Thurmont looks to assemble band and chorus

(8/22) Thurmont is in the process of forming a brass band and a chorus to perform at various local events. Thurmont local, Morris Blake, is taking the lead on both the community brass band and chorus groups. Morris has had a vision for several years to assemble a brass band in Thurmont similar to the Spires Band in Frederick. The formation of these music groups will be a great way to join members of the community together, for something new and fun. The community brass band would play at Thurmont events along with a summer concert or two in the park. Blake’s aspiration is also to have the chorus singing at various town events, but especially Christmas Caroling on Main Street throughout the holiday season.

Blake is currently the music director and organist at Ft. Detrick, and possesses a passion to bring musical enrichment to the community for all to enjoy. After all, music is the universal language! Morris is looking for trumpet, trombone, French horn, and baritone musicians to form the brass band. Auditions for the brass band will require sight-reading a piece of music and good breathing control if possible. Auditions will take place September 10, from 3 - 4 p.m.

For those interested in joining the chorus, Blake is looking for musicians to be able to carry a tune, sight read, and sing on breath if possible. Chorus auditions will take place following the band auditions on September 10 from 5 - 6 p.m. All auditions/practices will be held at the Main Street Center located at 11 Water Street. Blake is willing to work with anyone who wants to be a part of this valuable community group. Members of each group must be sisteen years or older.

The community brass band and chorus does not have a name yet, so a contest will be held to name each group individually. The group name submissions will open on September 5 and close on September 20. You may call Blake at 301-271-4831, or email Vickie Grinder at vgrinder@thurmontstaff.com. Two contests - two winners, so please be specific for which group (brass band or chorus) that your suggested name belongs to. All submitted entries will be available for voting to select the winning name for each group between September 26 through October 6. Ballets will be available at the town office located at 615 East Main Street, or through a survey link at facebook.com/ThurmontFirst, or thurmontmainstreet.com. The Mayor and Board of Commissioners will have final approval of the chosen names. The winner of each category will receive two free tickets to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra at the Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown, and dinner for two at a local Thurmont restaurant. For more information on this exciting project, stay tuned!