A star-spangled opening night with the Mattapoisett Town Band
The Mattapoisett Town Band distributes American flags to a lineup of marching kids in the audience. Photos by Grace Ann Natanawan
Mattapoisett Town Band Director Jayson Newell.
Trevor Faria of Acushnet plays the bassoon.
Steve Brum of New Bedford and Emily Newell share a music stand as they play the saxophone.
A group of kids learn to conduct from director Jayson Newell.
Liz MacKenzie of Wareham plays the french horn.
An audience gathers in the grass around the gazebo at Shipyard Park.
The Mattapoisett Town Band distributes American flags to a lineup of marching kids in the audience. Photos by Grace Ann Natanawan
Mattapoisett Town Band Director Jayson Newell.
Trevor Faria of Acushnet plays the bassoon.
Steve Brum of New Bedford and Emily Newell share a music stand as they play the saxophone.
A group of kids learn to conduct from director Jayson Newell.
Liz MacKenzie of Wareham plays the french horn.
An audience gathers in the grass around the gazebo at Shipyard Park.
MATTAPOISETT — Around 50 musicians filled the gazebo at Shipyard Park with tubas, trumpets and trombones in tow, celebrating the opening of the Mattapoisett Town Band’s 125th season with a Fourth of July Spectacular performance on Wednesday, July 2.
“Patriotic songs have the power to bring people together in a musical celebration of unity and love of country,” said Band Director Jayson Newell.
Beneath the setting sun, attendees spread out blankets, unfolded chairs and enjoyed snacks from the Seaport Ice Cream Slip while listening to the band perform American classics such as “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Newell had the audience participate in various aspects of the performance, including encouraging kids to stand at the front of the stage and conduct the band, beckoning veterans to stand up to be recognized during the song “Armed Forces Salute” and conducting the attendees to clap in time during “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
This is Newell’s third year as director of the Mattapoisett Town Band and he’s looking forward to a season full of themed shows, such as a Latin American night with mambos, tangos and salsas, a Disney night and potentially a movie night.
From musicals to classic rock to funk, the band enjoys performing a variety of genres.
“We really pretty much play it all,” said band member Emily Newell.
The band will celebrate its 125th anniversary on July 30, where they will enjoy 125 cupcakes with the audience and receive recognition from Governor Maura Healey and Representative Mark Sylvia.
Wareham resident and band member Liz MacKenzie has performed with the group for 12 years.
“I got my first apartment here in town. It was like a mile walk from here, and I’ve been playing music for years, so it’s just a very natural fit to come down and play with the band,” she said.
She works as a band teacher at Bourne Middle School and also performs in various local ensembles.
“I enjoy coming and playing a wide variety of instruments. I’m a trombone player but tonight I played French horn,” said MacKenzie.
She adds, “It’s a wonderful way to keep my music chops going in the summer.”
The group is described by Newell as a “sight reading band,” meaning the musicians perform together with little to no practice. He sends sheet music to the performers on Saturday afternoon so they can review it ahead of the show and the group performs together the next Wednesday.
At the end of the performance, Newell thanked the audience for attending the first performance of the season.
“We hope to see you all back here next week, 7 o’clock. We’ll do it all over again,” he said.
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