Ligonier brings back summer concerts, reuniting bands and music lovers

The return of Ligonier’s Sunday evening band concerts is music to trumpet player Jay Copenhaver’s ears.

The New Stanton man is looking forward to performing twice this summer in Ligonier’s Diamond Park, after missing any appearance there after last season’s concerts were canceled.

Copenhaver is set to play the Diamond on June 27, along with fellow members of the Scottdale Concert Band. He’s scheduled to return Aug. 22, as part of the 10-piece Wally Gingers Orchestra, to bring this year’s concert series to a close

“We always look forward to Ligonier,” Copenhaver said. “It has a long history of supporting the arts.

“I’ve played there in several bands, and it’s always the same. There are several hundred people who attend, and they’re very attentive. The applause is wonderful.”

The Ligonier Valley High School Marching Band will kick off the 12-week concert series, the town’s 71st, on May 30. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are sponsored by the Ligonier Valley Chamber of Commerce. In the event of inclement weather, they’ll either be moved indoors, at the borough’s adjacent Town Hall, or canceled.

Decisions about cancellations or venue changes will be announced by 5 p.m. the day of the concert and will be posted on the Visit Ligonier Facebook page.

In addition to playing trumpet, Copenhaver is a vocalist and the manager of the Wally Gingers big band group, which was formed in 1939, when the music it plays first was popular. Copenhaver’s wife, Clare, is the daughter of the founder and now doubles as band leader and drummer.

As with most who participate in the performing arts, the Gingers band saw its planned 2020 performance dates dwindle in the wake of covid-related restrictions on gatherings, particularly for gigs in interior spaces.

Still, Copenhaver said, “We did have some summer concerts last year when restrictions were lessened, but nothing like we normally do. We did three last year,” compared to 15 to 20 performance dates in a typical season.

Band regroups

It was nonetheless a better 2020 season than the one experienced by the Scottdale band, which saw all of its concerts canceled.

The church where the band had been rehearsing decided to no longer open its doors to outside groups during the pandemic, but the band has found a new home at Scottdale’s Geyer Performing Arts Center.

The past year saw the deaths of three members, including co-founder Rhonda Sue Allison, 66, of Scottdale.

“She passed away unexpectedly last August,” Copenhaver said. “She was the only remaining founder and the lead person behind the administration of the band.”

As it enters its 40th year, the Scottdale band is regrouping. A membership drive has attracted eight new musicians, boosting the ranks to about 40.

Administrative leadership of the band has been formalized, with selection of officers. Copenhaver and his wife are serving as president and secretary, respectively.

Goals for the group include seeking new sources of funding and official nonprofit status.

The Scottdale band is set to begin rehearsals of its 2021 program, including classical selections and show tunes.

In addition to the Ligonier date, the band has lined up performances at 6 p.m. Aug. 7 at Scottdale’s gazebo and at noon Sept. 5 during the Arts & Crafts Labor Day Festival at the Westmoreland Fairgrounds.

The Wally Gingers Orchestra now rehearses at Hunker’s community center and is set to kick off its season at 4 p.m. June 6 in Hunker Park.

“We’re pleased to have 10 gigs booked this year,” Copenhaver said.