Town Band Banter with Doc and Dave

Both Dave and Doc have a wonderful friend in this episode’s guest: General Reginald Centracchio. Beyond the fantastic contributions through his military career, he has also contributed to the State of Rhode Island through his trumpet playing and booking and organization of many music opportunities. Now retired from the military, Reggie is the Chair of the 250th Celebration for the the State of Rhode Island as well as his hometown of Scituate, RI. His countless contributions throughout the small, but complex and diverse state are unprecedented. His presence in front of a microphone as well as while leading musical and community events has always been exceptional. We had a great time sharing stories and memories as always with a guy we cherish to call a friend.  We hope you enjoy the ride!

We get the New Year started off with a high energy chat with our friend, Dr. Rob Franzblau, retired Director of Bands at Rhode Island College and current director of The Rhode Island Wind Ensemble (RIWE). Rob had a fascinating career path to this point and, though retired since 2023, doesn’t seem to be lacking in energy or innovation. We were particularly fascinated with one of many community outreach programs RIWE promotes: Band Instrument Renewal Drive (BIRD, acronym courtesy of Rob!). Band instruments that are not being played are donated from various sources, local instrument repair shops work as partners and are reimbursed for their work through RIWE fundraising, then the instruments are donated back into school band programs that are in need of them. Hopefully, the instruments will continue to be used for many years to come. To help with this effort and to learn more about RIWE, search for their website: riwe.org and join the band, attend a concert, donate an instrument or $ for the the program. Surely this will help many students with our goal for them: “Just Keep On Playin!”RIWE link: riwe.orgAs always, we invite you to also contact us with questions and comments at info@TownBandBanter.comRemember to Follow or Subscribe and Share! Share! Share!

We get the New Year started off with a high energy chat with our friend, Dr. Rob Franzblau, retired Director of Bands at Rhode Island College and current director of The Rhode Island Wind Ensemble (RIWE). Rob had a fascinating career path to this point and, though retired since 2023, doesn’t seem to be lacking in energy or innovation. We were particularly fascinated with one of many community outreach programs RIWE promotes: Band Instrument Renewal Drive (BIRD, acronym courtesy of Rob!). Band instruments that are not being played are donated from various sources, local instrument repair shops work as partners and are reimbursed for their work through RIWE fundraising, then the instruments are donated back into school band programs that are in need of them. Hopefully, the instruments will continue to be used for many years to come. To help with this effort and to learn more about RIWE, search for their website: riwe.org and join the band, attend a concert, donate an instrument or $ for the the program. Surely this will help many students with our goal for them: “Just Keep On Playin!”RIWE link: riwe.orgAs always, we invite you to also contact us with questions and comments at info@TownBandBanter.comRemember to Follow or Subscribe and Share! Share! Share!

We had a high spirited, wide ranging, on site, but chilly visit with Dr. Mark Stickney, founder of the Historic Music of Newport Foundation. Mark has combined his roots from historic Newport, Rhode Island music festivals that he and his family were a big part of beginning in his childhood through a 20+ college teaching career and now returning full circle back to Newport. The Foundation, founded in 2022, under Mark and his outstanding board of directors are making great contributions to revealing the fascinating history of music in Newport, Rhode Island through the 1800’s to present. They have catalogued over 1,000 pieces of music, researched over 900 musicians and much more while disseminating the information through their website, publications and visits to schools and conferences. To learn more, or contact Mark, please visit their website and/or email listed below.web site: historicmusicofnewport.orgEmail:staff@historicmusicofnewport.orgAs always, we invite you to also contact us with questions and comments at info@TownBandBanter.comRemember to Follow or Subscribe and Share! Share! Share!

