The Cary Town Band Inc Information

The Cary Town Band (Cary , NC) is reminiscent of the turn of the 20th century bands led by Sousa, Goldman, and others who popularized band concerts all over America. Presenting concerts recreating that bygone era, the band plays marches from many nations, circus music, waltzes, rags, polkas, famous overtures, and other "pops" classical music of the 1860's to 1920's with an occasional nod to more modern fare. The band was formed in 1987 by Dr. James R. Hammerle, who served as its director for the next 21 years. Starting from the original sixteen members, the group has expanded to over forty musicians, almost all of whom are professionals in some occupation other than music in Wake and surrounding counties. Dr. Hammerle's vision was to provide for the Cary community an Ole Timey, 19th Century, play in the gazebo town band, complete with shiny brass button uniforms, performing the music seldom heard since that almost forgotten era - to recreate the "town band experience" for local citizens and fill the air with the music that helps make a town a community. In March 2009, in appreciation of his efforts and success, Dr. Hammerle was proclaimed "Outstanding Volunteer of the Year" by the Town of Cary. He has since "retired" and occasionally appears in the percussion section. Director Stuart Holoman, assuming leadership of the band when Dr. Hammerle retired, is dedicated to preserving the vision and the cultural role the band has played in the community. From the beginning, the band has been dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Town of Cary and surrounding communities by providing classic music for many town occasions and functions. These include Lazy Daze, the annual Christmas Tree lighting, building or park dedications, and an annual series of concerts at various area venues such as Sertoma Amphitheatre in Bond Park, Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Regency Park, the Senior Center in Bond Park, and others.