(NOTE: The above picture is from the 2015 Circleville Christmas Parade)
F.A.Q.
(Frequently Asked Questions)
We thought that we would use this page to centrally answer some the questions that people typically have about The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band.
1. When did the band start?
Answer:
The band was started in 1979.
The band was started in 1979.
2. How many members does the band have?
Answer:
As with any community band, that number is always in a state of flux.
Plus, even if the band did have a specific number of musicians that were considered to be "members", hardly anyone can show up for 100% of the practices and performances due to various schedule conflicts.
So, in part, a more accurate number is how many musicians actually are able to attend band events.
With that concept in mind, at a recent performance of The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band, there were approximately 32 musicians participating.
As with any community band, that number is always in a state of flux.
Plus, even if the band did have a specific number of musicians that were considered to be "members", hardly anyone can show up for 100% of the practices and performances due to various schedule conflicts.
So, in part, a more accurate number is how many musicians actually are able to attend band events.
With that concept in mind, at a recent performance of The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band, there were approximately 32 musicians participating.
3. What kind of music does the band play?
Answer:
The band is fortunate to have several hundred , diverse, selections in its band library.
Like most community bands, The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band plays pretty much every style of music, to include:
and music from many other styles.
You can personally check out the music the band plays by watching some of the YouTube videos we have of both specific songs as well as full concerts, dating back to 1991. You will find a link to these videos on another page of this web site.
There are also copies of various concert programs in the NEWS ARTICLES AND PROGRAMS section you can review, as well. You will find a link to these documents on another page of this web site.
The band is fortunate to have several hundred , diverse, selections in its band library.
Like most community bands, The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band plays pretty much every style of music, to include:
- Big Band,
- Broadway Medleys,
- Classical Pieces arranged for Concert Band,
- Concert marches,
- Dixieland arranged for concert bands,
- Marches,
- Movie Medleys,
- Novelty numbers,
- "Oldies", which depending on your age, could mean anything as recent as the 1990's, or as far back as the 1920's,
- Patriotic,
- Sacred,
- Specialty numbers that feature either specific sections of the band, instrumental soloists, vocal soloists, or small groups of instrumentalists or vocalists,
and music from many other styles.
You can personally check out the music the band plays by watching some of the YouTube videos we have of both specific songs as well as full concerts, dating back to 1991. You will find a link to these videos on another page of this web site.
There are also copies of various concert programs in the NEWS ARTICLES AND PROGRAMS section you can review, as well. You will find a link to these documents on another page of this web site.
4. Where all does the Band play?
Answer:
Another web page offers a fairly comprehensive list of the KINDS of events that the band has played at over the years.
http://pumpkinshowband.weebly.com/history-of-the-band.html
With regard to the usual location of the band's engagements, the band generally plays in and around the Circelville area, and is naturally the busiest during the week of the Circelville Pumpkin Show.
However, with that being said, the band has also performed in:
to name a few cities.
When community bands identify their schedule for the upcoming year, you can look at the schedule and classify the performances as usually either:
Many bands almost totally decide their own schedule for the year, and many bands play almost exclusively only when they are scheduled to do so by someone else.
The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band does a little bit of both, as during the course of a calendar year they play for many events coordinated by others, but also schedule their own concerts at specific times of the year.
Another web page offers a fairly comprehensive list of the KINDS of events that the band has played at over the years.
http://pumpkinshowband.weebly.com/history-of-the-band.html
With regard to the usual location of the band's engagements, the band generally plays in and around the Circelville area, and is naturally the busiest during the week of the Circelville Pumpkin Show.
However, with that being said, the band has also performed in:
- Amanda
- Ashville
- Bexley
- Buckeye Lake
- Columbus
- Commercial Point
- Harrisburg
- Hocking Hills State Park
- Jackson
- Lake Alma
- Lancaster
- Laurelville
- Pickerington
- Washington Court House
- Westerville
- Williamsport
to name a few cities.
When community bands identify their schedule for the upcoming year, you can look at the schedule and classify the performances as usually either:
- EVENT driven (the band is playing FOR someone else, at an event that someone else schedules), or
- BAND driven (the band schedules its own performances on dates and times of its choosing).
Many bands almost totally decide their own schedule for the year, and many bands play almost exclusively only when they are scheduled to do so by someone else.
The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band does a little bit of both, as during the course of a calendar year they play for many events coordinated by others, but also schedule their own concerts at specific times of the year.
