History of the Band
The Lapel Community Band had its origins in the fall of 2000 when several Lapel High School Band Alumni surprised their former Director, Greg Scott, by playing a tribute to him during the half time of a football game. The alums enjoyed the experience so much that they decided to keep playing as a band.
Greg Scott must have enjoyed it, too, because he became the band's first director. Many times his brother, Brad Scott, would take over the director's duties so that Greg could play tuba in the band.
The band played at venues like the Lion's Club Fish Fry, the Village Fair and the Lapel Talent Show. The band struggled to build its membership, and in the early days, could muster only fifteen to twenty musicians for a performance. Even then, the band had a good sound and received compliments for the quality of its music.
Musicians from surrounding communities began to hear about the band and became members, but sustaining a consistent roster remained a problem. Greg and Brad were active in their professional roles as directors and the extra demands placed upon them by the band were becoming overwhelming.
The band was challenged to seek new leadership. In the fall of 2003, Steve Doty, a baritone player, learned of John Parshall's pending retirement from his position as Director of the Anderson Highlands High School band. Steve invited John to a rehearsal to hear the band. John agreed to attend on the condition that he was under no obligation to accept the directorship. At the rehearsal, John realized the band had great potential, and he became the Director.
His first public appearance with the band was a Christmas concert at the Paramount Theatre Centre's Festival of Trees in Anderson. The band had only thirty members on stage, but the performance was outstanding!
At a subsequent rehearsal, John outlined his vision for the band to see if the members would support him. John wanted the band to become a "Concert Wind Ensemble," a musical ensemble of wind instruments (everything except strings) with a minimum roster of 45 musicians.
The vision meant oboes, bassoons, bass clarinets, all chairs in a section covered by players -- none of which the band had at the time. The band, initially stunned by the scope of John's vision, agreed to help him accomplish it.
With John's tireless recruiting efforts, the band has grown to nearly seventy members, drawing talented musicians from sixteen surrounding communities. With his high musical standards, the band plays at a performance level undreamed of in the early days. Originally playing two or three concerts a year, the band now limits its performances to no more than ten per year.
In the summer of 2014, John Parshall decided to hang up his conductor's baton. Although retired, he and his wife are continued supporters of the band. Band member Brian Swart has since taken over as conductor and the band looks to forward to another successful season under his leadership.
Greg Scott must have enjoyed it, too, because he became the band's first director. Many times his brother, Brad Scott, would take over the director's duties so that Greg could play tuba in the band.
The band played at venues like the Lion's Club Fish Fry, the Village Fair and the Lapel Talent Show. The band struggled to build its membership, and in the early days, could muster only fifteen to twenty musicians for a performance. Even then, the band had a good sound and received compliments for the quality of its music.
Musicians from surrounding communities began to hear about the band and became members, but sustaining a consistent roster remained a problem. Greg and Brad were active in their professional roles as directors and the extra demands placed upon them by the band were becoming overwhelming.
The band was challenged to seek new leadership. In the fall of 2003, Steve Doty, a baritone player, learned of John Parshall's pending retirement from his position as Director of the Anderson Highlands High School band. Steve invited John to a rehearsal to hear the band. John agreed to attend on the condition that he was under no obligation to accept the directorship. At the rehearsal, John realized the band had great potential, and he became the Director.
His first public appearance with the band was a Christmas concert at the Paramount Theatre Centre's Festival of Trees in Anderson. The band had only thirty members on stage, but the performance was outstanding!
At a subsequent rehearsal, John outlined his vision for the band to see if the members would support him. John wanted the band to become a "Concert Wind Ensemble," a musical ensemble of wind instruments (everything except strings) with a minimum roster of 45 musicians.
The vision meant oboes, bassoons, bass clarinets, all chairs in a section covered by players -- none of which the band had at the time. The band, initially stunned by the scope of John's vision, agreed to help him accomplish it.
With John's tireless recruiting efforts, the band has grown to nearly seventy members, drawing talented musicians from sixteen surrounding communities. With his high musical standards, the band plays at a performance level undreamed of in the early days. Originally playing two or three concerts a year, the band now limits its performances to no more than ten per year.
In the summer of 2014, John Parshall decided to hang up his conductor's baton. Although retired, he and his wife are continued supporters of the band. Band member Brian Swart has since taken over as conductor and the band looks to forward to another successful season under his leadership.