WCHS Community Band rekindles century-old traditions

A warm breeze carried familiar musical notes throughout the crowd recently when the Wayne County Historical Society Community Band took its place on the square in downtown Wooster under the tutelage of Randy Claes, 14-year veteran director.

The music, consisting primarily of marches, show tunes and beloved standards, transported the crowd back to a simpler era when summer evenings were regularly celebrated with live band performances at public squares and town greens.

“About 100 years ago, they had a Board of Trade Band. They were a little bit more official back then; they wore uniforms during performances,” Claes said. “While the members may have dressed differently, the idea of a community ensemble is certainly not new.”

Each year the group of musicians — ranging in age from 13-86 — practices for about 10 weeks before performing two shows in Wayne County.

The group provides an outlet for those who love playing music but have other nonmusical obligations.

Wayne County Administrator Patrick Herron has been playing trombone in the band for 10 years, on and off. He was involved in the marching band throughout high school and during college, and he welcomes the opportunity to continue playing.

“I love giving back to the community, and I enjoy the camaraderie of the group of individuals that come together each year to perform. We have a diverse range of talent within the group, which makes it unique. You learn a great deal from people with different levels of experience,” Herron said. “It is also nice to have this outlet to be able to participate in something that I love doing.”

The band is a tribute to a bygone era and has attained the informal honor of being a staple in the county’s cultural calendar.

Dan Starcher is the public communications coordinator for Wayne County.