A doctor arrived at the auditorium – still dressed in his green hospital scrubs – looking a little stressed.

But the moment he started puffing away on his tuba, his stress melted into contentment.

Athens obstetrician Dr. Thomas Pitman is just one member of the Community Band, an all-volunteer group made up of 30 former band members and local musicians. At 7 p.m. on any given Monday night, you can hear the musicians – of all ages and walks of life – practicing at McCandless Hall Auditorium on Athens State University campus.

“It’s a wonderful release,” Pitman said. “I’m on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so practice is a break from regular routine. Music is like a therapy for people – so is any kind of creative outlet. “

They perform annual concerts and at ASU convocations such as graduations and Flag Day festivities. Most recently, the band played for the tree lighting at the Limestone County Courthouse square and at a Christmas concert at McCandless Hall.

But, they could use more members. You don’t have to be an ASU alumnus to join the band and, beginning in the spring, you can earn an hour of college credit from ASU for participating.



Soothing change of pace

For Pitman and others, the 11/2-hour weekly rehearsal is an escape, and they encourage other musicians to try it.

“I love it,” said Pitman. “Music is a huge part of my life.”

He went to college on a music scholarship and knew he either wanted to be a doctor or a band director. Although he enjoys his occupation, he doesn’t get much truly free time.

“I went through a 14-month span where I went only three days with my beeper off,” he said. “I love what I do, but to have that change of pace once a week is a blessing. ”

When Greg McCormick joined the band, he hadn’t picked up his trombone since he left Athens High School 22 years before. Like most students who once played a band instrument, he replaced it with marriage, family and work. That changed four years ago, when a retired Athens High School band director started a band at the request of former students.

“It’s a release, an escape,” said McCormick, who is general manager of Saturn in Huntsville. “I really do enjoy it. I would encourage anyone out there who would like to come, to sit in for practice and kick the tires and see if they enjoy doing it.”



Birth of the band

Dan Havely, retired Athens High band director, formed the group in the spring of 2003.

“I had my own tuba, ” Pitman said. “But unless you have a group to play with, a tuba isn’t much good. I went by Dan’s office, when he had his music store, and told him we needed a band and that I would love him to direct. Other folks made the same suggestion, and so it kind of evolved.”

In four years, the group has gone from being appreciated by a few to playing to a standing-room only crowd at McCandless Hall earlier this month.

“We used to be called the Athens State University Alumni Community Band, but we have dropped the alumni,” Havely said.

“It’s been a kick, it really has,” Havely said. “We’re growing little by little. We’ve added several members this fall, and we have one person who just wants to come to our practices just to listen.”

Both Pitman and McCormick attribute the success to Havely.

“He is able to take people with different backgrounds and experience levels and make them the best they can be,” Pitman said. “The Christmas concert we just did was the best we ever sounded, and we only had four weeks to practice.”



Experience

You don’t have to be Benny Goodman, Ginger Baker, Chuck Mangione or Kenny G to join the band. Many members hadn’t picked up an instrument in years when they joined.

“Some teaching goes on; we don’t teach rank beginners, they have to have had some experience,” Havely said. “But there are no auditions, all you have to do is come and bring something to play.”

“It’s a totally different perspective now than when I was in school,” McCormick said. “I had to be there then and now I want to be there. I view it differently and, I think, Dan views it differently. He has more time to tell us about the history of the music. In high school, he was just trying to get us together.”

“It’s a lot more relaxed approach,” said Havely, who retired from Athens High in 2000 after 34 years as band director. “If you are not having fun, why do it? We try to make some music and have a good time doing it.”

The band plays standard concert band literature – marches, Broadway and movie medleys – whatever people enjoy hearing as long as it falls within the band’s ability.

“Through practicing, they have gotten to be very good,” Havely said of the band. “I’ve been very proud of their progress. We’re a better band.”

There is no cost to join the band; the group pays for music, music stands and percussion accessories with proceeds from their concerts and donations. For more information about the band, call 232-8215.