By Cara Pattison
Contributing Writer
Music lovers were treated to a variety of classic and showtunes at last week’s Concert in the Park, compliments of the OKC Community Band.
The band is comprised of 97 professional and amateur, volunteer musicians.
Their purpose is to engage in the promotion, appreciation and support of concert band music throughout the State of Oklahoma.
Originally organized in the late 1970’s, the band has been adding benefit and public service concerts to their agenda since that time.
Having played Phantom of the Opera, a “Saddle Up”-themed western medley, and James Horner Hollywood blockbusters – and much more – there was a little something for everyone at Thursday’s Concert in the Park.
However, locals in particular were excited to see Yukon’s very own Larry Taylor playing the trumpet with the band.
“I’ve been with the OKC Community Band for at least 15 years,” said Taylor, a former Yukon mayor and longtime resident. “I was a band director for 30 years. Having taught a lot of music, it goes without saying that I enjoy playing it. I love being a part of this group, and pleasing people with our music.
“This band has all kinds of accomplished professional people that love playing instruments performing in it, including doctors and lawyers. Our regular conductor couldn’t attend this week in Yukon, and our guest was the very talented Dr. Matthew Mailman.”
Dr. Mailman has been the Professor of Conducting for the Oklahoma City University Wanda L. Bass School of Music since 1995.
The OKC Community Band plays concerts throughout the year, Taylor said.
This week’s Concert in the Park featuring Steve Crossley will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 3 in the Chisholm Trail Gazebo, 500 W. Vandament.
Crossley is a one-man show that plays classic rock, R&B, and tropical rock songs.
Yukon’s free outdoor concert series concludes Aug. 10 with the Mystery Dates band’s rescheduled performance.