We had a high spirited, wide ranging, on site, but chilly visit with Dr. Mark Stickney, founder of the Historic Music of Newport Foundation. Mark has combined his roots from historic Newport, Rhode Island music festivals that he and his family were a big part of beginning in his childhood through a 20+ college teaching career and now returning full circle back to Newport. The Foundation, founded in 2022, under Mark and his outstanding board of directors are making great contributions to revealing the fascinating history of music in Newport, Rhode Island through the 1800’s to present. They have catalogued over 1,000 pieces of music, researched over 900 musicians and much more while disseminating the information through their website, publications and visits to schools and conferences. To learn more, or contact Mark, please visit their website and/or email listed below.web site: historicmusicofnewport.orgEmail:staff@historicmusicofnewport.orgAs always, we invite you to also contact us with questions and comments at info@TownBandBanter.comRemember to Follow or Subscribe and Share! Share! Share!

S3E1 Trick AND Treat AND BanterSeason 3 begins with high energy banter from our hosts recorded on Halloween! The hilarious shared reflections of the first two seasons and the exciting plans for a new season are more than enough to demonstrate our hosts at their best! Enjoy the ride. Then share it with your friends and family and everyone else. There will be plenty of room for everyone as we all support and grow the amazing world of community music ensembles!Please share your comments and requests for future topics with us via:email: info@TownBandBanter.comFacebook: Town Band BanterInstagram: #townbandbanterTikTok: COMING SOON!!As promised, here is the link to The Jamestown Community Band performing “Coffin Races” at their Fall concert on October 24, 2025: https:??youtu.be/nAHwOo-BVdc

S3E1 Trick AND Treat AND BanterSeason 3 begins with high energy banter from our hosts recorded on Halloween! The hilarious shared reflections of the first two seasons and the exciting plans for a new season are more than enough to demonstrate our hosts at their best! Enjoy the ride. Then share it with your friends and family and everyone else. There will be plenty of room for everyone as we all support and grow the amazing world of community music ensembles!Please share your comments and requests for future topics with us via:email: info@TownBandBanter.comFacebook: Town Band BanterInstagram: #townbandbanterTikTok: COMING SOON!!As promised, here is the link to The Jamestown Community Band performing “Coffin Races” at their Fall concert on October 24, 2025: https:??youtu.be/nAHwOo-BVdc

Doc and Dave learned about the world of Mandolin Ensembles from an expert, Joshua Bell Director of the l’Esperance Mandolin Ensemble of Providence, RI. We were also joined by a former Mandolin student of Josh’s, ands our own first season star Sandra Enos! Josh’s extensive knowledge of the world and history of mandolin as well as his welcoming attitude for new learners was more than enough for a wonderful episode. We all knew Josh, but we also all learned something from him during this session and, as we had promised, we expand into other types of community ensembles beyond concert and jazz bands. The historical proliferation of the mandolin as a solo instrument as well as a family of instruments results in mandolin bands existing throughout the USA and the world. We are sure you will enjoy this brief introduction to the vibrant genre of community music ensembles. To contact and learn more about l’Esperance Mandlin Ensemble, visit their website at lesperancemandolin.com or contact Joshua Bell directly at 401-345-6930Your comments are always appreciated for the podcast at info@TownBandBanter.com

Doc and Dave learned about the world of Mandolin Ensembles from an expert, Joshua Bell Director of the l’Esperance Mandolin Ensemble of Providence, RI. We were also joined by a former Mandolin student of Josh’s, ands our own first season star Sandra Enos! Josh’s extensive knowledge of the world and history of mandolin as well as his welcoming attitude for new learners was more than enough for a wonderful episode. We all knew Josh, but we also all learned something from him during this session and, as we had promised, we expand into other types of community ensembles beyond concert and jazz bands. The historical proliferation of the mandolin as a solo instrument as well as a family of instruments results in mandolin bands existing throughout the USA and the world. We are sure you will enjoy this brief introduction to the vibrant genre of community music ensembles. To contact and learn more about l’Esperance Mandlin Ensemble, visit their website at lesperancemandolin.com or contact Joshua Bell directly at 401-345-6930Your comments are always appreciated for the podcast at info@TownBandBanter.com

We had a wonderful visit with one of the outstanding band leaders of our lifetime, Captain Lew Buckley. He was most famous for being the longest tenured conductor of all top military bands during his 29 year and 4 month term as Director of the United States Coast Guard Band in New London,  CT.  The band’s reputation has always been extraordinary and Captain Buckley has earned a reputation as a band director who consistently produces spectacular results with the ensembles he directs. He continued that after his retirement from the Coast Guard Band during 9 years conducting the Metropolitan Wind Symphony of Boston and is currently conducting several ensembles in a second retirement “deployment” that he and his wife are enjoying in the surprisingly musical rich environment of The Villages of Central Florida. The balance of humanitarian kindness and adaptation with the joys of making music that Captain Buckley has found at The Villages is a highlight of this episode.

