This season, Lerew has invited guest conductors to lead the band for one musical selection during each concert.
Many guest conductors are band directors for Washington County Public Schools.
First up, this Sunday, is Scott Benford, band director for Hancock Middle-Senior High School. His musical choice for the program is composer David Holsinger's "Havendance."
The piece makes excellent use of modern woodwinds, brass and percussion, and is complex, Lerew said, with mixed rhythms. For instance, the beat changes from 4/4 to 2/4 to 5/4.
Most of the high school band directors are members of the Municipal Band, including Benford, who is first chair for saxophonists.
Many of the Municipal Band members are local residents, and Lerew said he encourages high school band directors to steer their better students to the band.
"The future of this band is the youth of the community," Lerew said.
If you go ...
WHAT: Hagerstown Municipal Band's 95th concert season
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Sundays, June 7 to Aug. 16
WHERE: Peter Buys Band Shell, City Park, Hagerstown
COST: Free.
CONTACT: Go online to www.hagerstownband.org or call Chris Stockslager at 301-582-0120 or Lynn Lerew at 717-263-4595.
MORE: The June 14 concert will be preceded by a 7 p.m. Flag Day ceremony presented by the Hagerstown Elks Lodge.
Guest Conductor schedule
June 7: Scott Benford, Hancock Middle-Senior High School band director
June 14: Micah Socks, Boonsboro High School band director
June 21: Gary Rupert, Smithsburg High School band director
June 28: Joel Guyton, Clear Spring High School band director
July 5: Jeremy Karacz, North Hagerstown High School band director
July 12: Heath Wilcox, South Hagerstown High School band director
July 19: Loras Schissel, Virginia Grand Military Band conductor
July 26: Michael Mogensen, composer and band member
Aug. 2: No guest conductor
Aug. 9: Robert Stike, Williamsport High School band director
Aug. 16: Robert Hovermale, supervisor of visual and performing arts for Washington County Public Schools
