Putting the band back together

Some of them hadn't seen each other since they were high-school classmates, some three decades ago.

But once they started playing their instruments, it was just like the '70s again.

Alumni of the jazz band formed and led by the late Dave Pew, then the band director at Peters Township High School, have been rehearsing in preparation for a concert Saturday night. Their mission is to raise money toward a scholarship fund in honor of Mr. Pew, for a Peters student who plans to pursue a career in music.

I'll quote the information provided by Dave Sphar (Peters Twp. HS '77), who organized the effort and invited me to check out a rehearsal:

Before teaching, Dave played all over the country with several big bands, and he was selected to play lead trumpet in the San Francisco Air Force Band. At the end of his tour of duty, he studied music at Duquesne University and upon graduation began his teaching career at Peters Township.

His belief in the power of music was evident as he developed an award-winning program for the district.

The concert is at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24 at Peters Township High School, also featuring the current high school jazz band. Tickets are $10 for adults and are available at the door.

Tax-deductible gifts directly to the Fund are also encouraged. Please make checks payable to “WCCF” with “Dave Pew” written on the memo line. Checks should be mailed to: Washington County Community Foundation Inc., 331 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301.

For more about the concert, click here to see video.