The July 30 concert in Shipyard Park was one for the record books. It was a celebration of the Mattapoisett Town Band’s 125 years complete with recognition from the House of Representatives and the governor.
Representative Mark Sylvia (D – 10th Bristol) presented the band with an honorary citation for its 125 years of “musical excellence” for the community and a Governor’s Citation conferred upon the band in recognition of its 125 years in existence. Band Director Jason Newell received these acknowledgements on behalf of the town and the larger community.
What followed were musical tunes selected for the occasion, including several pieces composed during the early life of the band.
During the festivities, small children under the age of 12 were asked to join the band by marching around the bandstand and in conducting the band as it played a variety of rousing tunes.
The diversity of the band includes high school and college students as well as professional musicians. But not to be forgotten are the musicians who have returned to playing their instruments after a long hiatus.
It may be interesting to note that the band has limited time to rehearse prior to the weekly performances. However, given the caliber of the musicians in terms of their expertise, the band wows the audience every time. Their ability to “sight read” the musical scores is skillfully executed.
Newell’s lifelong passion for music in all its forms began at a very young age, possibly when he received a toy piano as a Christmas gift. Much later, as a birthday surprise, he received a Kimball piano. Lessons taken at the Marion Art Center were his first step towards achieving his end game – becoming a music educator. As for the Kimball, it enjoyed a very long life as Newell installed it wherever he was teaching, giving many young hands their first playing experience.
Newell’s earliest teachers in the public-school setting encouraged his interest in music. One teacher, Fred Drifmeyer, became a lifelong mentor and friend.
Newell is a music teacher currently sharing his musical knowledge and experiences with students at Durfee High School in Fall River. In his long career, he has shown countless students how to play instruments and how to read music.
The Mattapoisett Town Band plays on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm from July to August at Shipyard Park in Mattapoisett.
Reporter Marilou Newell is Band Director Jason Newell’s mother.
By Marilou Newell