HOWELL – In the spirit of the season, Howell’s public library hosted another event completely free and open to the public: a concert performed by the Band of Two Rivers.
The Band of Two Rivers is an orchestral band consisting of about 30 musicians of all ages, falling anywhere between 15 and 80 years old. The most unique aspect of the band, however, is their ‘open door policy,’ allowing for anyone to join the band with no audition required.
“The mission of the band is to keep people involved in music in their adult life. A lot of people start out playing in bands when they’re in middle school or high school, and then they stop because life gets in the way,” said Don Swinchoski, the band’s conductor. “It’s a chance for them to get back into it later on in life.”
Swinchoski has been the band’s conductor since its very beginning in 1997. According to him, they do various shows during the summer and winter months of the year all over New Jersey, including Fair Haven and Colts Neck.
On Dec. 21, The Band of Two Rivers’ Howell Library show played a plethora of holiday songs, including classic songs such as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bells.” Joining them in the show was soloist Danielle Schneider.
Schneider provided vocals to go along with the band’s instrumental performance, but also encouraged members of the audience to sing along. The library hosted about fifty audience members.
“We enjoy doing sing-along songs because that involves the audience in [the show],” Swinchoski said. “That’s why we like to do holiday songs, and patriotic songs in the summer.”
Members of The Band of Two Rivers practice together on a weekly basis for months before their performances, each practice being an hour and a half long.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years, but there’s some very fine talent. We have some members in high school or college, but also some people in their 40s, 50s and even some still playing away in their 70s and 80s. It’s amazing,” Swinchoski said.
Performances by the Band of Two Rivers are non-profit and do not charge an admission fee for any of their performances. Their intention is not only to provide an entertaining concert experience for others, but to also maintain their creative ability.
With 30 members in the band, there are various sections of instruments, including woodwind, brass, percussion and string.
The band not only serves as a system for community outreach, but is also a strong social point for the band members.
“It’s a really cohesive group, we’ve got some people that have been pulling the band for 25 years, almost the whole time we’ve been around,” Swinchoski said.
While this was the first time Howell Library hosted a performance by the band, they have made previous performances in other libraries and different public spaces, free of charge.
The band is also active on social media platforms, keeping followers up to speed with performances dates and open practices. You can search “Band of Two Rivers” to find them.
The Howell Library hosts various free events for the public similar to this concert during all times of the year. The libraries’ website has a schedule and help line for more information.
