06/29/2007

The old brass band is new again

Saxhorns return for a blast from the 1800s past

BY EMMY PARSONS

Record-Eagle staff writer

NORTHPORT — The Dodworth Saxhorn Band dominated society's music scene in the 1800s, performing at everything from 10 presidential inaugerations to swanky parties and balls.

But in 1891, the band dissolved after the death of Harvey B. Dodworth. It wasn't until a group of musicians came together in 1985 to form a new Dodworth Saxhorn Band that their sound was heard again.

Armed with antique brass instruments and period costumes, they began touring the country playing classics like the "Battle Hymn of the Republic,” "Home Sweet Home” and "Listen to the Mockingbird.” On July 7, the band will return to Northport after a four-year absence.

"It's a wonderful performing facility,” said Michael Deren, a founding tenor saxhorn player and the band's business manager. "It's a supportive and interested audience. We were warmly received last time.”

The band first performed in Northport in 2003 to a near-capacity crowd. Norma Neve, executive director of the Northport Community Arts Center, said that those in attendance enjoyed the band's period dress and authentic nature. Many are excited about the chance to see the group perform again.

"People really liked them,” Neve said. "They always put on a really good show.”

All of the instruments used by the band's 17 members are original pieces dating from 1840-1880. While most are quite similar to modern instruments, the sound produced by them is much different.

"It's the sound that President Lincoln and our great-great grandparents would have heard,” Deren said. "It's a very warm, mellow, resonance sound.”

While the cylindrical shape of modern instruments provides a "brighter and edgier” tone, Deren said, 19th century horns have a conical shape which provides the softer sound.

Each of Dodworth's performances center around a theme ranging from patriotism and immigration to 19th century dance music. But Deren is quick to say that Dodworth does not perform in the traditional sense of the word.

"We don't perform concerts for people,” Deren said. "We perform concerts with people.”

The band's two vocalists engage audience members with lyrics, poetry, historical readings and drama, and the crowd becomes an active participant.

"It's a 19th-century musical extravaganza,” Deren said. "A fun-filled feast of mellifluous melody, scintillating sounds and songs, music we all know and love heard as it was intended to be [heard],” Deren said.

The performance is July 7 at 8 p.m. in the Northport Community Arts Center located in the Northport Public School. Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance by calling the Northport Community Arts Center at (231) 386-5001 or by visiting the center's Website at www.northportcac.org.