The number 50 holds special significance for The Capital Area Concert Band. Not only has it been a fully formed orchestral ensemble for half a century, it also has performed at 50 venues in Springfield. With 50 dedicated volunteer musicians spanning 75 years from ages 17 to 92, the CACB continues to resonate with the local community, offering an inclusive platform for musical expression and live performance.
Since its 1974 inception, the CACB has remained true to its roots. It welcomes any musician with a high school diploma to join its ranks. The absence of auditions and participation fees ensures the band remains accessible to all who have a passion for it.
Current guest director Jan Zepp, a CACB founding member, believes community service is the most rewarding aspect. "It's one of the best kept secrets in Springfield," she said. "Nobody gets paid, we do it for the love of it."
The CACB plays free public performances, plus private performances at HOPE School and area retirement homes. The mission is to provide concerts to those in the community who may not otherwise be able to see them. In turn, the community gives back. Throughout all 50 years, the band's rehearsal spaces have been donated by local businesses and organizations, as is the newly designed logo.
When asked what keeps someone playing in a band for 50 years, Zepp speculated, "It's that sense of belonging that everyone wants. You might find it because you're all part of the same team, but this is where we belong."
Zepp and six other retired band directors are participating members alongside college students, community players and musicians who want to perform in the winter. Every year the band gets four to five new players.
The current lead conductor, Harry Hild (not to be confused with fictional band director Harold Hill) joined the band 10 years ago. "There were a lot of people I didn't know when I started, but over the past 10 years, it's grown to where I consider them all good friends," Hild said.
Hild suspects he's in it for the long haul. With rehearsals and concerts that start and end between 7-9 p.m., the schedule is easy to maintain. "Our rehearsals are pretty loose. We're not strict. We don't claim to be professionals, but everyone here wants to play," he said.
There aren't many opportunities for musicians to play after college. This became especially true during and after the pandemic. Cicely McCain, a 26-year-old recent college graduate and trumpet player, is one of the band's newest members.
She said, "You can't casually join a band in adult life. I play in my church band, but it's not the same as being in a band with your common instruments."
Having an outlet to play and a community of people who appreciate music is key to the band's continued success. The music is what draws members in, but the camaraderie keeps them coming back.
"Some of these guys have been playing longer than I've been alive," McCain said. "It's nice having that mentorship. They help me. I didn't know any of them a year ago, and now I can't imagine not seeing them once a week."
Tom King's official title is "band manager," but he prefers to be called "the roadie." King started with the band in 1977 and received his first saxophone lesson from Ralph Ashcraft – the oldest member of the band at age 92. King enjoys collaborating with cross-generational players who can learn from each other. "We all have the commonality of being able to play good music, which is a pretty strong bond," said King.
The Capital Area Concert Band's last performance of the season is June 14 (Flag Day) at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Theatre at 7 p.m. Andy VanDeVoort, interim lead director, will conduct most of the concert with guest conductors Jan Zepp and Ralph Ashcraft. They will play patriotic music, a No. 1 hit from the band's inaugural year in 1974 and a piece titled, "A House Divided," conducted by Harry Hild and inspired by Lincoln's "House Divided" speech given at the Old State Capitol in Springfield on June 16, 1858.
"We'd love to have a good crowd for our 50th anniversary. It's going to be a great show," said King.
Free tickets can be reserved at https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/Event/22842/Capital-Area-Concert-Band-50th-Anniversary-Concert/event-details/
For more information about this concert or how to become a member of The Capital Area Concert Band, call 217-971-5008, email [email protected] or visit The CACB website at https://sites.google.com/site/capitalareaconcertband/home.
