Mat-Su Concert Band preparing for first concert in over 2 years

WASILLA — The Mat-Su Concert Band is putting on its first official concert in two and a half years.

The concert is titled Strike Up the Band and takes place Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Glenn Massay Theater. It starts at 7:30 p.m. and is expected to go on for about an hour and a half.

According to Mat-Su Concert Band board president Drewcilla Shumake, the concert will feature several selections from “Chicago” on top of a wide variety of band arrangements, solo performances, and jazz pieces. She said they usually have a theme for each event, but the prevailing theme for this one is all about their triumphant return to live performances after a long hiatus caused by the pandemic. She noted that they will open with the American National Anthem and they also plan to perform the Ukrainian National anthem to raise awareness for the ongoing crisis happening overseas.

“This is kind of an all-around band show. There’s gonna be something for everyone,” Shumake said. “We are excited to perform again… It felt like we were missing a part of ourselves. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are some tears during our first piece in the audience and onstage.”

Shumake said their next concert will be the Christmas Spectacular in December. They also plan to hold concerts in March and May. She said they’re the longest-running community band in the state and the only ones who put on four shows a season. She said it all comes down to their various members from across the Mat-Su Valley and beyond putting in the time and effort with a shared passion for the music. She added that they’re always looking for new members to continue growing the band over time.

“It is a lot of work and a lot of time that goes into this to keep this organization alive,” Shumake said. It is an indescribable energy. There’s something special about it.”

For tickets and more information, visit matsuconcertband.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com