MUSIC IN THE PARK: Band plays encore

The La Cañada High Spartan van lined the side of the Memorial Park gazebo on Sunday, Aug. 17, but it was not the LCHS band playing this time, instead it was the LCF Community Band, conducted and organized by Susan Hamre, in its second Music in the Park appearance this summer.

Hamre, who usually works at LCHS as music director, devotes her summers to the community band who gathers out of love and passion for music.

“The difference between them and the philharmonic is that they don’t get paid and the philharmonic does,” joked Hamre.

A few hundred people ranging from toddlers to grandparents gathered on the warm, but slightly breezy Sunday evening to enjoy the American concert music ,which sounded jazzy and classical at certain points, having a nice range of melody and song.

The band consisted of trumpet, saxophone and clarinet players, among others.

Numerous lawn chairs were interspersed throughout the grassy field. Children played , people sat with their friends and pets and others enjoyed various games.

The LCHS Key Club was there again selling root beer floats to help raise money for their community service projects they have planned.

“It has been a really, really fun summer thing to do. Our friends come and we all help out,” said LCHS senior Julie Yu.

So far this summer the Key Club has helped with the Adopt a Meal program at Union Station in Pasadena. They have earned about $700 this summer and are already planning events like beach cleanups for the coming school year.

Overall people seemed to enjoy the band, the nice weather and fresh air.

“My family tries to make it every Sunday. It is such a nice environment and everyone is so friendly. It feels healthy to be out here and it is so nice and pleasant,” said Debbie Parker.

On Sunday, Aug. 24, the band Hot August Night will be playing a tribute to Neil Diamond in the final offering for the summer concert series. A movie in the park will follow.