Gary Gillette, announcer for the Missoula City Band, introduced a summer concert that featured band camp students from the University of Montana, several soloists and dedications to past band members. Gillette spoke from the stage in Missoula, thanking contributors and noting the band’s upcoming schedule.

The concert included a tuba soloist identified in the program as Ben Kirby and a bassoonist named Jennifer, whom Gillette said teach and perform in the region. Gillette also introduced a horn solo by Roger Logan and acknowledged a longtime member, identified in his remarks as Steve, the university band director who has accepted a position at James Madison University. Gillette dedicated selections to Alex Stepanov and Ed Johnson, past contributors to the band’s decades-long presence in Missoula.

The program mixed light classical overtures and Broadway arrangements. Gillette told the audience the band aligns its schedule with the University of Montana’s band camp and that some band camp participants were in the crowd and onstage. He thanked the audience and said the band is partially supported by contributions from “the citizens of the city of Missoula through the Missoula City Council” and by donations collected during the concert.

Gillette also announced upcoming public performances, saying the band will play at Southgate Mall the week that includes July 4, starting “at 09:30” with fireworks scheduled “at 10:30,” and that the band will return to the bandshell in two weeks. He opened several remarks with: “I’m Gary Gillette in absentia for our announcer, the golden voice of Bill Rhodes.”

The evening was largely celebratory and ceremonial rather than a policy or governance meeting. No formal motions, votes, or policy actions were discussed or taken during the program. The concert served as a community cultural event and a fundraiser through voluntary audience contributions.

Plans announced from the stage include the band’s performance at Southgate Mall around the July 4 holiday and additional concerts at the bandshell in coming weeks.