Category Archives: History

Music: A Family of Friends

Meet Holly Balogh –

2002
Holly
Balogh
Flute, Piccolo, Alto Saxophone
President Cork Tech Freeski
2017
Bennett
Balogh
Flute
Student, Skier

 

Our children are so busy.  I know. I am the mother of 2 busy kids.  In our community, in Jackson, WY, they seem to have so many great opportunities; karate, swimming, running, biking, skiing, hockey, baseball, cross country, art, music, theater, dance, and the list goes on-and-on.  How can these kids find the time to do it all, and still be kids?  And how as parents to we help our kids make good choices and pick activities that are fun, engaging, and also help them with a life-long activity they will love?

For me, music has been a constant in my life from the time I was in 3rd grade, carrying that heavy cello up and down my street to orchestra practice.  This was back in the 70s, and 2 emergency hernia surgeries later, I picked up the lighter weight – could fit in my backpack – flute and never looked back.  And what a gift it has been to me!

From playing with the Jackson Hole Community Band, I have had the amazing opportunity to become friends with people from all walks of life, all different ages, all different values and beliefs and socio-economic backgrounds.  Through band, I have been lucky to have the most supportive people around me.  I remember when my son was born and was life-flighted to Salt Lake City in 2005 with a double pneumothorax.  My band friends were there to provide support and help during such a difficult time.

Julie Wilson, Bennett Balogh, Holly Balogh, Noah Osnos, Nancy Ninnemann at Jackson Lake Lodge 2018

Several years ago, we lost a dear band member and fellow flautist, Norma Foster Price to lung cancer.  Moments with the ‘band ladies’, 4 of us that weekly went to her house as she fought valiantly and eventually lost her fight to cancer, where we laughed and commiserated about music and the latest goofiness of rehearsal, was a bright light during dark days.

I suggest that we all try to bring the gift of music to the next generation. If you are thinking about what activity to choose next for your busy child, or they need a new outlet for their creative energy, get them playing an instrument.  And, when they are ready, encourage them to join the band and come to rehearsals at the Center for the Arts Thursday nights 7-9PM. We are fun, goofy, crazy, old, young, but most importantly supportive, and loving.  Let’s bring our kids together for the opportunity of life-long learning through music.  I, Holly Balogh, and my kids will see you and yours there! 

www.jhcband.org, www.hollybalogh.com @thetidewilltrn on twitter and Instagram.

Holly Balogh, Community Band Member since 2002, BS in Music from Bradley University, 1991.

Keep the music alive!

Please remember us at Old Bills 2018.

In 2018, you can give  beginning August 1st until 5 pm on September 14th. We hope you can join us Saturday, September 8th, for Old Bill’s at the Jackson Town Square!

What is Old Bills?

We cannot thank you enough for your support!

Thank you from all of the Jackson Hole Community Band Members.

2018 – 2019 Season

  • Old Bills Fun Run
  • Oktoberfest
  • Halloween Concert
  • Holiday Concert
  • Wyoming Special Olympics – 50 Years!
  • Spring Concert
  • Old West Days Parade
  • Independence Day Parade & Lions Club Breakfast Concert
  • Jackson Lake Lodge Patriotic Concert

Upcoming Events

Spring Concert  

Conductor: Zachary Singer
 
Date: Sunday, April 28th 2024
Time: 4:00pm
 
https://jhcband.org/inscoreorder/concert_list.php Center for the Arts Center Theater
Spring Concert in Jackson, WY
(307) 734-8956

Program:

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Music: Since the Beginning

Meet Don Cushman –

1989
Don
Cushman
Section Leader
Trombone, Euphonium, Trumpet, Conductor
Retired Instructor

 
Stop. Listen. Is your radio or TV on? I’ll bet you hear music, even if it’s in the background. Music permeates our lives, sometimes creating suspense but usually providing fun.

In the mid ’80s we formed a brass quintet in Jackson and played for various community events. Some of us said, “It sure would be nice to have a band.” So, we started the Jackson Hole Community Band, now nearly 3 decades ago.

“Community Band” has at least 2 connotations. It’s a concert band that is comprised of members of the Jackson Hole Community (extending into Teton Valley, Star Valley, and Pinedale/Big Piney). It’s also a band for the community, playing for many occasions in the community: holiday parades, town square lightings, ground-breaking and dedicatory ceremonies for schools and hospital expansion, concerts in public schools, combined concerts with high school and adult vocal groups, and every Old Bill’s Fun Run’s annual “party” in Jackson. Spin-off groups from the band provide TubaChristmas and special music presentations in local churches, as well as concerts of their own. The results are usually measured in smiles and happiness. Yes, music is fun – to hear and to play. Since the beginning, having fun – and providing enjoyment for our many and varied audiences – have been hallmarks of our Jackson Hole Community Band – in all aspects.