We had a wonderful visit with one of the outstanding band leaders of our lifetime, Captain Lew Buckley. He was most famous for being the longest tenured conductor of all top military bands during his 29 year and 4 month term as Director of the United States Coast Guard Band in New London,  CT.  The band’s reputation has always been extraordinary and Captain Buckley has earned a reputation as a band director who consistently produces spectacular results with the ensembles he directs. He continued that after his retirement from the Coast Guard Band during 9 years conducting the Metropolitan Wind Symphony of Boston and is currently conducting several ensembles in a second retirement “deployment” that he and his wife are enjoying in the surprisingly musical rich environment of The Villages of Central Florida. The balance of humanitarian kindness and adaptation with the joys of making music that Captain Buckley has found at The Villages is a highlight of this episode.

Dr. Concetta Tomaino is a giant in her field of Music Therapy, but was simultaneously an unassuming and awesome guest for this podcast! We thoroughly enjoyed our visit as we hope you all will. She worked with Dr. Oliver Sacks very early in her career just as he was starting his landmark studies about music and the brain. His book, “Musicophillia” set the standard for understanding how the brain processed music. Between them, they started building a foundation for understanding and developing practical therapies for the many applications that music therapy offers for patients of all ages and many disabilities. Dr. Tomaino’s recent book, “Music Has Power® in Senior Wellness and Healthcare” will certainly become the bible for the practical application of music therapy especially in helping the growing population of senior citizens age joyfully. Her advice will certainly help the tens of thousands of seniors in community music ensembles throughout the future. The book is available in paperback and digital forms on many online book sellers as well as through the publisher, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, USA (Music Has Power® in Senior Wellness and Healthcare | Jessica Kingsley Publishers - USA). She also offers an online course for certification to use these techniques in senior wellness settings: Best Practices from Music Therapy for Senior Wellness and Healthcare | IMNF CertificationConcetta M. Tomaino, DA, LCAT, MT-BCExecutive Director/co-founderInstitute for Music and Neurologic FunctionOne Wartburg PlaceMt. Vernon, NY 10552PLEASE remember to FOLLOW the podcast so you don’t miss an episode. “Liking” and SHARING the podcast help others find this important content. As always, we look forward to your comments about our podcast:info@TownBandBanter.com

Dr. Concetta Tomaino is a giant in her field of Music Therapy, but was simultaneously an unassuming and awesome guest for this podcast! We thoroughly enjoyed our visit as we hope you all will. She worked with Dr. Oliver Sacks very early in her career just as he was starting his landmark studies about music and the brain. His book, “Musicophillia” set the standard for understanding how the brain processed music. Between them, they started building a foundation for understanding and developing practical therapies for the many applications that music therapy offers for patients of all ages and many disabilities. Dr. Tomaino’s recent book, “Music Has Power® in Senior Wellness and Healthcare” will certainly become the bible for the practical application of music therapy especially in helping the growing population of senior citizens age joyfully. Her advice will certainly help the tens of thousands of seniors in community music ensembles throughout the future. The book is available in paperback and digital forms on many online book sellers as well as through the publisher, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, USA (Music Has Power® in Senior Wellness and Healthcare | Jessica Kingsley Publishers - USA). She also offers an online course for certification to use these techniques in senior wellness settings: Best Practices from Music Therapy for Senior Wellness and Healthcare | IMNF CertificationConcetta M. Tomaino, DA, LCAT, MT-BCExecutive Director/co-founderInstitute for Music and Neurologic FunctionOne Wartburg PlaceMt. Vernon, NY 10552PLEASE remember to FOLLOW the podcast so you don’t miss an episode. “Liking” and SHARING the podcast help others find this important content. As always, we look forward to your comments about our podcast:info@TownBandBanter.com

