Town Band Banter with Doc and Dave

Author: Doc Smith David Price

Where every week or so, two long time colleagues in the world of music, David Price and Donald Doc Smith discuss the triumphs as well as the twists and turns along the path of life-long learning for members of thousands of civilian community music ensembles of every shape and size. Topics include positive and negative effects of cognitive and physical challenges as members enter their senior years and mix with younger members. The hosts share a lifetime of touching and humorous stories and solutions that are enhanced by the suggestions of special guests and comments from listeners.
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Language: en

Genres: Arts, Performing Arts

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Banter with Dr. Rob about RIWE & BIRD
Episode 3
Friday, 9 January, 2026

We get the New Year started off with a high energy chat with our friend, Dr. Rob Franzblau, retired Director of Bands at Rhode Island College and current director of The Rhode Island Wind Ensemble (RIWE). Rob had a fascinating career path to this point and, though retired since 2023, doesn’t seem to be lacking in energy or innovation. We were particularly fascinated with one of many community outreach programs RIWE promotes: Band Instrument Renewal Drive (BIRD, acronym courtesy of Rob!). Band instruments that are not being played are donated from various sources, local instrument repair shops work as partners and are reimbursed for their work through RIWE fundraising, then the instruments are donated back into school band programs that are in need of them. Hopefully, the instruments will continue to be used for many years to come. To help with this effort and to learn more about RIWE, search for their website: riwe.org and join the band, attend a concert, donate an instrument or $ for the the program. Surely this will help many students with our goal for them: “Just Keep On Playin!”RIWE link: riwe.orgAs always, we invite you to also contact us with questions and comments at info@TownBandBanter.comRemember to Follow or Subscribe and Share! Share! Share!