5. What time(s) of the year does the band practice and perform?
Answer:
With but a couple minor exceptions, and unlike many community bands, the Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band practices and performs year round.
With but a couple minor exceptions, and unlike many community bands, the Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band practices and performs year round.
- The band will generally start practice in January of each year just after New Year's Day, as soon as the Ohio weather looks like it will cooperate. The band will generally schedule practices weekly.
- A Spring Concert is usually scheduled for sometime in April, but that date varies greatly based on when Easter is, how practices have gone due to weather cancellations for practice, availability of a performance location, etc.
- Starting in June and good Ohio outdoor weather, the band's summers are filled with the Pickaway County Fair, Flag Day Observances, Band Festivals, and Fourth of July events.
- In the Fall, the band preps for its Fall concert at the Courthouse, Church pie and cake "socials", the local "9-11" observance, and (of course) the Circleville Pumpkin Show in mid-October.
- After the Pumpkin Show, the band generally starts work on Christmas Music and their December Christmas concert, but also usually participates in Christmas parades in Circleville and Lancaster, and co-sponsors the Circleville TUBACHRISTMAS event in late November.
- After the Christmas concert in mid-December, the band will usually take a practice break until everything starts back up again in January!
6. What is the age range of the band members?
Answer:
Like most community bands, the Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band generally has "full-time" members that range in age from high school to VERY senior citizens!
Well.... OK..... we'll go ahead and admit it....the band has several members who are in their 60's, 70's, and even 80's!
That is one of the many great things about playing music in community bands.
You will find very senior musicians playing right next to high school age musicians.
And the truth be told, no matter how good musically the younger musicians are, playing music and playing in bands is one of those life events where the senior band members can be invaluable in sharing wisdom with the younger band members.
To a person, I can confidently say that the senior band members of The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band are always more than willing to share with the younger band members their experiences on:
on so on........
In fact, the band has had parents and children play side-by-side in the band together, spouses, grandparents and grandchildren, brothers and sisters, and pretty much every combination of familial relationships participating in the band together.
We have even had parents bring their young babies and sit them in carriers at their feet while the parents played with the band!
Playing music, unlike many sports and other activities, is something that can be shared side-by-side through many generations of people.
Like most community bands, the Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band generally has "full-time" members that range in age from high school to VERY senior citizens!
Well.... OK..... we'll go ahead and admit it....the band has several members who are in their 60's, 70's, and even 80's!
That is one of the many great things about playing music in community bands.
You will find very senior musicians playing right next to high school age musicians.
And the truth be told, no matter how good musically the younger musicians are, playing music and playing in bands is one of those life events where the senior band members can be invaluable in sharing wisdom with the younger band members.
To a person, I can confidently say that the senior band members of The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band are always more than willing to share with the younger band members their experiences on:
- Where the nearest restrooms are,
- Which fair/festival stand has the best fish sandwiches (Mmmmmmmm....fish sandwiches!),
- Where the best parking is,
- Where they are currently buying their valve oil, and for how much,
- The BEST music stand light to use for the evening Pumpkin Show parades,
- Where to get the best/biggest rain poncho,
- Who in the band usually carries spare clothes pins for those outdoor concerts when you have forgotten yours,
- What food stand has the best (inset name of food item, here) at The Circleville Pumpkin Show,
- Their reasons why one "bourbon chicken" stand at the Circleville Pumpkin Show is far superior to the "other" kind,
- What the best lubricant is for a Trombone slide,
- When the band plays at the county fair harness races, the meaning of the words: trifecta, trotting versus pacing, and how to read the electronic betting board.
on so on........
In fact, the band has had parents and children play side-by-side in the band together, spouses, grandparents and grandchildren, brothers and sisters, and pretty much every combination of familial relationships participating in the band together.
We have even had parents bring their young babies and sit them in carriers at their feet while the parents played with the band!
Playing music, unlike many sports and other activities, is something that can be shared side-by-side through many generations of people.
7. Does the band march in parades?
Answer:
I think that most band members' response to this question would be the same: "Thankfully......NO!"
The band DOES participate in local parades, but as you can see from the picture above, the band has its own, stunning, band wagon. So everyone gets to RIDE through the parade route.
And yes.....all the other bands are jealous when the band RIDES by them while they all line up for the parade!
I think that most band members' response to this question would be the same: "Thankfully......NO!"
The band DOES participate in local parades, but as you can see from the picture above, the band has its own, stunning, band wagon. So everyone gets to RIDE through the parade route.
