For August meet Tom Scarborough, Percussionist in the Naperville Municipal Band
Number of years in the NMB: 20 Years
Past and/or Current Occupation(s): IT Director, Software Development at the YMCA national office
Hobbies or Interests outside of music: I never miss a good classic car show. Train journeys into Chicago with the kids are always fun, too!
How many years have you played drums and what drew you to them? I started learning the way of the snare drum shortly after third grade. My dad is a drummer too, and hearing about his experience playing in school and then professionally drew me in.
Why have you kept playing all of these years? Nothing compares to the elation that follows a great performance! Playing in the NMB keeps me connected in the community as well. I love seeing neighbors and friends new and old on concert nights.
Do you play anywhere else? Nope! I’m all-in with the Naperville Municipal Band. Although if Paul McCartney needs a drummer when he’s in town, he knows he can call me.
Who was/is your greatest musical mentor and why? I already mentioned my dad, Tom Sr. I still remember my earliest lesson with him in the family room where he showed me the basics. He always made time to listen to me practice snare solos and give me feedback. Additionally, I was incredibly fortunate to be a band student at Jefferson Junior High when Ron Keller was the band director. I truly enjoyed band with Mr. Keller! A drummer can’t go wrong when his conductor programs rudimental Sousa marches. Then in 2005, I auditioned for the Municipal Band and was able to have him as my band director again for another 19 years.
What makes the Naperville Municipal Band so special? I love that playing in this band means being part of enduring Naperville history. The Band’s been around for 166 years, compared to young upstarts like the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (a mere 134 years). I met my wife, Jen, in the Band, and it’s wonderful that we have membership in this organization in common.
What is a favorite memory or funny story from playing in the Naperville Municipal Band? I heard some of my favorite Ron Keller quotes from Jefferson Junior High repeated as an adult in the NMB. For example, “[the dynamic marking] pp does not mean ‘plenty powerful’!”. That cracked me up hearing that statement again in my 40s. Perhaps my favorite memories are from rehearsals when Ron would relate his many stories performing with the great conductors and musicians over the years.
PN Post Script! At 7:30PM Thurs., Aug. 14, the band that’s been around since 1859 will perform the final NMB Concert of the summer season in Central Park! Thanks for the memories and wonderful music to all members who never skip a beat! Stay tuned to their upcoming indoor performances at www.napervilleband.org.
