47° and Fog
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by Nancy Swavely Mest
I am positive that most people are ready for spring and the warmer temperatures. The time change and first day of spring all happen during this month of March. The other event taking place this month is the 3rd Annual Community Band Extravaganza in Historic Sunnybrook Ballroom, Pottstown, PA. The date is Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 12-5 PM.
The Extravaganza features at least six community bands from the tri-county region of Berks, Montgomery, and Chester counties. The bands, ranging from 35 to over 60 members, will perform a 35- to 45-minute set.
The music consists of a diverse mix of traditional and modern band music, show tunes, and movie themes, classic marches and Big Band selections, wind ensemble and contemporary band choices.
This year our audience will enjoy music from Oley Valley Alumni and Community Band, Wyomissing Community Band, Pottsgrove Community Band, Exeter Community Band, and Quakertown Community Band -- all hosted by the Boyertown Alumni Concert Band and Marching Unit.
Doors open at 11:30 AM and there is ample parking and handicapped accessibility. There will be a full bar available in the ballroom. At 4:00 PM, Gatsby’s restaurant will begin taking orders for food service in the ballroom as well. Tickets are available in advance ($10.00) from band members, or through the BAMU newsletter, or ($10.00+ fee) online via Sunnybrook–SoulJoels.com, or $15.00 at the door.
The Boyertown Alumni Concert Band and Marching Unit will feature some traditional favorites as well as new selections. The BAMU portion will open with the St. Louis Blues March! Other familiar offerings are the march Semper Fidelis, the trumpet feature Bugle Call Rag as well as Saints. Groovitude, a new selection from composer Randle Standridge that blends rock, funk, disco and jazz promises to be loads of fun for the audience and the band. Don’t miss this great afternoon of music.
The Boyertown Alumni Band and Marching Unit is celebrating 50 years this year! There will be many opportunities to catch performances of the Unit in conjunction with our anniversary celebration and the 250th Anniversary of America! Keep an eye on The Boyertown Area Expression for future concert dates, and mark your calendar for Saturday, April 25, 2026, our Spring Concert @Boyertown Area Senior High School 2:00 PM.
Nancy Swavely Mest is a longtime local music educator, graduate of the Boyertown Area Senior High School class of 1978, a lifetime member of the Boyertown Alumni Marching Unit, and a new grandmother! She serves as an assistant to the band captain and directs the Ceremonial Band at many local community events. Mest also performs with "Finely Fluted," a flute ensemble that serves many of the local churches in the area. When she's not making music, she enjoys gardening and sports, as well.
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