July 4: Clown Band

Through a crazy series of connections, I ended up playing Alto in the Rockport Clown Band on the 4th of the July. Usually this band marches in the Rockport 4th of July Parade, but because of the pandemic, the parade was again cancelled this year. That didn't stop the band from gathering and playing outside of a local nursing home to bring its residents some joy and then at the Rockport town square in front of a huge gathering of tourists and residents. The clown band doesn't really dress like clowns, they just dress up in fun wacky colors and decorations (I wore a funky hat), the conductor uses a plunger, and they collected donations for the volunteer Rockport firefighters by using an old fireman's boot. I really appreciated this band because everyone was there to have a good time, play fun music, and share joy with others. We played songs like Uptown Funk, Shipping Out to the Boston, Vehicle, God Bless America, and When the Saints Go Marching In. The band had people of all ages (12 to 80!) and all abilities, and it was one of the best community band experiences I've had. It is exactly like the marching band I had envisioned the Brewin Brass Band/Reset Button being in the community, and I'm delighted I was able to participate.

With delight,

♥Jamie