“We got in trouble because we were supposed to be looking straight ahead, but we got to see him and Jackie,” McMosley said. “I’ll never forget that.”

The Kennedy presidential inauguration ceremonies were the highlight of a life-changing experience with the law enforcement band when he was a young clarinet and saxophone player, McMosley said.

The Denver Junior Police Band won first place in 51 out of 52 competitions it participated in during his tenure, and McMosley was one of many young musicians who learned the rewards of hard work and discipline while in the band, he said.

Early this year, McMosley, director of bands and associate professor of music at Kansas Wesleyan University, approached representatives of the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Salina Police Department and Kansas Highway Patrol to ask for their backing for a similar band for youth in the Salina area.

They were quick to agree, seeing an opportunity for positive interaction with area young people, said Sheriff Glen Kochanowski.

The result has been music to their ears.

Second concert is set

As sheriff’s deputies patrol the county this week, Kochanowski said they will distribute posters advertising the Salina Municipal Law Enforcement Band’s second public performance set for 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at Finney Auditorium in the Kansas Highway Patrol building on the former Marymount College campus. The Salina Municipal Band, which is also conducted by McMosley, will open the free concert.

The 40 sixth- to eighth-grade band members have come from schools in Salina, Abilene, Minneapolis, Brookville, Wilson and Bennington. McMosley said he hopes to keep the program growing and plans auditions in the spring. Anyone interested in learning more can call him at 820-8943.

“We want to see it be a huge success,” Kochanowski said. “It’s really something nice for kids. I think Mr. McMosley deserves huge recognition for what he’s doing. It’s just amazing.

“He’s a busy guy, but the busier he gets, the more he seems to like it.”

McMosley gives the credit elsewhere.

“I prayed on it,” McMosley said. “I know that my Lord and my Savior has allowed all this to happen. I know he sends people to help people. It’s a team effort.”

He said the many other people involved include:

n  the board of the municipal band, which successfully sought a Horizons grant to fund formation of the band;

n  area school band directors, who recommended students and allowed him to come to their schools to conduct auditions;

n  law enforcement representatives, who have provided a location for rehearsals and performances and supported in other ways;

n  parents, who plan the group’s travel and performance schedule, refreshments and uniforms;

n  McMosley’s wife, Colette, who has supported the effort and keeps records for the band;

n  and especially the talented students who come to rehearsals prepared and practiced.

“These students are very sharp,” McMosley said. “I’ve told them, ‘If we’re going to really excel, you’ve got to practice your parts,’ and they’ve done that. You can do anything, but you have to work at it.”

Toby King, a Lakewood Middle School eighth grader, is nervous but excited about the trombone solo he will perform at the concert next Sunday.

“I enjoy working with the band,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun music, and Mr. McMosley’s so great.”

He said being in the band has offered a good opportunity to meet talented musicians from other area cities, and he looks forward to the trips they plan to take to future festivals and competitions.

“You have to practice, but it all pays off,” he said.

McMosley said he has found that musical talent and hard work opens doors of opportunity. He earned his degree in music performance and education at Adams State College in Alamosa, Colo., and has spent the last 40 years conducting bands. He came to Kansas Wesleyan 10 years ago from a public school in Las Vegas, Nev.

In the Salina Municipal Law Enforcement Band, there’s none of the horsing around that middle school band conductors become adept at handling. These students are serious about their music, and their efforts can be heard.

The band’s first road trip is planned in April, when it will appear at a Worlds of Fun band and orchestra festival, said Jann Bowman, a parent who serves on the travel committee.

Bowman’s son, Garrett, 13, of Salina, said he enjoys being one of the band’s five alto sax players. Bowman, who is home-schooled this year, said McMosley is different from band directors he has had in the past.

“He’s a much different experience,” he said. “He’s more strict. He expects his people to be a lot more mature. He expects this band to set an example when they play with their band at school.”

McMosley said he hopes his band students get more from the experience than musical proficiency.

“The main thing is preparing young people because we want them to become good, healthy young men and women and go out and contribute in a positive manner to our society,” he said. “Leadership, essentially, is what it’s about.”

The group made its debut at the 125th anniversary celebration for the Salina Municipal Band in August, when more than 1,000 people crowded in front of the Eric Stein Stage in Oakdale Park heard its performance.

Since that time, McMosley said the band has continued to improve.

“It’s kind of like Cinderella — they’ve found their magic slippers, and they have them on now,” he said.

Kochanowski said he makes a habit of attending the band’s rehearsals, where he watches grandson Spencer, a sixth-grader at Ell-Saline Middle School, perform in the saxophone section.

“You hear them getting better every week,” he said. “The quality of what they’re doing just improves on a weekly basis.”

The band is giving students the kind of experience that might lead to future college music scholarships, said Lt. Sean Kochanowski, who serves as sheriff’s office liaison to the band.

Sean Kochanowski, who played tuba in high school and college, said he got a scholarship that helped him through Fort Hays State University because he played the tuba.

“Music’s been a big part of my life,” he said. “We want kids to see how important and how much fun music can be.”

McMosley hopes to expand the program, eventually adding trips to regional and national competitions and performance groups such as a jazz band and a parade marching band.

“You haven’t seen anything yet,” he said. “Trust me. The best is yet to come.”

Reporter Erin Mathews can be reached at 822-1415 or by e-mail at emathews@salina.com.

Join the Discussion:

Salina.com doesn't necessarily condone the comments here. Read our full online terms of service policy.

BandFan says....
Hats off to the Kansas Highway Patrol for offering the rehearsal and performance space, and personnel to be on had during those times.
11/15/2009

---

Post a comment
Your best chance of getting your comment posted:

• No profanity
• Be civil
• Everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

Comment:

Poster:

Enter text seen above:

Read our full use policy.