And yes.....all the other bands are jealous when the band RIDES by them while they all line up for the parade!
8. What is the background of the band members? Are they all band directors and music majors?
Answer:
In part to proactively respond to this question,the band generally lists the occupations of the band members in each concert program.
Copies of many of these concert programs are available for review on the DOCUMENTS web page.
As you will read in these programs, the band members come from diverse experiences.
In addition to that information, we know that our band members have, and have had, the following backgrounds:
and probably many more activities thoughout the history of the band.
And yes, there are currently, and have been, some music majors and music instructors (at various levels) who have performed with the band.
But...no worries.....often the band members with music degrees walk..and act..and talk.....and make the same musical mistakes.....as the rest of us.
But, regardless of everyone's background, the band is composed of MUSICIANS who have found that they have a love for music, and that they want to continue to include playing music as a part of their lives and to be able to give back to the Circleville community in this way.
In part to proactively respond to this question,the band generally lists the occupations of the band members in each concert program.
Copies of many of these concert programs are available for review on the DOCUMENTS web page.
As you will read in these programs, the band members come from diverse experiences.
In addition to that information, we know that our band members have, and have had, the following backgrounds:
- Attorney,
- Auto Parts,
- Band Director,
- Commercial Bus Driver,
- Caterer,
- Chemical Engineer,
- College Professor (of one level or another),
- Cook,
- Computer Programmer,
- Dental Hygienist,
- Elevator Repair,
- Farmer,
- Florist,
- Homemaker,
- Home Health,
- John Deere,
- Krogers,
- Music Teacher,
- Nurse,
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources,
- Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction,
- Ohio Department of Youth Services,
- Ohio State University,
- Printer,
- Real Estate,
- Retired (the band's MOST popular occupation)
- Sales,
- School Bus Driver,
- Supermarket,
- Student,
- Teacher,
- Transport,
- Truck Driver,
- United States Post Office,
- Veterinarian,
- Vet Tech,
and probably many more activities thoughout the history of the band.
And yes, there are currently, and have been, some music majors and music instructors (at various levels) who have performed with the band.
But...no worries.....often the band members with music degrees walk..and act..and talk.....and make the same musical mistakes.....as the rest of us.
But, regardless of everyone's background, the band is composed of MUSICIANS who have found that they have a love for music, and that they want to continue to include playing music as a part of their lives and to be able to give back to the Circleville community in this way.
9. Do the band members get paid for playing in the band?
Answer:
Sadly (for the band members).........No.
However, while the band generally charges a fee to perform, and all of those details are handled by the Director, the money goes into the band fund in order to pay its considerable operating expenses:
and so forth.
Sadly (for the band members).........No.
However, while the band generally charges a fee to perform, and all of those details are handled by the Director, the money goes into the band fund in order to pay its considerable operating expenses:
- The band trailer needs upkeep and insurance,
- The band is EXTREMELY fortunate to have its own practice and storage space, and contributes to its physical upkeep and repair,
- It costs money to pull the band trailer to the parade in which the band will perform,
- The band buys the band shirts and orange jackets that it issues out to the members,
- New music can cost easily up to $100.00 for ONE new song arranged for a concert band,
- The band often needs to purchase new music folders, office supplies, etc.,
- The band sponsors a "Band Scholarship" where it annually gives scholarships to area students pursuing additional schooling after graduation from high school. (There is another web page that covers this in considerable detail. In 2017, the band awarded several thousand dollars in scholarships split among 6 area graduating High School seniors.)
- The band owns its own music stands, which often need repair and replacement,
- While each musician is expected to be able to provide his/her own instrument (the band does NOT have "loaner" instruments) the band does own some misc. percussion equipment,
- The band co-sponsors the annual Circleville TUBACHRISTMAS event,
and so forth.
10. Where do the band members come from?
Answer:
Like most community bands, the majority of the members come from the immediate area that the band calls "home".
In this case, definitely a large part of the band members come from Circleville, and the immediate surrounding area.
However, the band also has, and has had, members who come from:
and many other areas.
Like most community bands, the majority of the members come from the immediate area that the band calls "home".
In this case, definitely a large part of the band members come from Circleville, and the immediate surrounding area.
However, the band also has, and has had, members who come from:
- Ashville,
- Chillicothe,
- Clarksburg,
- Columbus,
- Grove City,
- Hallsville,
- Joliet, Illinois (yes.....really)
- La Rue (Google it!)
