Bringing Up The Band

by Linda Brain Beck

[Originally published in the Winter 2026 issue of Mount Gretna Magazine. View the full issue to see this story in its designed layout, complete with additional images.]

Photo by Shannon Fretz Photography. The Mount Gretna Marching Band plays at the April 2025 dedication of the improvements to Soldiers Field.

What do you get when you combine intimate house concerts with wide-ranging open-mic nights and a diverse mix of participatory events? You get the Mount Gretna Community Music Collective.

The Collective emerged over the last year, beginning with its founders’ individual interests.

Each of the three founders had developed different offerings to fill gaps left by the drop in residents and visitors during the September-to-May off-season.

Chris Kiehne has hosted sing-alongs. Tom Cook and his wife, Marilyn Mamone, have offered house concerts. Deb Simpson has organized Christmas caroling, envisioning Gretna as a festive, Victorian-style Christmas village.

Together, these Gretna residents formed the Collective, a team with complementary skill sets. Tom is the promoter; Deb has the social media and IT skills. Chris considers himself the “sweeper,” moving things along.

But don’t look for titles, bylaws, or articles of incorporation. “We fly by the seat of our pants in a communal, fun way,” Tom says.

“In the off-season, with a less-intense focus, people can just relax. We try to keep things as simple as possible,” Deb says.

Erasing boundaries between performers and their audience

Open-mic nights offer local musicians the opportunity to showcase their skills. Anyone with musical talent can sign up for a spot.

The house concerts focus on regional performers of original music. “We offer eclectic music choices,” Deb says. “It’s not the same old stuff. People trust us that it will always be interesting and unique.”

The group’s shared mission emphasizes two critical components: community and participation. They want to erase the boundaries between performers and the audience.

“Everyone should have an art form because it helps you escape yourself,” Chris says.

The sing-alongs, caroling, and, now, the Mount Gretna Community Music Collective Marching Band offer opportunities to join regardless of experience. Several of the marching band members have returned to playing instruments they haven’t touched in decades. Others have never played an instrument before. And, if they have, chances are they never marched.

“We’re more of a strolling band,” Chris says.

Deb exemplifies that participatory spirit. While Chris and Tom are longtime musicians, Deb has always liked music but never played an instrument. Now, she’s the bass drum player in the marching band. When the band wore various shades of purple for the annual Mount Gretna Turkey Buzzard Drop on New Year’s Eve in 2024, she dressed up as Prince and played the xylophone.

Over time, others have stepped up to take on various leadership roles. Martha Levine has become the emcee for Collective gatherings. Rick Thorne volunteers as the marching band team lead and conductor.

The group has also expanded into an “Off the Page” session, where participants recited original writings or exhibited their artwork in a mini art gallery. Julia Herman has taken the lead on that effort, as part of the group’s goal to expand into other areas beyond music.

At Tom’s urging, Martha, a former flute player, first joined the marching band’s percussion section and has transitioned into her role as the group’s emcee for other occasions.

Connecting Gretna through music

The impact of the group’s work comes through the small moments of joy created. “People laugh. People smile. If people are singing, clapping, and dancing, we’ve met our goal,” Chris says.

“It’s also just an excuse to get together,” Marilyn adds.

Lorrie and Frank Gentile have attended many of the Collective’s offerings. “For us, it goes back to our coffeehouse days,” says Frank.

These events “are such a welcome part of our community,” adds Lorrie. They “have a feeling like a coffeehouse and are set up beautifully with candle lights and tablecloths. The atmosphere is very homey, cozy, and intimate.”

Lorrie and Frank agree that the Collective offers the opportunity to see outstanding performances from local entertainers. “If you like music at all and you’re looking for something to do, just walk on down,” Frank says. “You’ll be blown away by the quality.”

Growing and evolving through outreach

The Collective’s efforts have created additional offshoots as “unintended consequences.” For example, the marching band often performs during the summer months. Another group, The Small Frogs, has formed out of other Collective happenings. This group debuted at Play Music on Your Porch Day in August. Additionally, the Collective has worked with the MG Mercantile to offer unplugged performances on Saturday afternoons.

“We have evolved from just cooperating on our various individual activities to working jointly and developing new concepts,” Chris says.

Future offerings include choral music, fine arts programming, and a waltz club.

“There’s a role for everyone,” Tom says, even if that means being an audience member for some of their activities.

The Collective’s sessions attract about 25 to 50 people, with room to increase attendance and maintain the intimate setting. Anyone, regardless of where they live, is welcome to attend.

Donations cover the costs of the programming. Many programs have a suggested donation for attendees. In the past, the group has raised funds for two bass drums and a set of tenor drums for the marching band. Various “angels” have underwritten the cost of using the Mount Gretna Fire Company’s social hall, where most of the programs take place.

The group posts upcoming events on multiple Facebook pages, including the Mount Gretna Community Music Collective, Mt. Gretna, and Mt. Gretna Neighborhood Association pages.

“For me, the core of this was community building through music,” Chris says.

“Music is magic. It will take you to places you never expected to go,” Tom adds. And, in Gretna, everyone is invited on the journey.

Linda Brain Beck’s diverse career spans corporate and academic realms. She teaches communication courses for HACC, Lebanon Valley College’s MBA program, and Dale Carnegie. A seasoned speaker, she delivers keynotes and has given a TEDx presentation. With her husband, Ed, she co-manages a communications and leadership training company.

Stay up-to-date on Mount Gretna Community Music Collective’s activities and programs by subscribing the group’s online mailing list at: MountGretnaCollective.Mailchimpsites.com