The Pitman High School marching band will perform on Wednesday for residents of Covenant Living assisted-living facility of Turlock, located at 2125 N. Olive Ave.
It’s part of band director Ruben Modesto’s effort to get his students back out into the community after being out of the public eye for so long during the pandemic.
“During 2020 and 2021, and much of 2022, the band wasn’t allowed to play indoors,” said Modesto. “People need to know that we’re out here performing again. This is a big deal for us.”
The Covenant Living performance, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a march around the grounds of the facility, is just one of the performances coming up for Pitman musicians.
On Monday, at 6:30 p.m., the school’s percussion and jazz ensembles will perform a free concert — though, donations are always appreciated — at the Black Box Theater located on the campus’ southwest corner.
A week later, May 13, at 6 p.m., Pitman’s wind ensemble and symphonic band will put on a free concert, also at the Black Box Theater.
This all comes on the heels of Thursday’s combined performance of the Pitman and Stanislaus State mariachi programs, both taught by Modesto.
“Our mariachi group was just formed,” said Modesto, who, in his 18th year as the Pitman band director now leads three concert band groups, the jazz band and color guard. “It will be offered as a class next year at both Pitman and Turlock high schools."
After the Covenant Living performance, members of the Pride’s marching band will attend a reception where they will be able to meet with residents.
“That’s the thing we really want out of this: For the students to hang out and have conversations with people who have really lived life,” said Modesto. “Last year, we kind of didn’t know what to expect. We thought we might have snacks and leave. But some of the students came back with stories to tell. This is really is about integrating young people and having conversations with retired folks.”
Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak is also expected to be in attendance.
The event serves as a kickoff to the annual benevolent care fundraising campaign.
“Essentially, these are funds that are raised if there are residents who happen to outlive their resources,” said Randy Eilts, director of public relations and communications for Covenant Living Communities and Services. “These funds help pay for them to stay living where they’ve been living for however long. This is a nice way to just build a little excitement.”