- Laurelville,
- Marion,
- Mt. Sterling,
- Pickerington,
- Piketon,
- Stoutsville,
- Westerville,
- Worthington,
and many other areas.
11. what do i do if i want to join the band?
Answer:
Generally, just show up at practice with your instrument, meet the Director, get some music, and settle into a practice schedule with the band in order to get ready for the next performance.
The Band performs pretty much all year long, and practices each Tuesday night (with some exceptions) running from 7:00 PM to approximately 9:00 PM.
The Band meets in its practice hall off the alley entrance (next to the Circleville Police Station) of the building located at 159 East Franklin Street, Circleville, Ohio.
The band's performance and practice schedule, to include if any practices are cancelled, will be listed on the SCHEDULE web page.
BAND SCHEDULE
Like any community band, it is always looking for people who love to perform for the community, who love to play in bands as much as the other band members do, and who like to play the kind of music The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band typically plays.
So, if you have ever played in a band before, even if it has been awhile ago, then get that horn back out of the back of the closet, get one from a pawn shop, or even watch the yard sale ads for one. Lube the valves, grease the slides, buy some new reeds or drums sticks, and get back to practicing.
Then, when you think you are ready, come and meet with Director WInner.
=========================================================================================
Other Things You Need to Know:
1. There are no dues or specific uniform items to purchase to participate in the band.
The band's current outfit is usually:
On occasion, based on the nature of the event, the band may receive permission from the Director to go on their own to dress "Christmassy", or in patriotic colors, and so forth.
2. You don't have to audition,
3. They don't have "challenges" for you to be able to sit in, or keep, a specific seat and play a specific part.
All of that is assigned by the Director.
4. Participation in the band is open to anyone with at least a basic ability to play a band instrument, read music, and has a schedule that will allow participation in at least SOME of the band's performances and practices.
Everyone has other obligations so no one is expected to be there 100% of the time!
5. You need to be able to provide your own instrument, as the band does not have instruments that it can loan out to the members.
You also need to be able to provide your own music stand for those times when the band doesn't bring its own to the performances. The music stand can be whatever you can find and works best for you.
The most common kind of music stand that you will be the band members use is the silver Hamilton-style fold-up music stands. You can often find them at yard sales, but even new they are very inexpensive but durable. Some of us have used the same music stands for decades.
And don't forget clothespins to hold the music to the music stand ANYTIME you play outside!
NEVER forget the clothespins!
6. The band is happy to see you as long as you play a typical band instrument.
EXAMPLE: If you play something NOT typical to a community band; like bagpipes, alphorns, washtub bass, and the like....not so much, although they "might" keep you in mind to possibly do a special song arrangement with you at a later date! ..........Probably a MUCH later date.......
7. The band does not have quotas for each section.
Probably no band member can attend 100% of all performances and practices for various reasons, and usually summer is a busy time for everyone with a lot of absences from the band activities.
Plus, the band is generally happy to have as many instruments in each section as possible so that there will at least be "enough" for any specific performance.
For example:
It doesn't matter if you play trumpet and you see at one performance that there are already 10 trumpets there. Come on down anyway and be the 11th! The odds are against all of those 10 showing up all the time, anyway. The band can still use you!
====================================================================================================
If you are interested in finding out more information about the band to see if you want to join, just click on the CONTACT tab at the top of this page to find out how to do that.
CONTACT
Plus........just to share a secret with you that VERY few people outside of the band know, one of the benefits of playing in The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band is that you are able to get into The Circleville Pumpkin Show ABSOLUTELY FREE!
For all 4 and 1/2 days!
(Parking NOT included)
Generally, just show up at practice with your instrument, meet the Director, get some music, and settle into a practice schedule with the band in order to get ready for the next performance.
The Band performs pretty much all year long, and practices each Tuesday night (with some exceptions) running from 7:00 PM to approximately 9:00 PM.
The Band meets in its practice hall off the alley entrance (next to the Circleville Police Station) of the building located at 159 East Franklin Street, Circleville, Ohio.
The band's performance and practice schedule, to include if any practices are cancelled, will be listed on the SCHEDULE web page.
BAND SCHEDULE
Like any community band, it is always looking for people who love to perform for the community, who love to play in bands as much as the other band members do, and who like to play the kind of music The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band typically plays.
So, if you have ever played in a band before, even if it has been awhile ago, then get that horn back out of the back of the closet, get one from a pawn shop, or even watch the yard sale ads for one. Lube the valves, grease the slides, buy some new reeds or drums sticks, and get back to practicing.
