Celebrating Over 90 Years of the Suncoast Concert Band
Author: Ken Reczkiewicz
It was November, 1932, when Franklin Roosevelt was elected President and the nation was in the throes of the Great Depression. By winter, 13 million Americans were unemployed and almost every bank was closed for business. Yet, just one month later, in December of 1932, 8 musicians calling themselves the “Tin Can Tourists” performed for the residents of Acadia, Florida. The following month the group moved to Sarasota, and on January 17, 1933 became “The Sarasota Trailer Park Band.” That name would last for 41 years when, in 1974, it became the “Sarasota Mobile Home Park Band.”
Surviving the World War II years was no small task for the band. While members of the band were predominantly park residents, the war years, with rationing and manpower mobilizations, had forced many members to forego winter Florida trips. The band, however, “played on.” The early concerts were mostly outdoors; however, as the band’s popularity grew, so did its membership. Florida became a mecca for former professional performers. Some even came from famous “Big Bands” while others arrived from renowned symphony orchestras. Retired musicians began playing with the band, and a symbiotic relationship blossomed. Retired professionals brought their expertise, and performing with the band provided an opportunity to continue playing the instruments they loved. In 1962, “home” for the band became the newly-built Payne Park Auditorium, a community center and meeting hall for the Sarasota Mobile Home Park.
In the spring of 1964, Leo Laier became the band director, and for the next 46 years he worked diligently to improve the quality of the band’s performances. Leo sought out new members who could bring a high standard of musicianship to each performance. He moved the band indoors to the Payne Auditorium. Membership, which had held steady for years at about 40 players, now grew to around 55 musicians – essentially transforming the composition of the band. Then, in 1993, the band formally became the “Suncoast Concert Band!”
After 46 years of outstanding musical leadership, Leo Laier passed the baton to Mr. Robert Stoll in May of 2010.
As we now approach our 95th anniversary, Bob Stoll is in his 15th season as Suncoast Concert Band music director. Under Bob’s leadership the SCB has solidified and expanded its audiences to include the people of Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and other surrounding communities. The audience members continue to enjoy and even rave about the musicianship demonstrated in the performances of this all-volunteer ensemble.
When Bob Stoll joined the band in 2005, he said he was “impressed by the family-like relationship among band members,” and he works tirelessly to make that idea his core mission for the SCB. He spends countless hours creating balanced, lively, and timely programs that fit into the musical themes he creates. He carefully choreographs structured rehearsals, selects new members as vacancies occur, and keeps certain traditions alive – even after all these years.
In May of 2012, the SCB played its final performance in the Payne Park Auditorium and moved to the Northminster Presbyterian Church. The opportunity to perform in this beautiful sanctuary has proven to be an uplifting and refreshing boon to both players and audiences alike.
And just who are these players who make up the SCB? Each band member is a volunteer. Most are retirees who come from all walks of life. Our average age is nearly 75 – proof in itself that creativity and the artistic life does have its rewards! Indeed, 4 members are 90+. Our men and women hail from all parts of the country, especially from northeastern and midwestern states.
Many members are retired professional musicians, while others “rediscovered” music-making by picking up once-again an instrument which had been a part of a past life, finding the magic of remaining active, while proving that being part of something bigger than oneself is important – keeping the light of a musical soul alive.
As we approach the celebration our 95th anniversary, what do our audience members think about the Suncoast Concert Band? Nancy Stoll, the Business Manager for the band, often hears from audience members who write or share their experiences. Here are just a few of their comments: “As a former music educator, I am amazed at the quality of the musical performances. It is outstanding!” Says another, “Living on a fixed income, it means so much to me to be able to attend such a high quality performance at a very affordable price.” Lastly, “Thank you for providing us with a most enjoyable Sunday afternoon of great music!”
This feedback is precisely why our musicians practice, rehearse and perform!
On to 100!
Colonel Eugene Allen present the Silver Sudler Scroll To, then Director, Leo Laier
