WESTBROOK – Westbrook’s Alumni Band will return for the second year in a row, playing the Westbrook High School auditorium on Saturday, Aug 3.

Unlike last year’s reunion, this event is strictly musical, featuring the concert band, jazz band and chorus.

Dave Gowen, class of 1980, did not participate in last year’s reunion concert, but he was in attendance and had such a good time he wanted to help continue the project.

“It’s fun. You get to see your old friends and reconnect with people. People just want to have a good time and reunite,” said Gowen.

Gowen’s wife, also a member of the class of 1980, his two children and his father-in-law all played in the Westbrook High School band.

Kyle Smith, the band director, will be conducting the alumni band again through three songs, “Liberty Bell March,” by John Philip Sousa; “Into the Storm,” by Robert W. Smith; and the highlights of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” soundtrack.

Smith said he choose three different songs, one the alumni would know from their days in the high school band, one popular movie tune and one more modern piece that shows the players what high school musicians are playing today.

Music was sent out in late January to the roughly 25 alumni participating in the band, including some that graduated this year, but the band won’t practice together until the day of the show.

“The gathering and the concert is not about perfection, it’s not about making the most perfect concert, but about enjoying the experience,” Smith said.

Mark Mailhot, class of 1969, choose the songs for this year’s alumni chorus, “Edelweiss” from “The Sound of Music,” “Music of the Night” from “Phantom of the Opera” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” a song covered by many artists, including Bing Crosby and Neil Young that Mailhot hopes will turn into a sing-a-long. Unfortunately, he said, he’s only expecting about half a dozen chorus alumni members to show up because many of them have moved away and chorus was not as popular as band has been, historically.

Mailhot will accompany the chorus on piano, but said he may sing a little, as well.

“We’re going to be small, but mighty,” he said.

Last year’s alumni band reunion and concert was so much fun for those who attended, they decided to do it again.