We did it! The Amherst Community Band will be performing our last outdoor concert in Sweetser Park on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. The conductor for this concert will be Richard Cuoco. There will be music to please all ages, such as “The Lion King,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Pixar Movie Magic.” Other selections include Sousa’s “El Capitan,” “El Camino Real” and a vocal special of “Blue Moon.”

Then on Tuesday, Aug. 18, the group will be performing on the South Amherst Common in collaboration with the South Amherst Church. For this concert, you could order a barbecue chicken meal then enjoy an outdoor dinner and free concert. The performance will begin at 6 p.m. This is a concert the band members are excited to play because the program is based on the members’ favorite music of the summer.

If you’re interested in purchasing a meal, you would need to contact the church and order it ahead of time. They are also having a craft sale.

It wasn’t too long ago that we learned our beloved conductor wouldn’t be with us for this season. We didn’t know whether we would be able to continue this community band. A flurry of emails confirmed how important this group has been to its members as well as to the community. Band members volunteered to help make these summer performances happen. This is what makes the season so heartwarming and special. It was put together by the members of the band.

A community band instills pride in the community. It brings neighbors, organizations and local musicians together. This summer, we have had the privilege of working with Amherst Recreation, Amherst BID, The Amherst Historical Society, South Amherst Church, Amherst and Mass Cultural Council as well as the UMass Music Department. We are grateful and appreciative for all of their support.

Rather than select one conductor, we felt it would be beneficial to look for and find several guest conductors. Having a variety of conductors was a good experience for everyone. Each conductor had a favorite collection of music they brought to us.

Much appreciation and thanks goes to the UMass Music Department, which let us use their large rehearsal space and transported the chairs and stands to the various venues we performed at.

We hope to see you at our last concerts. Remember to bring a lawn chair and friends.

Judy Gutlerner

Amherst