Drawing members from 25 years and from around the country, the Warren County band began its reunion series Saturday under the direction of longtime leader Michael Chilcutt.
“It’s fun directing them again,” Chilcutt said during the band’s reunion concert Saturday in Morrison. “It’s just like old times except some of them have less hair now.”
The reunion brought together band members who served under Chilcutt’s tutelage during his time as director from 1971-1995.
“I just thought it’d be great if we could get together and play again with Chilcutt directing us,” said organizer Angie Simmons.
With the idea of a reunion series, social media was used to gauge interest of former players. The interest was overwhelming as nearly 50 signed up to play. Some, organizers admit, were rusty.
“For some of them, it’s the first time they’ve picked up a horn in 20 years,” said organizer Shawn Roberts. “Then, on the other end of the scale, we have some professors of music participating.”
The reunion and concert were held Saturday at the United Steel Worker’s union hall and featured a performance from former Pioneerettes. The band included former members from as far away as Florida and West Virginia.
“We hope to do a spring concert and maybe a football game,” Roberts said of plans to keep the band together. He noted players don’t have to be former Chilcutt students to participate and said several generations are already on board.