Prepare yourself for a very entertaining episode featuring our guests: Roger LaRocque, and Dr. Keith Richardson from Hershey, Pennsylvania. The South Hanover Community Band is only 3 years old and seems well positioned to develop further in relatively new facilities. It is providing summer music for listeners and opportunities for local musicians to have fun performing. Roger, an old friend of Doc Smith’s, let us know about the band and his new friend, Dr. Richardson. Keith is the director of the high school band in town and actually grew up in the area. But, apparently there was not a community band that he found out about while he was younger. After studying music education and trumpet performance at the fine music department of Lebanon Valley College he earned a masters degree (Duquesne) and eventually a DMA (Boston University) while balancing a teaching career. His dissertation topic, developing leadership in bands, is something that he is an excellent model of throughout his career. As he was completing his dissertation, he founded the South Hannover Community Band with a handful of local bands enthusiasts including Roger LaRocque. Roger was a trumpet player in the Rhode Island area who made his living in automobile sales, but is certainly enthusiastic about playing his trumpet! He moved to Hershey a few years ago and discovered this band just as it was starting. Their bandshell provides a distant view of famous Hershey Park, but the best ride for you today will be listening to their stories right here. Enjoy!! To contact Dr. Richardson about the South Hanover Community Band you can find information on the town website:https://www.southhanover.org.org or on the band’s Facebook page: South Hanover Township Community Band or Dr. Richardson’s school email krichardson@ldsd.org

Prepare yourself for a very entertaining episode featuring our guests: Roger LaRocque, and Dr. Keith Richardson from Hershey, Pennsylvania. The South Hanover Community Band is only 3 years old and seems well positioned to develop further in relatively new facilities. It is providing summer music for listeners and opportunities for local musicians to have fun performing. Roger, an old friend of Doc Smith’s, let us know about the band and his new friend, Dr. Richardson. Keith is the director of the high school band in town and actually grew up in the area. But, apparently there was not a community band that he found out about while he was younger. After studying music education and trumpet performance at the fine music department of Lebanon Valley College he earned a masters degree (Duquesne) and eventually a DMA (Boston University) while balancing a teaching career. His dissertation topic, developing leadership in bands, is something that he is an excellent model of throughout his career. As he was completing his dissertation, he founded the South Hannover Community Band with a handful of local bands enthusiasts including Roger LaRocque. Roger was a trumpet player in the Rhode Island area who made his living in automobile sales, but is certainly enthusiastic about playing his trumpet! He moved to Hershey a few years ago and discovered this band just as it was starting. Their bandshell provides a distant view of famous Hershey Park, but the best ride for you today will be listening to their stories right here. Enjoy!! To contact Dr. Richardson about the South Hanover Community Band you can find information on the town website:https://www.southhanover.org.org or on the band’s Facebook page: South Hanover Township Community Band or Dr. Richardson’s school email krichardson@ldsd.org

Marquette City Band Shell and more! Dr. Steve Grugin was our guest for a spirited conversation about music making on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We were glad to hear that all is well and thriving for The Marquette City Band as well as Northern Michigan University Bands where Dr. Grugin is experiencing his first year of retirement as Director of Bands. He has continued to be the professor of Low Brass at NMU, Director of the NMU Alumni Band and Director of The Marquette City Band.  Dr. Grugin’s building of all of these organizations over the last few decades has been very impressive. But, consistent with his proven drive to build excellence, he is in the midst of another kind of building project, raising funds to replace the “decommissioned” Marquette Bandshell at scenic Presque Isle located on the shores of Lake Superior. The links to help with that project are below. Congratulations to Dr. Grugin on his retirement and outstanding career accomplishments! And, thank you for being an entertaining guest! “Just keep on playin”! But, we hope he “works harder” on also enjoying some well earned downtime during retirement! To help with contributions to the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell project either mail a check to: Marquette City Band, P.O. Box 701 (please write “BAND SHELL” and the name to be used for recognition on the memo line) or use the link below. The Marquette City Band is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowable by law  https://mqtcompass.com/band-shell/ Any other questions can be directed to Dr. Grugin via email: sgrugin@yahoo.com

