YORK COUNTY, Pa. — The Emigsville Band has been performing for the central Pennsylvania community for over a century.
It is open to all amateur musicians who play a concert band instrument and want to perform in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.
"It provides an outlet for community musicians to have a place to call their home," Michael Kirk, assistant director and public relations chair for The Emigsville Band, said. "We don't turn anyone away. Time and time again, we hear stories about people who have left their clarinet on their shelf for decades, and they're looking for an opportunity to play again. You could sit in with us and play one note, and we're happy to have you in."
Kirk says many of their members used to play an instrument in high school or haven't played in decades and are itching to pick it up again.
The volunteer members of the band are stewards of history. The Emigsville Band has been busy performing since 1872, and this season was no different. Earlier this month, the group played at the State Museum of Pennsylvania with Harrisburg’s Keystone Concert Band to commemorate the 50th anniversary of playing a concert at the same place on the same date.
"Basically any venue where there's a need or a want for musical entertainment, we're happy to be there," Kirk said.
The about 80 members of the band signify a marked contrast to just a few years ago, when organizers feared the COVID-19 pandemic would silence their instruments for good. After increasing the band's membership exponentially over the last four years, the group booked about 40 concerts this season and has beaten the previous year's membership record for the past three years in a row.
He emphasizes the importance of community bands, saying that they used to be "everywhere" in York County, but there are now only a handful left. The group has owned their physical Band Hall in Emigsville for over 100 years, since 1918.
They will host one of their last concerts of the year at the Hall, located at 3175 N. George St., in December. The Christmas Concert starts at 7 p.m. and is free to attend.
Anyone who wishes to get involved can follow along on Facebook or find more information about joining on The Emigsville Band's website.