Musical selections included themes like Old Times III and General Grant. The band’s first selection was “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The evening took on a Christmas in July Winter Wonderland theme with carols like “Sleigh Ride” and “Dashing through the Snow.”

Brett Umthun, head music director at Marshalltown High School, served as emcee of the event.

The performance proved to be family-friendly, with adults bringing their kids to listen to the music, while carrying lawn chairs and refreshments.

JoAnn Daters, Edith Podhajsky and Bev Ruopp came together to listen to the band play music. Podhajsky has a granddaughter who played in the band and invited her friend Ruopp to come with the two of them to the event.

Roughly 50 to 60 people listen to musical pieces performed by the Marshalltown Municipal Band.

“It’s something nice to come to. It’s just a wonderful night. We’re really enjoying the music,” all three of them said.

Umthun, said around 50 to 60 people usually show up when the Marshalltown Municipal Band plays every Thursday, and around 25 to 35 band members play. A wide range of younger and older people make up the musicians.

Umthun said precautions were made to keep band members as safe as possible.

“Everyone wore masks for our first performance and rehearsal. After that, COVID restrictions were lifted and things went back to normal,” he said. “We were spaced out but being outside brings more opportunity to perform with less restrictions that way.”

Umthun said this year has been fairly easy but he does experience a challenge performing outdoors and having another job.

“I would say, the weather. Managing the weather and getting the timing right,” he said. “Coordination and planning is tough with this job and being the head band director at the high school.”

Umthun, who started out as a percussionist seven to eight years ago and became the music director at MHS said his fondest memory is people experiencing the music.

“Seeing band members playing and different age groups experiencing new music and experiencing the variety of people that are able to play. That is my fondest memory,” Umthun said.

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Contact Marquetta Evans at 641-753-6611 or mevans@timesrepublican.com