Musical Milestones: A Chat with the SPCB’s New Assistant Director
Featured image: The St. Petersburg Community Band has approximately 75 musicians of all ages playing a variety of musical “from blues to big band, classical to Sousa, and just about everything in between.” Photo courtesy of the SPCB.
“Keeping a band playing for 50 years is quite an accomplishment,” said Matt Blaine, president of the St. Petersburg Community Band. “But that is exactly what this band of volunteer musicians has done.”
Since its start in 1975, the band has had many talented directors and is now under the direction of Dr. John Bannon, former Principal Timpanist with The Florida Orchestra until his retirement this year. The St. Petersburg Community Band is a registered non-profit with approximately 75 musicians of all ages playing a wide variety of musical genres “from blues to big band, classical to Sousa, and just about everything in between.” This group has played for myriad audiences throughout Pinellas County including for the Special Olympics, Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, Veterans Administration Hospital, and the Christmas Tree Lighting in downtown St. Pete, to name a few. The SPCB also plays a concert in Vinoy Park each year before the Florida Orchestra goes on. All performances are at no charge, and any donations or sponsorships help to fund new music and instruments.
Now, for the first time in the band’s 50-year history, a woman is taking a turn as assistant director.
“When our assistant band director left, I had known of Debbie Farringer’s background as a band director and decided it was high time to offer her the position and have a woman director for the first time in the history of the band,” said Blaine. “I don’t care what gender a person is, if they have the abilities and are up to the task, why not.”
I recently had a chance to sit down with Debbie and get her thoughts on the band and the experiences that brough her here.
It’s exciting to have a woman assistant director for the St. Pete Community Band. Can you give us some background on your musical career?
I am originally from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area. I attended Mansfield University for my BS degree, and Indiana University for my Master of Arts degree. Most of my teaching career was spent in the Armstrong school district, which is about 35 miles north of Pittsburgh. I have taught everything in their music curriculum including marching band, concert choirs, music, appreciation, music theory, theatre production, general music, both at the high school and elementary levels. In college I had a concentration in math, so I have also taught advanced math to academically gifted students. My teaching career also included coaching, girls basketball and softball, all the musical productions, class plays, class advisors, and too many proms. It was important to me that as many students as possible be involved in the musical activities; 80% of the high school students were in marching band and chorus. I also felt a need to be a part of the state music curriculum standards, so I was an officer of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association for most of my teaching career. Some of my awards include National/State Teacher of the Year finalist and Citation of Excellence from PMEA, and I was selected by my state representative to have my concert band perform in Harrisburg in the state capitol rotunda, and to be part of a team of teachers to teach music in China for a summer. Currently my husband and I also perform in The Seconds Winds and The Florida Symphonic Winds, which tours internationally every other summer.
How long has it been since you directed a band and what was your inspiration to take on this position now?
I was the Drum Major for the St. Petersburg Second Time Arounders for a season in 2023. The last concert directing I did was in 2012; I lived in Sebring, Florida, and helped direct the Highlands County Community Band. Other community bands that I have been a part of are the Armstrong County Community Band and the Manatee County Community Band.
Besides working with Dr. Bannon, are there other directors who have inspired you?
I cannot name just one individual who has inspired me. I always felt a personal need to be involved in any kind of music that I could. My family before me was very musical. My immediate family is very involved in music.
My husband plays euphonium in many performing groups, and our two daughters are music teachers. I have been on the television show Antiques Roadshow with inherited Civil War instruments. I was the drum major of my high school marching band. I attended county, district, regional, and state music festivals both in chorus and band. I liked to observe all those directors closely and combine all their best qualities.
What’s new for the St. Petersburg Community Band?
I am excited about the SPCB’s enhanced website. It includes information on upcoming events, ways to join our band, and ways to become interconnected with other community bands and performing groups in our area. There has also been discussion among the groups to reinstate the Festival of Community Bands in the near future.
Is there anything you’re looking forward to for the SPCB?
I am glad the St. Petersburg Community Band is gaining a lot of new members this year. Music is a lifelong learning experience. Those talents should be used and enjoyed.
Learn more about the St. Petersburg Community Band or get involved at stpeteband.com.
