HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Every Tuesday night, musicians from Christian County and surrounding areas gather at First Presbyterian Church in Hopkinsville to play in the Pennyrile Area Community Band.
Local band directors, music teachers, former band members and students use the community band as a musical outlet. The one thing they all have in common is their love of music.
“We have everyone from 15 up to mid-70’s, so we’re a wide range of ages. That has been our goal and our mission to kind of have the younger students come in and be mentored by the seasoned people,” says Michelle Cherry, the Treasurer and co-founder of the band.
“We have some people that have played professionally, some people that haven’t played since high school or college and picked it back up, and then we have student players,” Cherry says.
Lori Boehman is known as the band director when she walks through those doors every Tuesday, but day to day she has been working as an elementary school music teacher in Christian County for eleven years. She began with the group when it was just a handful of musicians, “I started coming as a French horn player…I don’t play as often as I like obviously as a teacher,” says Boehman.
It is clear when inside the room that everyone who shows up wants to be there and enjoys indulging in their passion during their spare time, Cherry says. “It gives people an outlet to still use their talent…we’ve had people come in and say it’s kind of like therapy to come in on Tuesday nights.”
Community involvement
The group began as a musical outreach program in 2017, and their complete vision came to life a year later with the band. Currently, they have upwards of fifty members, but the low-pressure environment allows people to filter in and out of rehearsals depending on their availability.
The band is also a nonprofit organization, and functions on donations to purchase music and other equipment. They have also been fortunate to work with the Christian County school band programs for equipment and instruments when they need it. Cherry mentioned they are continually impressed by the community support they have received.
The Pennyrile Area Community band is always seeking new members. Boehman prides herself on the hard work they all put in, and the quality music they create together. “Giving them the outlet to play has been really beneficial, I think they really like it. Music is a gift, so we enjoy it.”
Currently, the group puts on seasonal shows for the community. Their Christmas show is coming up on Dec. 5 at the PAC. Get updates on shows on the group’s Facebook page.