Read more about Don here: jhcband.org/member/don-cushman/

Don Cushman, founding conductor; now euphonium player

Keep the music alive!

Please remember us at Old Bills 2018.

In 2018, you can give  beginning August 1st until 5 pm on September 14th. We hope you can join us Saturday, September 8th, for Old Bill’s at the Jackson Town Square!

What is Old Bills?

We cannot thank you enough for your support!

Thank you from all of the Jackson Hole Community Band Members.

2018 – 2019 Season

  • Old Bills Fun Run
  • Oktoberfest
  • Halloween Concert
  • Tuba Christmas
  • Holiday Concert
  • Wyoming Special Olympics – 50 Years!
  • Spring Concert
  • Old West Days Parade
  • Independence Day Parade & Lions Club Breakfast Concert
  • Jackson Lake Lodge Patriotic Concert

Upcoming Events

Spring Concert  

Conductor: Zachary Singer
 
Date: Sunday, April 28th 2024
Time: 4:00pm
 
https://jhcband.org/inscoreorder/concert_list.php Center for the Arts Center Theater
Spring Concert in Jackson, WY
(307) 734-8956

Program:

Subscribe: RSS | iCal

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 WebCalendargoogle cal
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Music: What could be better!!

Meet Sue Bybee –

This Blog is in memory of my good friend and fellow clarinetist, Chuck Webber, who passed on to play with the angels earlier this year. We miss you Chuck.

1989
Sue
Bybee
Section Leader
Bb, Eb, & Bass Clarinet, Alto, Soprano, & Tenor Sax
Water Fitness Instructor
1992
Chuck
Webber
Bb Clarinet
Retired Insurance Professional

When I moved to Jackson Hole in the late 60’s , there weren’t a lot of playing opportunities for amateur musicians. I played a little with some pick-up combos, but eventually put the instrument away for about 15 years. When I heard about the community band starting up, I was excited, but also nervous. I hadn’t played for so long! I practiced a few times to see if I could even still play, got my nerve up and went to that first rehearsal. After that – I was hooked!

I’ve had some very stressful jobs over the years and sometimes, after a long day of work, I really didn’t feel like going to rehearsal, but I made the effort and felt so much better for it. When you are playing music, you are totally in the moment and forget about everything else. Community Band rehearsal became a two hour time frame to escape from the stresses of the workplace and the two year old twins! Thank goodness I have a husband who could take on that responsibility one evening a week.

A good friend, former band member and fellow musician , A.J. deRosa said , “Community Band is like high school band, you meet people that you would never see anywhere else in your life.” This is so true! In band there are people of all ages and from all walks of life, with one thing in common – a love of music and playing music together.

We have great times together, meet wonderful people and escape from the stresses of everyday life. What could be better!!

If you’ve played an instrument in the past, come join us. There are no auditions, no big requirements – just the ability to read music and play a band instrument. If you don’t have an instrument, we may be able to find one for you. It’s fun, relaxing and you’ll meet people. Give it a try!

Nancy Ninnemann (flute), O’Ann Fredstrom (flute), Sue Bybee (clarinet), Julie Wilson (flute), Jason Wright (Saxophone) – After our Spring Concert 2016

Keep the music alive!

Please remember us at Old Bills 2018.

In 2018, you can give  beginning August 1st until 5 pm on September 14th. We hope you can join us Saturday, September 8th, for Old Bill’s at the Jackson Town Square!

What is Old Bills?

We cannot thank you enough for your support!

Thank you from all of the Jackson Hole Community Band Members.

2018 – 2019 Season

  • Old Bills Fun Run
  • Oktoberfest
  • Halloween Concert
  • Tuba Christmas
  • Holiday Concert
  • Wyoming Special Olympics – 50 Years!
  • Spring Concert
  • Old West Days Parade
  • Independence Day Parade & Lions Club Breakfast Concert
  • Jackson Lake Lodge Patriotic Concert

Upcoming Events

Spring Concert  

Conductor: Zachary Singer
 
Date: Sunday, April 28th 2024
Time: 4:00pm
 
https://jhcband.org/inscoreorder/concert_list.php Center for the Arts Center Theater
Spring Concert in Jackson, WY
(307) 734-8956

Program:

Subscribe: RSS | iCal

Related Images: