Westchester Band Brings Good Vibes to Chase Park

On Thursday 10th July, the Scarsdale community gathered at Chase Park for a summer night of live music, good vibes, and an especiallly enjoyable “Mystery Song” activity. At 8 PM, the Westchester Band, under the skilled direction of dedicated conductor Alan Hollander, began their concert, filling the park with music that resonated with all ages, from children to the elderly. The concert, which was free and open to everyone, became a night where the freedom of summer and the joy of the community blend together in the best way possible.

Rows of lawn chairs stretched from the entrance of the park all the way to the post office, as families, friends, and neighbors made themselves comfortable to enjoy the evening. As the Westchester Band began, their music swept over the crowd, setting the tone for an evening of musical nostalgia, joy, and tranquility.

The concert featured a mix of beloved classics and new tunes, including the popular America the Beautiful, the French Horn Concerto No.1 (starring Karen Froehlich as the talented French horn soloist), and an audience favorite, Stars and Stripes Forever. On song in particular really got the crowd alive...the Mystery Song! This fun and interactive activity has become a long-running tradition at the Westchester Band’s concerts, where the audience is invited to guess the name of a song based on the melody. This year, the mystery song was a popular hit from 1969, McArthur Park. It was tricky for some, but it brought a huge wave of excitement as everyone tried to recall the title. It perfectly demonstrated how music can unite people through shared memories and experiences.

After speaking to Alan Hollander, he shared some of his thoughts. Alan explained that when selecting the program, his goal is always to pick music that will appeal to a wide range of ages. "I try to choose pieces that everyone can enjoy, whether the audience are young children or adults who have been listening to music their whole life," he said. This careful making of the playlist successfully ensures that everyone in the audience can find something to connect with.

Alan also reflected on the challenges of leading such a large band. "With seventy-five musicians, there’s a lot of editing and adjustments that need to be made. Weather is also always a consideration." Despite these challenges, Alan’s passion and hard work shine through, and his deep commitment to the band is clear. The Westchester Band rehearses once a week in preparation for each performance, which is evident as their seamless coordination forms such magical music.

With great music, an inviting atmosphere, and the community spirit that makes Scarsdale such a special place, it was an amazing night. The Westchester Band continues to bring people together through the magic of music, showing that summer fun in Scarsdale is strongest when we come together as neighbors, friends, and fans of great tunes. The Westchester Band will continue to perform every Thursday at Chase Park from 8 PM until August 14th!