Town Band Banter with Doc and Dave

Both Dave and Doc have a wonderful friend in this episode’s guest: General Reginald Centracchio. Beyond the fantastic contributions through his military career, he has also contributed to the State of Rhode Island through his trumpet playing and booking and organization of many music opportunities. Now retired from the military, Reggie is the Chair of the 250th Celebration for the the State of Rhode Island as well as his hometown of Scituate, RI. His countless contributions throughout the small, but complex and diverse state are unprecedented. His presence in front of a microphone as well as while leading musical and community events has always been exceptional. We had a great time sharing stories and memories as always with a guy we cherish to call a friend.  We hope you enjoy the ride!

We get the New Year started off with a high energy chat with our friend, Dr. Rob Franzblau, retired Director of Bands at Rhode Island College and current director of The Rhode Island Wind Ensemble (RIWE). Rob had a fascinating career path to this point and, though retired since 2023, doesn’t seem to be lacking in energy or innovation. We were particularly fascinated with one of many community outreach programs RIWE promotes: Band Instrument Renewal Drive (BIRD, acronym courtesy of Rob!). Band instruments that are not being played are donated from various sources, local instrument repair shops work as partners and are reimbursed for their work through RIWE fundraising, then the instruments are donated back into school band programs that are in need of them. Hopefully, the instruments will continue to be used for many years to come. To help with this effort and to learn more about RIWE, search for their website: riwe.org and join the band, attend a concert, donate an instrument or $ for the the program. Surely this will help many students with our goal for them: “Just Keep On Playin!”RIWE link: riwe.orgAs always, we invite you to also contact us with questions and comments at [email protected] to Follow or Subscribe and Share! Share! Share!

We had a high spirited, wide ranging, on site, but chilly visit with Dr. Mark Stickney, founder of the Historic Music of Newport Foundation. Mark has combined his roots from historic Newport, Rhode Island music festivals that he and his family were a big part of beginning in his childhood through a 20+ college teaching career and now returning full circle back to Newport. The Foundation, founded in 2022, under Mark and his outstanding board of directors are making great contributions to revealing the fascinating history of music in Newport, Rhode Island through the 1800’s to present. They have catalogued over 1,000 pieces of music, researched over 900 musicians and much more while disseminating the information through their website, publications and visits to schools and conferences. To learn more, or contact Mark, please visit their website and/or email listed below.web site: historicmusicofnewport.orgEmail:[email protected] always, we invite you to also contact us with questions and comments at [email protected] to Follow or Subscribe and Share! Share! Share!

We had a high spirited, wide ranging, on site, but chilly visit with Dr. Mark Stickney, founder of the Historic Music of Newport Foundation. Mark has combined his roots from historic Newport, Rhode Island music festivals that he and his family were a big part of beginning in his childhood through a 20+ college teaching career and now returning full circle back to Newport. The Foundation, founded in 2022, under Mark and his outstanding board of directors are making great contributions to revealing the fascinating history of music in Newport, Rhode Island through the 1800’s to present. They have catalogued over 1,000 pieces of music, researched over 900 musicians and much more while disseminating the information through their website, publications and visits to schools and conferences. To learn more, or contact Mark, please visit their website and/or email listed below.web site: historicmusicofnewport.orgEmail:[email protected] always, we invite you to also contact us with questions and comments at [email protected] to Follow or Subscribe and Share! Share! Share!

S3E1 Trick AND Treat AND BanterSeason 3 begins with high energy banter from our hosts recorded on Halloween! The hilarious shared reflections of the first two seasons and the exciting plans for a new season are more than enough to demonstrate our hosts at their best! Enjoy the ride. Then share it with your friends and family and everyone else. There will be plenty of room for everyone as we all support and grow the amazing world of community music ensembles!Please share your comments and requests for future topics with us via:email: [email protected]: Town Band BanterInstagram: #townbandbanterTikTok: COMING SOON!!As promised, here is the link to The Jamestown Community Band performing “Coffin Races” at their Fall concert on October 24, 2025: https:??youtu.be/nAHwOo-BVdc

Doc and Dave learned about the world of Mandolin Ensembles from an expert, Joshua Bell Director of the l’Esperance Mandolin Ensemble of Providence, RI. We were also joined by a former Mandolin student of Josh’s, ands our own first season star Sandra Enos! Josh’s extensive knowledge of the world and history of mandolin as well as his welcoming attitude for new learners was more than enough for a wonderful episode. We all knew Josh, but we also all learned something from him during this session and, as we had promised, we expand into other types of community ensembles beyond concert and jazz bands. The historical proliferation of the mandolin as a solo instrument as well as a family of instruments results in mandolin bands existing throughout the USA and the world. We are sure you will enjoy this brief introduction to the vibrant genre of community music ensembles. To contact and learn more about l’Esperance Mandlin Ensemble, visit their website at lesperancemandolin.com or contact Joshua Bell directly at 401-345-6930Your comments are always appreciated for the podcast at [email protected]