Marquette City Band Shell and more! Dr. Steve Grugin was our guest for a spirited conversation about music making on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We were glad to hear that all is well and thriving for The Marquette City Band as well as Northern Michigan University Bands where Dr. Grugin is experiencing his first year of retirement as Director of Bands. He has continued to be the professor of Low Brass at NMU, Director of the NMU Alumni Band and Director of The Marquette City Band.  Dr. Grugin’s building of all of these organizations over the last few decades has been very impressive. But, consistent with his proven drive to build excellence, he is in the midst of another kind of building project, raising funds to replace the “decommissioned” Marquette Bandshell at scenic Presque Isle located on the shores of Lake Superior. The links to help with that project are below. Congratulations to Dr. Grugin on his retirement and outstanding career accomplishments! And, thank you for being an entertaining guest! “Just keep on playin”! But, we hope he “works harder” on also enjoying some well earned downtime during retirement! To help with contributions to the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell project either mail a check to: Marquette City Band, P.O. Box 701 (please write “BAND SHELL” and the name to be used for recognition on the memo line) or use the link below. The Marquette City Band is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible as allowable by law  https://mqtcompass.com/band-shell/ Any other questions can be directed to Dr. Grugin via email: sgrugin@yahoo.com

Our guest, Dr. Julie Roth, a practicing neurologist in Providence, RI, professor of medicine at Brown University and eclectic bass performer was great fun to talk to about how we think about music while performing in community music ensembles. We heard about her from a previous guest, Dr. Marvin Wasser because she plays in the Providence Medical Orchestra with him and many other medical professionals. We touched on a variety of topics related to music cognition and how it relates to everyday performance issues for community ensemble musicians. We are looking forward to getting together again for one or more episodes digging deeper into specific topics about music cognition. Stay tuned!! (in other words, make sure to click SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don’t miss an episode). Contact information for our guest and the orchestra is: julie_roth@brown.edu  and the website for the orchestra is  https://sites.google.com/brown.edu/pmo/home As always, we look forward to your comments about our podcast: info@TownBandBanter.com

Our guest, Dr. Julie Roth, a practicing neurologist in Providence, RI, professor of medicine at Brown University and eclectic bass performer was great fun to talk to about how we think about music while performing in community music ensembles. We heard about her from a previous guest, Dr. Marvin Wasser because she plays in the Providence Medical Orchestra with him and many other medical professionals. We touched on a variety of topics related to music cognition and how it relates to everyday performance issues for community ensemble musicians. We are looking forward to getting together again for one or more episodes digging deeper into specific topics about music cognition. Stay tuned!! (in other words, make sure to click SUBSCRIBE or FOLLOW so you don’t miss an episode). Contact information for our guest and the orchestra is: julie_roth@brown.edu  and the website for the orchestra is  https://sites.google.com/brown.edu/pmo/home As always, we look forward to your comments about our podcast: info@TownBandBanter.com

In a second episode recorded at Lehman College Podcast Studio (special thanks to Steve, our technician) Doc and Dave visited with two of the founders of a fantastic community jazz band in the New York City area, the Library Jazz Band. Nancy Maron is the leader who pulled all of this together as a saxophone player. She had stopped playing after college and a while later joined a community concert band or two and really missed jazz. On top of that, the hole that the pandemic-shut-down created among musicians lead her and a few others to form a new band in 2021. This is a great story about the birth of a band and it’s rapid rise in the region. Nancy is the Artistic Director and plays Alto and Soprano Sax in the band and is busy handling most of the administrative decisions. Rob Sussman is an accomplished trombone performer and arranger who was an original member of the Library Jazz Band. The band is so good, librarians don’t “shush” them!! Contact: Website libraryjazzband.org YouTube, Library Jazz Band Yonkers also on Facebook and Instagram