Big band music can lift one’s spirits almost instantaneously. An amalgam of jazz and Swing Era music, “Big Bands” usually contain a lively mix of percussion, brass and woodwind instruments.
So, it’s not surprising that the Big Band Sound of Deerfield was selected to help celebrate Barrington United Methodist Church’s (BUMC) 175th Anniversary! At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 98 Algonquin Road, Barrington Hills, this 18-piece community band with female vocalists will perform the well-loved music of artists such as Glen Miller, Duke Ellington, and the Dorsey brothers, Tommy and Jimmy.
BUMC member Mike Delapp plays trombone in the band.
“Big band sound has no amplification at all,” said John Maxson, chairman of the leadership council. “And they just ‘blow the roof off the place.’ It’s a great acoustic sound that you don’t hear that often… Also, the band will play songs from each decade (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s) and we will have a narrative about what the church was doing at the time.”
Admission to the concert is free, but donations for Family Services of Barrington, a not-for-profit organization, are greatly appreciated. These funds are used, according to their release, to offer “mental health education and counseling to all individuals and families, regardless of their age, religion, economic circumstances, and ethnic background.”
“We do an event every year to benefit Family Services,” added Maxson.
BUMC members, Sam Oliver and Dyllis and Bill Braithwaite were among the members of BUMC and the community that founded it in the 1960’s.
Maxson added, “We’ve brought in a group every year….a classical guitarist, a European clarinet player, etc. This is the first non-classical concert. It’s always been very well attended, jam packed because of its connection with Family Services, and other churches such as St. Anne’s. And, it’s been a great fundraiser, because admission is free but donations are generous.”
Barrington United Methodist Church was founded in 1840 when members began meeting in Barrington area homes. It was located in the heart of Barrington until its tragic fire in 1998. Since moving to their present location, the church has added another Sunday morning service, formed an a cappella group, a new praise band, and expanded its outreach to include two satellite campuses in Carpentersville and Elgin. To celebrate the church’s anniversary, this year’s activities have included a car show, classes on Charles Wesley’s music, and participation in Barrington’s Fourth of July parade. Besides the Big Band concert, this fall there will be a continuation of the Wesley music study, and worship services led by Bishop Sally Dyck on Oct. 25. The public is welcome to all events.
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Kimberly Albrecht is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.