The Alternative Press

WESTFIELD, NJ—After many years and many, many free concerts in and around Westfield, the Westfield Community Band—a 60-member group of amateur musicians ranging in age from high school to retirees—is asking fans to give something back, and it won’t cost a thing. All you have to do is vote.

The Westfield Community Band has been chosen as a PNC Neighborhood Wishlist Finalist. The Wishlist is a community program where people are invited to submit ideas for neighborhood projects for a chance to get funding of up to $500. The band’s “wish” is for funding for new sheet music to perform for the Westfield-area community in upcoming seasons.

Fans have until August 26 to help the band to reach the 500 votes required to obtain funding. To do so, visit http://www.pncneighborhoodwishlist.com/projects/89. Afterward, they ask that you share the link with friends and family so that they can do the same.

“As a musician, new music is the life blood of any band, as it keeps it new, fresh and challenging to both the band and the audience. When a band has been around as many years as ours, you've played a lot of music, and new music helps us want to pursue our art for many years to come,” said Eileen O'Donnell, vice president and 30-year member of the band.

The band recently completed its historic 100th anniversary season with a series of special events—a Memorial Day Concert in Scotch Plains, the premiere of a new commission by Bruce Yurko in an annual spring concert and a series of concerts in Westfield’s Mindowaskin Park.

The Westfield Community Band resumes rehearsals in September for a new season and to prepare for upcoming holiday events, with dates to be announced.