Washington Municipal Band wraps up season

Director honors band member of 50-years at final concert of the season

Aug. 6, 2023 10:13 am

WASHINGTON — As Thursday’s farmer’s market came to a close, the Washington Municipal Band took the Central Park stage where they performed their last outdoor concert for their 91st season and honored a long-time band member.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to conclude our 91st season with the Washington Municipal Band,” Director Tom McNamar said as he welcomed the audience scattered throughout the park. “Please, we are going to be so proud to start once again with God Bless America.”

After playing “God Bless America” and Karl King’s “Cyrus the Great,” McNamar took the opportunity to express his gratitude for the musicians in the band.

“Being the director of this band is an absolute privilege, and it is a privilege for multiple reasons,” he said. “And all of those reasons are right behind me.”

McNamar introduced the audience to groups of band members according to how long they’ve played with the municipal band.

Musicians ranged from one year to more than 30 years of experience. McNamar fell into the 20–30-year range.

“Tonight, we're going to celebrate one very special individual who, this very week, is celebrating 50 years in the band,” McNamar announced as he asked band member Paul Towner to assist in honoring this band member.

“Fred Stark is 50 years in the band this very week,” McNamar said. “Fred is a longtime band director here in the public schools in Washington. He has influenced so many young musicians. Fred has been a fantastic member of the band. He has been in so many different committees.”

According to McNamar, a couple of these committees include city council and the Iowa Bandmasters Association.

“Fred, congratulations on 50 years in the Washington Municipal Band,” McNamar congratulated Stark.

The band then rounded out their last downtown concert and invited guests to join them as they then performed a final concert at the United Presbyterian Church Sunday.

“The Presbyterian Church is so kind to let us use their facility throughout the year, and this is our way to say thank you for letting us have air conditioning on Monday night practices throughout the season,” McNamar said.

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