122nd Army Band performing in Dover ‘definitely not a sit-down concert band’
DOVER (WJER) (June 26, 2023) – The 122nd Army Band is performing a free concert in the Dover High School auditorium Tuesday at 7 p.m., but Dover Band Director Chris Redd says it’s not what you think.
“When most people think of Army bands they think of sit-down concert bands, and this is definitely not a sit-down concert band,” he said.
The 122nd Army band has traditional stage band instruments, like trombones and saxophones – but they also have jazz band instruments like electric guitars and bass guitars, along with vocalists.
The band’s summer concert tour is titled “On Broadway” and promises a celebration of American theater, from “West Side Story” to “Rock of Ages.”
Redd knows some members of the 122nd through grad school and private lessons. He’s been trying to get them to come to Dover for a while. This year, the band’s schedule finally worked out where it can open its summer concert tour in Dover.
The 122nd isn’t just a band. It’s a 38-member National Guard military unit, most recently called to action to help with the state’s COVID-19 response.
122nd includes Newcomerstown grad
Newcomerstown graduate Dylan Garretson one of the 38 members on the 122nd. He is maybe better known for pole vaulting. He was a state qualifier at Newcomerstown and is an All-American, school-record holder at the College of Wooster.
Redd taught Garretson privately and says he’s a dynamite tuba player and a great young man.
“He’s helping pay for his education and also playing tuba in the 122nd. It’s kind of a neat way to make music after high school but also give back and serve the country,” Redd said.