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The six members of the Anderson family play a major role and are making their mark with the BP Community Band.
The sounds they make represent beautiful music at its best.
Blooming Prairie businessman and farmer Troy Anderson leads the band. He helped put together a group of musicians and, in addition to directing, can also be seen playing various instruments of percussion.
Anderson, a 1999 graduate of Blooming Prairie High School, came to Blooming Prairie in ninth grade. Coming across as a quiet persona, the freckle-faced Anderson can show an enthusiastic desire to bring out the best sounds from his band. Anderson and his family were previously members of the Klecker Band, a musical group of Klecker family members.
In addition to Troy Anderson and his wife, Monica, band members also include their children Olivia, 20, on clarinet; Tyler, 19, on baritone; Grace, 16, on tenor saxophone; and Nora, 12, on alto saxophone.
The Community Band has as many as 38 members. High School band director Ross Reishus helped with recruiting.
The band has performed four concerts since it was formed: July 3 for Blooming Prairie 4th of July festival, two for the Blooming Prairie Park fundraiser, and a special concert to salute the Blooming Prairie Manor Care Center.
Anderson said Community Band members are hoping to sponsor a Christmas concert early this winter.
The band’s upbeat tempo has enlivened these songs among others: “Armed Forces Parade,” “Dixieland Salute,” and “Showboy March.” Anderson said he hopes the band will grow and will continue to be a beacon of music for the Blooming Prairie area.