This is the Columbus City Band playing at a somewhat strange outdoor venue in Seymour.

As we move into the summer it is easy to think about music played by bands and orchestras outside in band shells and other less hospitable venues. Okay, some of your thoughts may not go there but mine do.  As I begin my fifth summer playing with the Columbus City Band and my thirty somethingth summer playing summer concerts I am beginning to notice some trends.

First of all, if you are a French horn player summer band music takes you in a direction you don’t necessarily want to go – lots of marches! When my wife and I met and began dating, I told her I was a French horn player and her immediate response was, “Oh, that’s the um-pah instrument!” And during the summer she is mostly right. Horn players spend a good deal of time during the “J” months playing after beats (the “pah” in um-pah). It doesn’t exactly make one look forward to the summer repertoire. Still, there is some satisfaction in knowing that marches would not be the same without the sure foundation we help provide. It is one reminder that the routine work in life still has a place of importance even if it is not enjoyable all the time.

If I were to identify the piece of music that I have performed in my adult life more often than any other (excluding the Star Spangled Banner) I would have to go with “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”  Sousa. The bane of every horn player’s existence! Stars and Stripes is one of those pieces of music that I enjoy listening to but hate playing. Still, it is hard to argue with it’s appeal both as a piece of music and as a patriotic emblem. I’m not sure I have had a summer when I have not played it at least once and in most cases, multiple times.

Summer band playing also requires some other adjustments for me. Playing outdoors can be an interesting business with rain, heat, and mosquitoes ever present realities. Many years ago I bought a used horn with a few dents in it to use for outdoor concerts not wanting to risk damage to my good horn.  It serves me well, although it does have some interesting quirks and often needs some adjusting. Still, how much expertise do those after beats require?

So, this summer, like most summers will find me um-pahing along with my fellow horn players, waiting for the occasional John Williams medley to get some meaningful licks in. And while I will complain about all the marches, the reality is that I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Sitting with good people, making good music, and enjoying the occasional festivity.  So, strike up the band and bring your lawn chair!