HELENA – The 117th annual State Capital Band Concerts began last Thursday.
The band also performed Wednesday, ahead of the Fourth of July holiday celebrations.
Every Thursday, from now until August 1, the Capital Band will gather to play summer sessions at Memorial Park in Helena.
Students in the band are from all over the school district and of all ages.
One special band member, Everett Lynn, told MTN he is celebrating his 70th year as a renowned clarinet player for the Capital band.
Every week, the band spends about two hours practicing during rehearsal before the concert.
Robert Loveridge, band conductor at Capital High School, spoke to MTN about filling the role of director for his 12th year.
“It’s just really a good band … a good group of kids,” Loveridge said. “The band members, they’re just like high school kids with older bodies. I threatened them with lunch detention the other day if they weren’t going to be quiet during rehearsal, but they’re just really a fun group to work with.”
Admission to the weekly Capital concert is free for everyone. The concerts begin at 8:00 p.m., lasting about an hour — come rain or shine.
-Reported by Christine Sullivan/MTN News