Doc and Dave learned about the world of Mandolin Ensembles from an expert, Joshua Bell Director of the l’Esperance Mandolin Ensemble of Providence, RI. We were also joined by a former Mandolin student of Josh’s, ands our own first season star Sandra Enos! Josh’s extensive knowledge of the world and history of mandolin as well as his welcoming attitude for new learners was more than enough for a wonderful episode. We all knew Josh, but we also all learned something from him during this session and, as we had promised, we expand into other types of community ensembles beyond concert and jazz bands. The historical proliferation of the mandolin as a solo instrument as well as a family of instruments results in mandolin bands existing throughout the USA and the world. We are sure you will enjoy this brief introduction to the vibrant genre of community music ensembles. To contact and learn more about l’Esperance Mandlin Ensemble, visit their website at lesperancemandolin.com or contact Joshua Bell directly at 401-345-6930Your comments are always appreciated for the podcast at [email protected]

We had a wonderful visit with one of the outstanding band leaders of our lifetime, Captain Lew Buckley. He was most famous for being the longest tenured conductor of all top military bands during his 29 year and 4 month term as Director of the United States Coast Guard Band in New London,  CT.  The band’s reputation has always been extraordinary and Captain Buckley has earned a reputation as a band director who consistently produces spectacular results with the ensembles he directs. He continued that after his retirement from the Coast Guard Band during 9 years conducting the Metropolitan Wind Symphony of Boston and is currently conducting several ensembles in a second retirement “deployment” that he and his wife are enjoying in the surprisingly musical rich environment of The Villages of Central Florida. The balance of humanitarian kindness and adaptation with the joys of making music that Captain Buckley has found at The Villages is a highlight of this episode.

Dr. Concetta Tomaino is a giant in her field of Music Therapy, but was simultaneously an unassuming and awesome guest for this podcast! We thoroughly enjoyed our visit as we hope you all will. She worked with Dr. Oliver Sacks very early in her career just as he was starting his landmark studies about music and the brain. His book, “Musicophillia” set the standard for understanding how the brain processed music. Between them, they started building a foundation for understanding and developing practical therapies for the many applications that music therapy offers for patients of all ages and many disabilities. Dr. Tomaino’s recent book, “Music Has Power® in Senior Wellness and Healthcare” will certainly become the bible for the practical application of music therapy especially in helping the growing population of senior citizens age joyfully. Her advice will certainly help the tens of thousands of seniors in community music ensembles throughout the future. The book is available in paperback and digital forms on many online book sellers as well as through the publisher, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, USA (Music Has Power® in Senior Wellness and Healthcare | Jessica Kingsley Publishers - USA). She also offers an online course for certification to use these techniques in senior wellness settings: Best Practices from Music Therapy for Senior Wellness and Healthcare | IMNF CertificationConcetta M. Tomaino, DA, LCAT, MT-BCExecutive Director/co-founderInstitute for Music and Neurologic FunctionOne Wartburg PlaceMt. Vernon, NY 10552PLEASE remember to FOLLOW the podcast so you don’t miss an episode. “Liking” and SHARING the podcast help others find this important content. As always, we look forward to your comments about our podcast:[email protected]

Prepare yourself for a very entertaining episode featuring our guests: Roger LaRocque, and Dr. Keith Richardson from Hershey, Pennsylvania. The South Hanover Community Band is only 3 years old and seems well positioned to develop further in relatively new facilities. It is providing summer music for listeners and opportunities for local musicians to have fun performing. Roger, an old friend of Doc Smith’s, let us know about the band and his new friend, Dr. Richardson. Keith is the director of the high school band in town and actually grew up in the area. But, apparently there was not a community band that he found out about while he was younger. After studying music education and trumpet performance at the fine music department of Lebanon Valley College he earned a masters degree (Duquesne) and eventually a DMA (Boston University) while balancing a teaching career. His dissertation topic, developing leadership in bands, is something that he is an excellent model of throughout his career. As he was completing his dissertation, he founded the South Hannover Community Band with a handful of local bands enthusiasts including Roger LaRocque. Roger was a trumpet player in the Rhode Island area who made his living in automobile sales, but is certainly enthusiastic about playing his trumpet! He moved to Hershey a few years ago and discovered this band just as it was starting. Their bandshell provides a distant view of famous Hershey Park, but the best ride for you today will be listening to their stories right here. Enjoy!! To contact Dr. Richardson about the South Hanover Community Band you can find information on the town website:https://www.southhanover.org.org or on the band’s Facebook page: South Hanover Township Community Band or Dr. Richardson’s school email [email protected]

