Accomplished Warminster Conductor Comes Home

A good crowd is expected at Saturday’s “Marching Through History” Warminster Symphony Orchestra concert that kicks off at 8 p.m. at Archbishop High School on York Road.  At the orchestra’s Friday night rehearsal, guest conductor Capt. David Paroby said he was glad to be back in Warminster.  “My parents and in-laws will be at the concert,” he let on.   

Two Gifted Conductors Join Forces to Commemorate Warminster’s Tri-Centennial

After hearing about Saturday’s concert, Paroby got in touch with Joseph Lovecchio, principal conductor of the Warminster Symphony Orchestra.  Both men thought it would be good to have a local accomplished musician and conductor make a guest appearance at the township’s tri-centennial celebration.  Paroby practiced with the orchestra for about 20 minutes on Friday.  While he conducted during rehearsal he sprinkled the orchestra with, “Let’s play that part over again,” and “sounds good.”  

Love for Music has Warminster Roots

Paroby’s Warminster roots go back several years, to when he attended in the fourth grade.  “I was born in New Jersey, but grew up in Warminster,” he shares.  “I’ve had a love for music since I was in the seventh grade.  My older brother attended Log College.  One time I saw a jazz band perform at the school and that was it.  My passion was sparked.”  

Paroby graduated from in 1992.  At the same time he attended William Tennent, he played as a percussionist in the Warminster Symphony Orchestra.  Later he attended the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, graduating in 1996.  From there he joined the military music program. 

“I won a job with the military academy band at West Point in 2000," Paroby says.  “I worked as principal percussionist and principal timpanist for four years.  In 2004, I auditioned and was chosen to be one of 24 commissioned band officers.  Today I work as a Company Commander of the Army music program.” 

Army Officers and Enlisted Service Members Make Music for Worthy Causes

There are approximately 4,000 musicians and 105 bands in the Army’s music program.  Band members are comprised of active duty, reserve and National Guard servicemen and women.  In addition to managing the Army’s music program in West Virginia, Paroby was deployed in Iraq. 

“We put on concerts for the troops," he said. "We also did a charity event for Iraq’s citizens.  Our bands play a broad range of music including salsa, country, hard rock and symphonic.  Our mission is to bring military culture to people so they can see what life is like in the Army.  The Army band program is the largest of all military band programs.” 

Managing performances for the troops, allies and local citizens is not the extent of Paroby’s work. 

“I performed at President Barack Obama’s inauguration at the White House,” he reveals.  When asked to describe the differences between conducting a civilian versus a military group of musicians, Paroby says, “The jobs are similar.  Army bands play more diverse music.  The Army has small ensembles, brass quintets, rock bands and symphonies.” 

Warminster Symphony Orchestra’s Spirit of Community Service

Paroby is well aware that everyone who practices and performs in the Warminster Symphony Orchestra volunteers their time and talent.  About their volunteer spirit, he believes, “It’s a sense of selfless service.  People in the orchestra want to give back and be a part of something bigger than themselves.  I really respect people who come out and support community by playing in the orchestra.  I also like to see people come out and support the orchestra.” 

Another William Tennent High School graduate who will perform at Saturday’s concert is Clayton Belcher.  He regularly performs with the Air National Guard Band of the Mid Atlantic.  His brother, Matt, another William Tennent High School graduate, will also make a guest performance with the orchestra.  He regularly performs with the 78th Army Reserve Band. 

At Saturday’s concert, the Warminster Symphony Orchestra will perform music by some of America’s most accomplished band leaders and conductors, people like Charles Ines, Glenn Miller, Morton Gould, Aaron Copland, John P. Sousa, William Schuman and Duke Ellington.  

More information on the Warminster Symphony Orchestra can be found at www.warminstersymphony.org.  People who are interested in learning more about the Army’s band programs can visit www.bands.army.mil.