Hazlet Township is pleased to announce the formation of a new community band called Hazlet Pops. This new band will rehearse together to perform four times this summer in Veterans Park.
The band will be under the direction Raymond Lahaye, the leader of the renowned Raritan High School Marching Band. The associate director is Carmine Fiumano, who is active in the school's Summer Alumni Band. Hazlet Pops seeks players with their own instruments from 9th grade on up.
Hazlet Township Committeeman Skip McKay said he thought of the idea when thinking about how to present activities in Veterans Park this summer while respecting social distancing protocols. "We love the idea of people families coming to our beautiful park to spread out a blanket and enjoy a free concert by a community band," he said.
Concert themes are Patriotic, Movie Music, Broadway Tunes and Back to the Classics Night. Dates will be announced as summer approaches.
Band leader Lahaye said with his high school members, he expects to have between 50 and 80 players -- maybe even 100. "Musicians have not been able to get together during the pandemic, so there will be a lot of enthusiasm for Hazlet Pops," he said. "We know there is a lot of talent in the Hazlet area. We welcome all of them and can't wait to start playing."
To sign up for Hazlet Pops, please fill out this form by April 30.