Then, when you think you are ready, come and meet with Director WInner.
=========================================================================================
Other Things You Need to Know:
1. There are no dues or specific uniform items to purchase to participate in the band.
The band's current outfit is usually:
- A green shirt (provided by the band)
- Black pants/shorts/ skirt, etc., (provided by the musicians) , and
- Orange windbreaker (provided by the band) when weather dictates
On occasion, based on the nature of the event, the band may receive permission from the Director to go on their own to dress "Christmassy", or in patriotic colors, and so forth.
2. You don't have to audition,
3. They don't have "challenges" for you to be able to sit in, or keep, a specific seat and play a specific part.
All of that is assigned by the Director.
4. Participation in the band is open to anyone with at least a basic ability to play a band instrument, read music, and has a schedule that will allow participation in at least SOME of the band's performances and practices.
Everyone has other obligations so no one is expected to be there 100% of the time!
5. You need to be able to provide your own instrument, as the band does not have instruments that it can loan out to the members.
You also need to be able to provide your own music stand for those times when the band doesn't bring its own to the performances. The music stand can be whatever you can find and works best for you.
The most common kind of music stand that you will be the band members use is the silver Hamilton-style fold-up music stands. You can often find them at yard sales, but even new they are very inexpensive but durable. Some of us have used the same music stands for decades.
And don't forget clothespins to hold the music to the music stand ANYTIME you play outside!
NEVER forget the clothespins!
6. The band is happy to see you as long as you play a typical band instrument.
EXAMPLE: If you play something NOT typical to a community band; like bagpipes, alphorns, washtub bass, and the like....not so much, although they "might" keep you in mind to possibly do a special song arrangement with you at a later date! ..........Probably a MUCH later date.......
7. The band does not have quotas for each section.
Probably no band member can attend 100% of all performances and practices for various reasons, and usually summer is a busy time for everyone with a lot of absences from the band activities.
Plus, the band is generally happy to have as many instruments in each section as possible so that there will at least be "enough" for any specific performance.
For example:
It doesn't matter if you play trumpet and you see at one performance that there are already 10 trumpets there. Come on down anyway and be the 11th! The odds are against all of those 10 showing up all the time, anyway. The band can still use you!
====================================================================================================
If you are interested in finding out more information about the band to see if you want to join, just click on the CONTACT tab at the top of this page to find out how to do that.
CONTACT
Plus........just to share a secret with you that VERY few people outside of the band know, one of the benefits of playing in The Circleville Pumpkin Show Community Band is that you are able to get into The Circleville Pumpkin Show ABSOLUTELY FREE!
For all 4 and 1/2 days!
(Parking NOT included)
12. Who have been the Directors of the band since its start?
Answer:
The band started in 1979
Band Directors:
1. 1979-1982: Gary Dean, assisted by Drexel Poling (Source: 8-13-2017 Ashville Gazebo Gatherings Concert Program)
2. 1982- December 2006: Cliff Kerns
3. December 2006 to present: David Winner
The band started in 1979
Band Directors:
1. 1979-1982: Gary Dean, assisted by Drexel Poling (Source: 8-13-2017 Ashville Gazebo Gatherings Concert Program)
2. 1982- December 2006: Cliff Kerns
3. December 2006 to present: David Winner
13. How many times does the band play in a year?
Answer:
This number often changes from year to year.
However, to at least try to assign a number to this question, in checking through the projected list of events for 2017, it was expected that the band would be having @ 17 performances that year.
That number includes the week of the Circleville Pumpkin Show where the band often plays in 2 events a day over the course of much of the Show, since they would be performing in both a concert AND a parade in the same day.
This number often changes from year to year.
- The band often gets invited to one-time events,
- Often an event that has usually scheduled the band for many years has suddenly changed its format for various reasons, or now does NOT have the operating money it once did, and the the band is not invited back,
- Often the band may have to cancel its participation in an event that it has usually performed at due to schedule conflicts of a significant number of the members, (Hey...they ALL have lives outside the band that include family reunions, weddings, work commitments, graduations, vacations, and the like!)
However, to at least try to assign a number to this question, in checking through the projected list of events for 2017, it was expected that the band would be having @ 17 performances that year.
That number includes the week of the Circleville Pumpkin Show where the band often plays in 2 events a day over the course of much of the Show, since they would be performing in both a concert AND a parade in the same day.