The Music in the Park Series in Staples kicks off on Sunday, July 10, at 7 p.m., with the sweet sounds of the Meire Grove Community Band. This is the first concert in the series which will run for five Sundays.
The Meire Grove Community Band represents a rich history and tradition that once flourished in nearly every Minnesota small town. Located in Sterns County with a population of only 125 people, this small farming community boasts of having the oldest, continuously performing community band in the entire state of Minnesota. The band was organized in 1883.
Band members have their family roots in the predominantly German heritage of Meire Grove. The love of music that exists among the band members and in the community, and because talent – and an instrument – seems to have passed on from father or mother to son and/or daughter, sister and/or brother, is an integral reason for the band’s continued success.
Band membership includes musicians of all ages who work together to provide quality band performances. The music the band performs focuses on traditional American marches, concert band pieces and folk music. For the younger musicians, playing with a mature ensemble expands their music education and sharpens their performance skills.
The band has connections to the Staples area, as several of its members are related to Orv and Marge Meyer of Staples, including their daughter Cindy, a 1982 graduate of Staples High School, and their granddaughter (Cindy’s daughter) Samantha Thieschafer. In addition, the Meyers have several nieces and nephews who participate, including niece Pat Zwack and her husband Gary Zwack, who is the band’s current director. Gary is the son-in-law of Vern Meyer (Orv’s brother) who was the band’s director for many years.
The Music in the Park Concerts are held in the Northern Pacific (NP) Park on Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. and will run through August 7. For more information on the Music in the Park series, check out www.staplesmotleyarts.org.
Northern Pacific (NP) Park is located at 625 6th St. NE. Go north on 6th Street at the junction of Hwys 10 and 210 and go six blocks. In case of rain, the concerts will be moved to Faith Lutheran Church in Staples.
The Music in the Park series is funded by the Staples Host Lions Club. The series is organized by the Staples Motley Area Arts Council, with the assistance of the City of Staples.
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