Music-making spans generations

FARMINGTON — Generations of musicians gathered in the Meetinghouse Park gazebo Monday evening for the final local Old Crow Indian Band concert of the summer.

Director Paul Harnden of Wilton led the band through marches, polkas, waltzes, and jazz favorites. Paul has been a member of the band for more than 25 years and has been director since 2014.

Maggie Scholl of Farmington plays the clarinet. (Dee Menear/Franklin Journal)

As director, Paul follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, Stanley Harden, and uncle, Robin Harnden. Paul’s mother, Pam Harnden, also performs with the band.

Trumpet player Robert Spears, 12, of Sidney had the honor of being the youngest player on stage. His mother, Kristy Spears, has played with the band for 22 years. Robert’s sister, Kim, 14, and grandfather, Rick Marriner, are also members of the band.

Paul Harnden of Wilton directs the Old Crow Indian Band during the final Meetinghouse park concert of the summer. Paul has been a member of the band for more than 25 years and has been director since 2014. (Dee Menear/Franklin Journal)

“He’s never taken any interest in playing with us until today. He joins three generations of Old Crow Indian Band musicians,” Kristy beamed.

The oldest musician was 90-year old Selma Pulsifer, a trombone player with the RB Hall Band of Oakland. The two bands often play together at events throughout the season.

The local band formed in 1952 and has evolved into a true community band. In addition to weekly summertime concerts at the park, the band regularly performs in local parades.

The Old Crow Indian Band will wrap up the season with a performance with the RB Hall Band at the Clinton Lions

Agricultural Fair on Saturday, September 8 at 1 p.m.

Robert Spears, 12, of Sidney makes his debut with the Old Crow Indian Band of Farmington Monday. (Dee Menear/Franklin Journal)

Bill Pulsifer and Selma Pulsifer both play trombone during the final Old Crow Indian Band summer concert in Meetinghouse Park. Bill is a member of both the Old Crow Indian Band and the RB Hall Memorial Band of Oakland. Selma, a member of the RB Hall Memorial Band, was a special guest for the concert Monday evening. (Dee Menear/Franklin Journal)