Marquette City Band Shell and more! Dr. Steve Grugin was our guest for a spirited conversation about music making on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We were glad to hear that all is well and thriving for The Marquette City Band as well as Northern Michigan University Bands where Dr. Grugin is experiencing his first year of retirement as Director of Bands. He has continued to be the professor of Low Brass at NMU, Director of the NMU Alumni Band and Director of The Marquette City Band.  Dr. Grugin’s building of all of these organizations over the last few decades has been very impressive. But, consistent with his proven drive to build excellence, he is in the midst of another kind of building project, raising funds to replace the “decommissioned” Marquette Bandshell at scenic Presque Isle located on the shores of Lake Superior. The links to help with that project are below. Congratulations to Dr. Grugin on his retirement and outstanding career accomplishments! And, thank you for being an entertaining guest! “Just keep on playin”! But, we hope he “works harder” on also enjoying some well earned downtime during retirement! To help with contributions to the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell project either mail a check to: Marquette City Band, P.O. Box 701 (please write “BAND SHELL” and the name to be used for recognition on the memo line) or use the link below. The Marquette City Band is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowable by law  https://mqtcompass.com/band-shell/ Any other questions can be directed to Dr. Grugin via email: [email protected]

Marquette City Band Shell and more! Dr. Steve Grugin was our guest for a spirited conversation about music making on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We were glad to hear that all is well and thriving for The Marquette City Band as well as Northern Michigan University Bands where Dr. Grugin is experiencing his first year of retirement as Director of Bands. He has continued to be the professor of Low Brass at NMU, Director of the NMU Alumni Band and Director of The Marquette City Band.  Dr. Grugin’s building of all of these organizations over the last few decades has been very impressive. But, consistent with his proven drive to build excellence, he is in the midst of another kind of building project, raising funds to replace the “decommissioned” Marquette Bandshell at scenic Presque Isle located on the shores of Lake Superior. The links to help with that project are below. Congratulations to Dr. Grugin on his retirement and outstanding career accomplishments! And, thank you for being an entertaining guest! “Just keep on playin”! But, we hope he “works harder” on also enjoying some well earned downtime during retirement! To help with contributions to the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell project either mail a check to: Marquette City Band, P.O. Box 701 (please write “BAND SHELL” and the name to be used for recognition on the memo line) or use the link below. The Marquette City Band is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowable by law  https://mqtcompass.com/band-shell/ Any other questions can be directed to Dr. Grugin via email: [email protected]

Our guest, Dr. Julie Roth, a practicing neurologist in Providence, RI, professor of medicine at Brown University and eclectic bass performer was great fun to talk to about how we think about music while performing in community music ensembles. We heard about her from a previous guest, Dr. Marvin Wasser because she plays in the Providence Medical Orchestra with him and many other medical professionals. We touched on a variety of topics related to music cognition and how it relates to everyday performance issues for community ensemble musicians. We are looking forward to getting together again for one or more episodes digging deeper into specific topics about music cognition. Stay tuned!! (in other words, make sure to click SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don’t miss an episode). Contact information for our guest and the orchestra is: [email protected]  and the website for the orchestra is  https://sites.google.com/brown.edu/pmo/home As always, we look forward to your comments about our podcast: [email protected]

In a second episode recorded at Lehman College Podcast Studio (special thanks to Steve, our technician) Doc and Dave visited with two of the founders of a fantastic community jazz band in the New York City area, the Library Jazz Band. Nancy Maron is the leader who pulled all of this together as a saxophone player. She had stopped playing after college and a while later joined a community concert band or two and really missed jazz. On top of that, the hole that the pandemic-shut-down created among musicians lead her and a few others to form a new band in 2021. This is a great story about the birth of a band and it’s rapid rise in the region. Nancy is the Artistic Director and plays Alto and Soprano Sax in the band and is busy handling most of the administrative decisions. Rob Sussman is an accomplished trombone performer and arranger who was an original member of the Library Jazz Band. The band is so good, librarians don’t “shush” them!! Contact: Website libraryjazzband.org YouTube, Library Jazz Band Yonkers also on Facebook and Instagram

