If residents are looking for a laid-back Sunday afternoon of fun, they may not want to look any further than downtown Chillicothe for the IVC Band Bash.
“It’s kind of like an appreciation concert,” said IVC director of bands Matt Chapman. “We want to give back to the community and give them a musical treat.”
Food, band music, activities and more are planned with the funds raised going to a future purchase of band uniforms.
“We’re in our ninth year, and usually the shelf life is about 10 or 11,” said Gail Quinn, known affectionately to band members as “Mama Quinn.”
The coats are what drives up the cost, but adding to that will be a few more pairs of pants and hats by the time officials are ready to purchase the uniforms in a year or two.
With 125 students in band, the band outfits add up quick, Quinn said, who helps with keeping the students looking good in their uniforms.
To help offset the costs, the Band Boosters are looking for additional ways to raise funds for the band.
In the past, the Band Boosters have had eat-out nights at Grecian Gardens and Steak N Shake, but this year, the Boosters did not need to look any further than Tim Berger of Tim and Shelly’s 2nd Street Bar & Grill at 1046 N. Second St.
Berger has assisted other community groups, such as the Scouts and the Chillicothe Optimist Club, in fundraisers.
“Tim and Shelly have been great,” said Chapman. “They’ve just been so helpful, and they’re a Business Booster too.”
Activities begin at 11 a.m. and conclude early evening. Along with the walleye or pulled pork barbecue meal, residents may enjoy dunking various officials via the dunk tank, purchase items from vendors, a live auction or silent auction and get their chance for a 50-inch flat screen TV or 50/50 raffles.
Mayor Troy Childers Sr. will lead the band in “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” with Chapman leading them in “The Star Spangled Banner,” two of the band’s three pieces for this year’s show and more.
Based on time, this year’s show, “Chronometry,” includes “Grandfather’s Clock” and “Hourglass,” of which both will be played Sunday, and “Stopwatch.”
The IVC alumni jazz band also will perform.
The group played for former IVC director of bands Dan Dietrich’s retirement party this summer.
“I asked them, ‘Do you guys just want to keep playing?’ And they said, ‘Sure,’” Chapman said.
While not everyone could keep playing, about 20 of them will perform popular big band tunes.
While they usually practice about an hour before their show, the IVC Marching Grey Ghosts have been working hard all summer, including their annual band camp Aug. 1 though 6.
“These kids have been working hard to put this together,” said Chapman.
