Ames band fills the night with music by Abbie Moeller Daily Staff Writer Ames residents can spend their Thursday nights in the park listening to live, free entertainment, courtesy of the Ames Municipal Band. The band performs free concerts once a week during June and July, complete with new music and other entertainment. The band has existed since the late 1800s when the Iowa Band Law was passed, designating a part of city taxes for the support of a municipal band. About 50 members of the community participate in the band.
Membership ranges from high school and college students to business people and band directors.
Anderson's entire family, including her husband and two children, plays in the band. Because the band plays quite difficult music, she said members must have a good base of knowledge and experience. Concerts are every Thursday night at 8 p.m. in the Bandshell Park at the intersection of Clark and 5th streets, King said. Each week has a variety of music in the traditional concert set up, beginning and ending with marches and filled with popular, classical and vocal pieces, Anderson said. Each show also contains a featured performer or group.