Doc and Dave actually managed to get to New York City to shoot two episodes at the awesome Lehman College Podcast studio. All of that was thanks to Karl Watson, one of our URI Alumni Band members who is serves in an Music Department administration and IT roles at Lehman between playing in a large variety of community and professional ensembles (violin in orchestras, woodwinds in everything from community concert bands to jazz big bands, latin and rock bands!). We also were honored to meet Alan Holander who is a bit of a legend in the New York concert band, orchestra and oboe scene. The episode traveled deep into the community band genre and the unique perspectives of both of these great guests! Enjoy the ride!! Please contact the Lehman Music department for additional information about their undergraduate and graduate music programs ([email protected] as well as the Lehman You Tube Page: @LehmanMusicDepartment.

Doc and Dave are at their best with humorous reflections about entering the world of podcasting and many of the surprising things they learned about community bands and delivering digital content. Plans for an exciting line up of guests and goals for the next season leads to an uplifting close, for now. In the mean time, "Just Keep on Playin!"

As the holiday concerts wrap up, Doc and Dave share some reflections on the podcast so far, announce plans for the future development of the podcast, and request listener suggestions for future topics and guests. Without a guest or any “adult supervision” their tangental approach boarders on amusing, informative and sometimes just plane silly. Enjoy the ride!  Remember to contact them with you ideas at: [email protected] They spend time discussing the recent Jamestown Community Band performance. Here is a link to a YouTube stationary camera video of the event. 

This was a really fun visit with a music store institution in Southern New England, Robert’s Music owners, Terri and Rob Vivieros. We learned about their musical backgrounds and the unusual path that led them to lead one the most solid music stores in the region. Their passion and commitment to life-long learning in music are obvious, mixed in with plenty of laughs about the journey. Ultimately, it became obvious during the spirited conversation that the role of a music store and their staff are so central to the success of music programs and individual musicians successes at any age or level of proficiency, that none of the amazing lifelong journeys through music performance would be possible.   If you wish to contact them, please at [email protected] https://robertsmusicri.com or call 401-823-5459 Share the episode with you friends and anyone who you want to be your friend. Just Keep-on playin’!!

Town Band Banter hosts, Doc and dave visit with one of their great friends, Nate Lauder. Though the Westerly Band has been around consistently since the 1800’s, Nate has been the President of the Westerly Band for the past few years. His journey through a musical career ending up on tuba is very entertaining. His unique perceptions of the band and how it is being effectively run are as refreshing as they are effective.  If you wish to contact him, please contact us through the podcast website: [email protected] and we will make sure he gets the message. Share the episode with you friends and anyone who you want to be your friend. Enjoy!!

Town Band Banter hosts, Doc and Dave visit with one of their amazing friends, Dr. Marvin Wasser. He retired after 41 years of serving as an outstanding Pediatrician in Cranston, RI. However, the span of his musical experiences stretches much longer than that, almost 7 decades! The diversity of his musical experiences is amazing: Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Oboe, and all of the saxophones in classical and jazz settings. We know you will enjoy getting to know Dr. Wasser! If you wish to contact him, please contact us through the podcast website: [email protected] and we will make sure he gets the message. Share the episode with your friends and anyone who you want to be your friend. Enjoy!!

Town Band Banter hosts, Doc and Dave visit with one of their amazing friends, Dr. Marvin Wasser. He retired after 41 years of serving as an outstanding Pediatrician in Cranston, RI. However, the span of his musical experiences stretches much longer than that, almost 7 decades! The diversity of his musical experiences is amazing: Flute, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Oboe, and all of the saxophones in classical and jazz settings. We know you will enjoy getting to know Dr. Wasser! If you wish to contact him, please contact us through the podcast website: [email protected] and we will make sure he gets the message. Share the episode with your friends and anyone who you want to be your friend. Enjoy!!

This episode features one of the most outstanding music educators of our time and definitely one of the most humble, Dr. Orin Richard Bundy. He retired as Director of the Penn State Blue Band. His story of a guy who had to rely on his natural talent, inspirational work ethic and humble brilliance throughout his storied career. His insights about community band are also very interesting. A great visit!!

