[December 10, 2012]    

MOUNT PULASKI -- Recently, the Mount Pulaski Community Band presented their annual Christmas concert at Vonderlieth Living Center for the residents, their families and friends. The beautiful Christmas décor at the center's grand room once again provided a glorious scene for the fabulous sounds of Christmas resounding from the town's long-standing orchestra, which has of late been superbly enhanced by several performers from other parts of Logan County and beyond. Conductor Harry Hild Jr. provided background information for each selection, which he occasionally highlighted with snippets of humorous anecdotes. Some big grins and smiles punctuated by a few tears could be seen among the packed room of onlookers, as they no doubt had their memories jogged by perhaps their personal participation in such musical renditions of former years. The performance brought to a close this year's concert series, most of which is in the bandstand of the courthouse yard uptown during the summer months.

Performers:

Flutes -- Sarah May, Becky Kunken, Miranda Yard; clarinets -- Linda Dirks, Cheryl Poffenbarger, Stacey Fulscher, Nancy Cochran; saxophones -- Claus Tanner, John Hebenstreit; trumpets -- Jerry Theobald, Hank Hafercamp; French horn -- George Osborn; trombone -- Bruce Dubre; baritone -- Bob Wall; tubas -- Harold Drake, Tim Koehler, Max VanRheeden; mallets -- Carolyn Wall

Conductor: Harry Hild Jr.

Selections, composers/arrangers:
 

"Parade of Wooden Soldiers," arr. Ralph Ford "Yuletide Festival," Randall Standridge "Angels in the Bleak Midwinter," Holst, arr. Clark "American Bell Carol," Robert W. Smith "Christmas Classique," Andy Clark "Jingle Bells, Hallelujah!" Rob Romeyn

"Baby, It's Cold Outside," Paul Murtha "Midnight in Bethlehem," Warren Barker "Sounds of Christmas Joy," James Swearingen "A Peaceful Christmas," James Swearingen "And Bless Us Every One," William Owens "Christmas Auld Lang Syne," James Swearingen

Photos and text by Phil Bertoni,
Mount Pulaski Township Historical Society publicity chair