Sun City Resident and Jarrell ISD Making Music Together
photo of Tom Repede by Kim Repede
Never tell a tuba player he can’t handle a heavy load.
Six months ago, Sun City resident Tom Repede was longing to play in a band closer to home. This month, the community band he founded, sponsored by the Jarrell Independent School District, will begin rehearsals.
The idea of partnering with local high school students was born at a Sun City actors’ group discussion. Then, fate intervened when Tom visited his hair stylist, Emily Clear at Studio 180 Salon in Jarrell. He mentioned his idea and she suggested he contact Stephen Grant, JISD Middle School Band Director and Assistant Director of Bands. Scott Lanham, Director of Bands, was also quick to help promote the idea. Both signed on as co-conductors and even plan to perform when not conducting.
Jarrell ISD will provide rehearsal and performance space, along with percussion equipment for the new wind ensemble featuring brass, woodwinds, and percussion.
MOBILIZING MUSICIANS
Tom began advertising for musicians and was pleasantly surprised by the response. Musicians from all walks of life jumped on the band wagon, including an 84-year old trumpet player and band directors from other area schools. As well, high school juniors and seniors, recommended by their band directors, will be invited to join. So far, 38 instrumentalists have signed up and Tom plans to continue recruiting until he reaches his goal of 60.
LEADER OF THE BAND
Tom began playing the sousaphone alongside his father at age 10. Fifteen years ago, after a career in information technology at Fortune 500 companies, he picked up a tuba and rekindled his passion for music. It was an easy transition as the tuba is in the same family as the sousaphone, but Tom finds it to be richer in tone. His grandson, however, is continuing the family tradition as a sousaphone player, and is currently applying for college marching band scholarships.
CURTAIN GOING UP
The first community band concert will be in Jarrell ISD’s impressive Performing Arts Center. Attendees will enjoy musical scores from show tunes, movie themes, marches, and light classical pieces. Tom’s musicians believe this collaboration will prove to be another example of the camaraderie that makes our local communities thrive.
Concerts this year will be free and open to the public. The lights go down for the first performance Sunday, March 6 at 7pm at 1100 W FM 487 in Jarrell. Musicians wishing to join the band can contact Tom Repede at 847-345-4109 or [email protected].