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Growing community band looks for new members

On Sunday nights the old church fills with the sound of music, as brass, woodwinds and piano play for an empty room.

Just a handful of musicians, known as the Cheyenne County Community Band, gather to practice for their love of the music, led by trombone player and conductor Chris Gabis.

“Now we’re trying to get people to join us,” he said. “Its been a real challenge, we don’t have enough players to fill all the parts.”

The band currently counts 11 members. They play for fun, but have also appeared at Gold Rush Days, Gurley's centennial celebration and other events. They are trying to learn polka tunes in advance of Sidney's Oktoberfest.

Among its members, there is a range of experience.

“I played for 45 years in a dance band and for the Way Out West Orchestra,” said Judy Harris, the band's pianist. “After Jess Nelson bought the church and made it into the center my grandson would preform singing and I would accompany him.”

Gabis studied music at the University of Wyoming and has tried his hand at conducting. Husband and wife musicians Bernie and Sharon Ferhringer joined as well-practiced and somewhat rusty members. Sharon spent years commuting to Scottsbluff to play oboe with a group. Bernie hadn't picked up his clarinet in more than 20 years.

The instrument dried out and shrank a little in the interim.

“I was tickled pink to be able to play here,” Sharon Ferhringer observed.

Other band members include Karen Linden and Michelle Beier, clarinets; Bill Struckmeyer, horn; David Pilger, alto sax; Joe Greve, flute; Danielle DeKruip, trumpet; Bill Cydow, tuba.

In addition to welcoming interested new members, they are hoping to start a jazz band for Diva Days.

 

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