‘Holidays are special, and we look forward to Garry’s return’
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Community Band will perform its Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. in Wallace State’s Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre. This holiday tradition will feature a variety of Christmas and holiday music, showcasing the talents of local musicians under the direction of interim conductor Neal McLeod.
This year’s program features a mix of seasonal classics and unique arrangements, including “A Christmas Festival” by Leroy Anderson, “Patapan” by Cullman native Kurt Heinicke and “An English Christmas” by Clare Grundman. Several soloists, including Ashlee Steinman on trumpet, Patti Bennett on flute, Rick Whitmire on trumpet and David Bjornstad on euphonium, will lend their exceptional talents to the Christmas program.
Longtime conductor Garry Taylor, who is recovering from a near-fatal car accident, will not be conducting this year’s performance. Taylor, who recently returned home after an extended stay at UAB Hospital, is undergoing occupational and physical therapy and is making steady progress. Now walking short distances with the aid of his walker, Taylor continues to make strides and carry a positive attitude, all while his wife, Jan, has been by his side throughout his recovery. Taylor expressed his gratitude for the prayers and encouragement he has received, sharing his eagerness to return to the podium in the future.
Filling in for Taylor is McLeod, a seasoned director with an extensive background in music education. McLeod, a graduate of Samford University and Jacksonville State University, taught bands in Georgia and Florida for over three decades before retiring in 2015. Now residing in Cullman with his wife, Holly, McLeod has seamlessly stepped into the role, ensuring the band continues to deliver its signature performances in the absence of Taylor.
Whitmire, trumpet section leader of the Cullman Community Band, shared how the band has pulled together during Taylor’s absence. “The band is blessed with very fine musicians,” Whitmire said. “When Mr. Taylor was in a terrible automobile accident and was unable to direct the band, a wash of apprehension fell over the band. The concern for Garry was paramount, but we knew he would want the group to continue.”
He added, “We decided that we would choose an interim director from within the group to continue working on our Christmas Concert. Mr. Neal McLeod has taken this responsibility and has done so admirably. The band truly never missed a beat. The band pulled together, stayed together and played together.
“This Christmas Concert will be memorable for us in a way that we may not be able to put into words. The music and the process have strengthened our pride in ourselves as community musicians. Holidays are special, and we look forward to Garry’s return.
“So thank you to the band board of directors, Woody Jacobs (mayor of Cullman) and the city council for continuing to support a talented group of volunteer musicians; we simply call ourselves the Cullman Community Band,” Whitmire concluded.
Admission to the concert is free, and the public is encouraged to attend and celebrate the Christmas season with the band. For more information, contact the Cullman Community Band through its official Facebook page. Wallace State Community College is located at 801 Main St. NW, Hanceville, AL 35077.
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