Seven of the students are year-round band members. The students practiced with the band all summer, which culminated with the August concert.

Band president, Kathleen DeVore, said, “The summer program is an excellent opportunity for young people to have a real-world concert experience, and it will continue next summer.”

The MCB provides the opportunity for students to be part of the band throughout their school careers and beyond. Several members who began with the band as middle school students have gone on to major in college music degree programs and have returned to perform and/or conduct the band.

This year’s End of Summer Concert was dedicated to the memory of founding member and gifted alto saxophone player, Lauretta Varo of West Bethel, who lost a long and courageous fight with cancer in July. Varo was a guiding force over the band’s 18 year history, using an endearing mix of opinion and humor, and her legacy will continue to guide the band.

Varo, along with several members who began their musical experience as Telstar students, was instrumental in advancing the student-band relationship. Several of those former Telstar students are now seeing their own children participate in the community band.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Mahoosuc Community Band, contact Brian Dunham at 665-2967 or [email protected].