Bringing Music to Thurmont

James Rada, Jr. Morris Blake may not like to toot his own horn, but he is hoping that plenty of people in Thurmont like to toot theirs, whether it’s a trumpet, trombone, tuba, or another brass instrument. Blake is in the midst of starting both a brass band and choir for Thurmont. “I think the town needed one, because the closest brass band to us is Frederick,” Blake said. Not only is that a bit of a way to travel for band practice, but it makes the practices twice as long. As long as there is local interest, Blake sees no reason Thurmont can’t have a brass band. The town certainly has plenty of opportunities where a band could perform. “Growing up here, I always had to travel to be part of a brass band,” Blake said. While there is a community choir in Emmitsburg, Blake feels there is enough interest and talent in Thurmont to form another choir. Blake plans on directing both groups. He has decades of experience playing instruments, singing, and directing musical groups. He first began playing an instrument as a young boy in 1982, when he started taking piano lessons. He has played trumpet, violin, saxophone, and drums. He is the current music director at the Fort Detrick Chapel. “I’ve done nothing but music my entire life,” Blake said. It is the true love of his life. Practices will be held on Sunday evenings in the Fort Detrick Chapel. The brass band will practice at 5:00 p.m., and the community choir will practice at 6:00 p.m. His goal is to have eight to ten members in the brass band, and eighteen to twenty people in the community choir. Participants should be at least fifteen years old. He expects both groups to be ready to perform for various Christmas activities. If you are interested in participating, call Blake at 301-271-483