From the early 1800’s until about 1905 the Castine Town Band, called the Ricker Band for part of that time, had a bandstand set among elm trees that grew on the Town Commons. The Band was re-organized in the winter of 1907-08 and lapsed into inactivity in the 1920’s. It was re-started in 1998 by Dick Starke and Justin and Barbara Cooper. Dick Starke, who played trombone, conducted, and Justin and Barbara promoted the organization and helped recruit new players. The first concert was held on the patio of the club house in 1997. Silas began playing with the band in May, 2000 and began conducting in 2003 when Dick Starke stepped down as conductor. In 2004 Silas was appointed Conductor of the Band.
After completing a degree in History at Stanford University, Silas served as a Communications Officer in the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam. After his discharge in 1969, he attended the University of Miami and completed a B.A. in Studio Music and Jazz and a Master’s degree in Music Theory and Composition. He taught music at the University of Miami and other universities and colleges in Florida and Michigan and played in several professional groups. Silas and his wife Dianne moved to Maine in 2000. They arrived in Castine on May 5th and Silas played his first concert on May 15th. Dianne retired after working for 19 years as an Emergency Room nurse. She worked as the charge nurse in the E.R. at St. Joseph Hospital in Bangor and at Blue Hill Hospital.
Last updated:
We welcome new members and have openings in every section. We especially need percussion players.
The schedule for rehearsals and performances is shown on the calendar. We rehearse on Wednesday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:30 pm on the second floor of Emerson Hall on Court Street in Castine. During the summer we have two Wednesday rehearsals and a concert the next Friday. Several of our players are part-time summer residents who play with us when they are available. During the school year we have students from the Maine Maritime Academy. You do not need to be a full-time resident to join the Band.
If you're interested in playing with us please leave a message on the contact us page.
Last updated:
