Courtesy photo
Eugene Symphonic Band director Robert Ponto directs the group at the July 4,2001, concert.
Eugene Symphonic Band
set to perform on July 4
The band, which features 60 local musicians
and has been entertaining since 1957,
is scheduled to perform at Washburne Park
By Michelle Meuwissen
for the Emerald
Independence Day is approaching and bringing
along some live, local entertainment. The Eugene
Symphonic Band will present a free outdoor con
cert at Washburne Park on July 4. The band con
sists of 60 local musicians who volunteer their
time throughout the year.
“During the summer, we play concerts every
Sunday at Washburne Park, starting at the end of
June ... until the end of August,” ESB manager
Sherry Cossey said. Cossey plays clarinet in the
band and has been a member since 1966.
Robert Ponto is ESB’s director for the ninth year.
He is also the director of bands at the University.
“Bob Ponto keeps things lively and has a gift for
putting together interesting and varied concerts,”
ESB member Dwight Vance said.
Band members range in age from 21 to 85 years
old. Travis Wong is a 2d student at the University
who plays the baritone saxophone. “They immedi
ately accepted me as an equal. To them I wasn’t an
upstart Id kid, I was a musician,” Wong explained.
Vance is a 63-year-old retired public school
band director who resides in Corvallis.
“I am a tuba player and have played in the band
since its first summer in 1957,” he said. “The group
has always had high standards which made it worth
driving to Eugene every Monday night for rehearsal.”
Band members come from a variety of occupa
tional backgrounds. Careers include coffee broker,
farmer, office administrator, music teacher, physical
therapist, fitness consultant, postman and engineer.
Most band members live in the Eugene-Spring
field area, but there are a few who have to travel for
shows and rehearsals. “There is a flute player from
Blue River and a string base player from Aurora,
so they have long trips,” Cossey said.
The concert at Washburne begins at 6:30 p.m.
and admission is free. According to Cossey, the
band will provide a rich blend of patriotic, light
classical and march music.
“There were close to 600 people last year at (the
park); they filled the hillside,” Cossey said. “It
would be nice t« have a similar crowd this year.”
Michelle Meuwissen is a freelance reporter for the Emerald.
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