By Katy Lindberg

Like many members of the River Valley Band, I started playing my flute in the 5th grade. I played through high school in marching band, pep band and concert band. I was even the drum major of the marching band my senior year. I played for a few years in college until eventually my instrument was put on the shelf. It sat there for a couple decades until five years ago when I learned about the River Valley Community Band.

The River Valley Band was founded in November 2010 by Karen Banaszewski, Deb Saunders and Dee Larson. The band was initially conducted and received consultation services from Bob Casperson (retired HHS Band Director). Pat Dymacek served as the group's first director and Jim Jacobsen, was hired in June of 2011. Since then, the band has welcomed Rufino Ochoada, Paul Cravens, Nathan Mitchell, and the current director, Tom Maeck.

Dan Retka, band and board member, has written many grants and funds have been received by HPAAC, The Hastings Rotary Club, Ruth and George Doffing Charitable Fund, MRAC (Metropolitan Regional Art Council, Vermillion Bank, and the Eagles Club. With these funds, donations and dues set for band members, RVB has so far been successful in buying new music, hiring special artists and offering free concerts to the public.

The River Valley Band is a community band sponsored by the Hastings Prescott Area Arts Council. Membership in the band is open to musicians in Hastings MN, Prescott WI, and the surrounding communities. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:45- 9 p.m. at the Hastings Middle School, under the direction of Tom Maeck. All are welcome!

Last Sunday, we presented a “Young People’s Concert” and invited all ages to come and experience the sounds of music. We talked about how music can represent a baby elephant walking or how one line in a song can make us think about the Lion King. We even learned we can make noises that sounds like a thunderstorm with our own hands!

On May 10th, we will be presenting a concert dedicated to women composers. Our concerts are free to the public, but we do ask for a free will donation to help keep our costs down. We hope to see you there!

Interested in getting you instrument “off the shelf”? We would love to see in the band!

Contact us at [email protected]

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