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Band Shell Renovation Needed |
In March of 2010, the recommendation from a structural engineer was to raze the Band Shell. The engineer deemed there is a problem with the structural integrity and it's not safe for use.
The Des Moines Register wrote about the possible demise of the Band Shell (see article here). The article was picked up by the AP and coverage extended nationwide. KIMT TV featured the story on the evening news. It appeared as though the structure would have to be demolished and rebuilt.
RDG Planning and Design, whose motto is "creatively influencing life for the better through purpose driven design" stepped into the fray. RDG had seen the article in the Register and contacted the city of Hampton. They requested the Band Shell not be torn down. In fact, they offered their services, pro bono, to take a look and see what might be possible. As it turns out, the Band Shell can be renovated at a cost of around $90,000. |
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History of the Band Shell |
The Band Shell is located just east of the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce office at 5 First Street SW in Hampton. The Band Shell has been in use since 1958 and is the location for many musical events in the community of Hampton.
The Band Shell was made possible by a donation from the estate of Fred Holmes and an existing fund from the Hampton Park Board. George Manolyvich of the Hampton Construction Company designed the new shell to give the listener the best in musical sound and to eliminate noise to the hospital that was to the west.
click here to find out facts about the Band Shell. |
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History of the Hampton Municipal Band |
The Hampton Municipal Band, the second oldest band in the state, has called the Band Shell home since it was built. Brian Stevens has directed the municipal band for 33 years.
The Municipal Band is made up of fifty-five area musicians of all ages. Concerts have been scheduled on Tuesday evenings in June through July 6th. Because of the structural issues with the city Band Shell, this year performances will be held on the east parking lot of the Franklin County Courthouse beginning at 8:00 PM. |
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Press Conference |
Tuesday, July 6 at 10 a.m. in Hampton, Iowa at Band Shell Park there will be a press conference. Main Street Hampton and Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce will announce the launch of the grant and fund raising campaign to restore the Band shell.
Speaking at the press conference will be: Diane Weldin, mayor of Hampton, Doug Frey and Scott Allen from RDG, Brian Stevens, chair of the Band Shell Renovation and Kenton Wolfe a Band shell supporter. Your questions and photo opportunities will follow. |
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Fund Raising Campaign "Put the Band back in the Band Shell" |
The official launch for the community and friends will be held at 8 p.m. during the final band concert of the year, Tuesday, July 6th.
The Hampton Municipal Band, under the direction of Leon Kuehner, will be presenting its seventh and final concert of the summer Tuesday, July 6th, at 8:00 PM, on the east parking lot of the Franklin County Courthouse. Featured performers for the evening will be Maggie Voelker, Josh Anderson, and Robbi Stevens. Voelker & Anderson, will be performing a clarinet duet entitled "Clarinet Carousel", arr. by Harold Bennett, and Robbi Stevens will be singing "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You" by Meredith Wilson.
Because of the absence of benches, concert goers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. |
Donations Being Accepted |
| The fund raising goal is $90,000. Donations are being accepted now to September 1, 2010. |
| There are three ways to give. |
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Simply write a check and put it in the giving envelope and mail it in. (No envelope? Mail to Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce, 5 First Street SW, Hampton Iowa 50441) |
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Click on the PayPal link and donate using your credit card. |
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Stop by Center One at 5 First Street SW Hampton Iowa. You can write a check, give cash or use your credit card to donate. |
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| There is no amount too big or too small. Every dollar raised is one dollar closer to the goal. Watch the giant thermometer in Band Shell park or check back here often to see our progress. |
| Make checks payable to: Band Shell Renovation Fund |
| Donations can be dropped off or mailed to: |
Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce
5 First Street SW
Hampton, IA 50441 |
