, giving them a common language.
For those of us attending last week’s concert, the experience was just as gratifying, especially this year. For me, it was the first time I’d seen many friends and acquaintances for over a year, due to the pandemic.
Wow. So much long hair. 
AS SPONSORS of the pre-show ice cream social, the Register crew was there in force.
Not sure of the turnout, we came equipped with nine dozen homemade cookies and brownies and one gallon of G&W’s finest vanilla ice cream.
By night’s end — good thing G&W is just down the road — we’d gone through six gallons of ice cream and a good share of the baked goods. Next time, we’ll have bottles of water, too.
Proceeds from sales went to the band. Of course, it was a win/win.
For starters, I wanted newcomers on staff to see Iola at its best. Nothing beats the downtown square when it’s humming with the Farmers’ Market, stores that stay open late, the ice cream social and band concert.
I don’t know about you, but even with the convenience of virtual communication, I do it on a limited basis. I’m down to a couple of meetings a month and a weekly visit with a son in Nashville. In fact, I have dropped out of groups simply because I find the substitute format lacking.
