For the past 10 years, musicians from throughout Wayne County have gathered to take part in a uniquely American tradition – the community band.

Community bands like Wooster’s, which was organized in the early 1920s, have a long and storied history.

The origin of community bands dates back to the 1880s when bands numbered in the thousands and concerts in parks and town squares were as popular as rock concerts are today.

While the earliest bands were predominantly military bands, over time they evolved into business and community bands. By the turn of the 20th century most towns had a community band as a source of entertainment and civic pride.

The popularity of community bands peaked around 1910 when there were about 18,000 groups in the United States. While the number of bands decreased as other forms of entertainment became available, community bands have experienced a resurgence in recent years. Today, an estimated 1,600 such bands perform regularly throughout the U.S., a number which is growing each year.

Like their counterparts across the country, Wooster’s community band brings the community together in a special way.

The band, which performs under the direction of Mark Hillegass, consists of musicians from throughout the county, of all ages and ability levels, from middle, high school and college students to seasoned veterans, local music educators and professional musicians.

According to Hillegass, this year’s band features musicians from ages 11 to 90.

For the youngest performers, having the opportunity to play alongside veteran musicians is an invaluable experience. For the more seasoned musicians, many of whom played instruments as teens and have continued to play for the sheer joy of performing, the band provides them with the unique opportunity to once again be a part of a musical ensemble.

According to Wooster Community Band organizer Gerald Payn, the band is a community band in the truest sense of the word.

In addition to providing the talented musicians who make up the band and the enthusiastic audiences that flock to hear them perform, community organizations and individuals come together each year to provide the band members with the support they need.

The College of Wooster and its director of bands, Nancy Ditmer, provides space for the band’s weekly rehearsals, while the music the band plays is borrowed from area schools, including Wooster High School.

The concerts are organized and sponsored by the Wayne County Historical Society and event sponsor Julie Mennes. Even nearby St. Mary’s Catholic Church has opened its doors as a rain location for the concerts when inclement weather has forced the band to move indoors.

When thunderstorms moved into the area for the band’s June 22 concert, the band took St. Mary’s up on their offer and welcomed an audience of more than 150 to enjoy a concert filled with patriotic selections.

The band’s June concert marked Hillegass’ final performance as conductor. Before leaving to accept a position as a middle and high school band director in Texas, Hillegass will turn over the baton to Randy Claes for the final performance of the 2011 season July 20, at 7 p.m., on the front lawn of historic Beall House on the society’s campus.

Community members are still welcome to become part of the band, which rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings, at 7 p.m., in the Scheide Music Center on The College of Wooster campus.

For more information on being part of the Wooster Community Band, contact Gerald Payn by email at gmpayn@sssnet.com.

For more information on the Wayne County Historical Society, visit http://www.waynehistoricalohio.org.