Doc and Dave are at their best with humorous reflections about entering the world of podcasting and many of the surprising things they learned about community bands and delivering digital content. Plans for an exciting line up of guests and goals for the next season leads to an uplifting close, for now. In the mean time, "Just Keep on Playin!" Remember to "Follow" [email protected]

We had a great visit with New England musician, outstanding music educator and consummate music advocate Dr. David Neves. He traces his mother's wisdom during his early interest in playing Alto Sax through participation in Portuguese Bands, School Bands, General Business Bands, and All-State Ensembles leading to a music education major at Berkeley College, being named RI Teacher of the Year, and elected both President of RIMEA and eventually MENC Eastern Division. After retiring from RI teaching, Dr. Neves served as Arts Coordinator for the Needham, MA school district and is currently directing RIPYWE (Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensemble: [email protected])), Coordinator of Music Education for The University of Rhode Island and his life-long passion as Advocacy Co-Chair for RIMEA. Buckle-up for a fascinating story of accomplishment with a few memorable gems along the way!

This episode features our guest Alison Patton, Director of the Westerly Band. She leads a band that has a very long and storied history in the southern most town of Rhode Island. The band has a rather unique role in the community and some very creative recruiting mechanisms that keep things fresh and sustainable. The band can be contacted at: [email protected]

Dr. Brian Cardany is the director of one of the oldest community bands in the nation, The American Band of Providence, RI. The band's original charter was in 1837 and it has been performing mostly continuously since then. Dr. Cardany provided an entertaining and informative sketch about the bands storied history, the current triumphs of the band and his path to becoming it's director. Here are a few samples of The American Band available online: https://youtu.be/_N0jrqMs2cM?si=pYq0qB_CzBXjSEV5 https://youtu.be/mtNUBe4spK0?si=tII66QGiS2ol9zDp If you would like to contact Dr. Cardany, his e-mail is [email protected]

We welcome friend, great musician, band director and scholar Dr. Matthew McGarell. While serving as Director of Bands at Brown University, Matt was unexpectedly thrust into the world of Portuguese Bands locally and eventually internationally. His research and expertise has positively impacted Portuguese Club bands in the New England region as well as in Portugal. His modest demeanor should not diminish his amazing personal story and brilliant insights into the essence of what town bands are about. He provides a wonderful primer to this vibrant community of musicians and a unique perspective into the larger community band culture.

Town Band Banter will be expanding well beyond Rhode Island very soon with guests lining up on a national scale. However, this episode lays a great foundation for future topics with one of the founders of the Jamestown Community Band who was also the Family Doctor on the Island accessible by bridges in Little Rhody. Joe England offers a unique perspective on life-long learning and the role of community bands in participants' overall health and well being.

A lovely visit with an awesome person, Dr. Sandra Enos. She is a new member in the Jamestown Band and took on learning how to play an instrument while in her 70's to be able to do that. Her life history and path to and through an influential career in Sociology and eventually into the band is a great story! Of course, any comments or questions can be directed to us via e-mail: [email protected]  or Dr. Enos has agreed to share her e-mail: [email protected] Remember to "Follow" and "Share" so your friends can enjoy the ride with us each week.

After making a very serious (life changing?) correction from the previous episode, Dave and Doc explore more humorous anecdotes about critical issues within most town bands. We are looking forward to hearing from our listeners for ideas about future topics, guests and comments.  [email protected]

A very brief, but humorous, overview of bands in the past and how we fit in along the way. We are looking forward to hearing from our listeners for ideas about future topics, guests and comments.  [email protected]

Introduction to the topics that we plan to share with you and discuss through social media. We are looking forward to hearing from our listeners for ideas about future topics, guests and comments. [email protected]

Town Band Banter will be expanding well beyond Rhode Island very soon with guests lining up on a national scale. However, this episode lays a great foundation for future topics with one of the founders of the Jamestown Community Band who was also the Family Doctor on the Island accessible by bridges in Little Rhody. Joe England offers a unique perspective on life-long learning and the role of community bands in participants' overall health and well being.

A lovely visit with an awesome person, Dr. Sandra Enos. She is a new member in the Jamestown Band and took on learning how to play an instrument while in her 70's to be able to do that. Her life history and path to and through an influential career in Sociology and eventually into the band is a great story! Of course, any comments or questions can be directed to us via e-mail: [email protected]  or Dr. Enos has agreed to share her e-mail: [email protected] Remember to "Follow" and "Share" so your friends can enjoy the ride with us each week.

After making a very serious (life changing?) correction from the previous episode, Dave and Doc explore more humorous anecdotes about critical issues within most town bands. We are looking forward to hearing from our listeners for ideas about future topics, guests and comments.  [email protected]

A very brief, but humorous, overview of bands in the past and how we fit in along the way. We are looking forward to hearing from our listeners for ideas about future topics, guests and comments.  [email protected]

Introduction to the topics that we plan to share with you and discuss through social media. We are looking forward to hearing from our listeners for ideas about future topics, guests and comments. [email protected]