By Bruce Karnick

The Covid-19 pandemic has disturbed much of the normal activities in our lives over these past months, this includes members of the River Valley Concert Band. Since mid-February, your local Hastings concert band has seen all its weekly rehearsals and scheduled concerts cancelled, leaving the band members without their normal venues to express themselves musically.

According to Dan Retka, Board Member of the River Valley Band, the Board Members of the band have been busy behind the scenes, however, with band management tasks, most importantly the recruitment and selection of a new Director. “At the conclusion of our season last February, the band received notice that current Director Paul Cravens would not be returning, so attention was turned to recruiting. After a search of several months, the Board hired Nathan Mitchell of Cottage Grove as Director. Mitchell is a seasoned conductor who has directed school bands in several communities in the area,” Dan said.

Retka also brought up a commission piece that the River Valley Band wants done in honor of women in music. “We commissioned a piece by composer Erica Svanoe, Director of Instrumental Music at Augsburg University. This piece is intended to honor women in music and will be performed at a future River Valley Band concert. The theme of this piece will center on our historic city of Hastings. The piece is currently in composition and should be complete by January 2021”.

The Band normally rehearses and conducts its concerts at the Hastings Middle School and until the Covid-19 releases its grip on activities at school, the Band’s 2020-21 concert season is on hold. The Board hopes that its annual Veteran’s Day Concert, featuring a joint performance by the Band and the 204th Army Band from Fort Snelling can be presented on November 8. The Band invites the community to come honor our local veterans that day and to hear two wonderful concert bands play some of your favorite patriotic selections.

The River Valley Band is comprised of about 40 local amateur musicians ranging in age from 15 to 80, at all skill levels, and an invitation to join is extended to all. Retka said, “Even if you haven’t played your instrument in years, you’d be amazed how quickly you can become confident and contribute to your section. We also accept donations of instruments that are not being used.”

The band rehearses on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. in the Middle School band room. Call Band President Allen Saunders at (651) 226-2912 for more information about the River Valley Band.

The River Valley Band Board with new Director Nathan Mitchell. Pictured L-R are: Dan Retka, Dee Larson, Kristina Viktora-Croke, Nathan Mitchell, Cress Gackel, Allen Saunders. Photo submitted