Hampton Municipal Band returns for 99th year

As it has for the previous 98 years, the Hampton Municipal Band will once again bring music to Band Shell Park, albeit in a modified manner.

Hampton Municipal Band director Chris Sauke last week announced that the band will hold three performances at Band Shell Park this summer. The band’s season was up in the air due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but as Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has begun to lift restrictions in the state, the band saw an opportunity to safely fill a need for fun and entertainment in the community.

“There are so many things we look forward to doing, especially as we get into summertime, that have been cancelled,” said Sauke. “I think it’s important for all of us and our sense of community to be able to do just a little something to raise spirits and get people out in the community.”

The first performance will be Tuesday, June 23 at 8 p.m. Additional performances will be Friday, July 3 and Tuesday, July 17 with both beginning at 8 p.m. as well.

Sauke said in order to maintain social distancing guidelines, the band will operate with 10 to 15 players on stage, spread six feet apart and performances will be kept to approximately a half hour. The shortened show, Sauke said, is because the band will not be gathering indoors for practice and performances will be mostly done by sight reading. Guests at the park are encouraged to sit six feet apart as well.

Although the shows may seem a little different than normal, Sauke said he and the band are excited to present the 99th year of the Hampton Municipal Band, no matter the circumstances.

“It’ll be great for people to get out, talk to people and catch up with people you haven’t seen for a while,” he said. “I just think that’s going to be a great mental health benefit for the community.”

He added that the uncertainty surrounding the band’s season this year and the abbreviated schedule will only add to the celebration when the Hampton Municipal Band turns 100 next year.

“It’s just going to be sweet,” he said. “Hopefully we’ll be back to being able to do what we normally do and can celebrate a huge milestone in Hampton.”