“Pon-Tunes”: Uniquehorns Return for Another Panther Pond Performance

By Arthur McClanahan

“People were waiting for us.”

That was the realization that struck the seven French horn players aboard a pontoon boat Saturday afternoon as they made their way around Panther Pond for the second annual “Pon-Tunes” musical tour.

In the days leading up to the August 29 event, Panther Pond residents had been texting and emailing to find out when the horns would reach their side of the lake. And when the pontoon arrived, people were ready - on docks, floating rafts, and boats, waving, cheering, and listening. Some had clearly been waiting for quite a while.

One family visiting friends on one side of the lake heard the horns playing and hurried home to the other side so they could swim out to their floating raft and get the best seats for the Horns’ arrival.

At another dock, a large family reunion, perhaps 15 or 20 people, wearing matching T-shirts, gathered, and as the Horns approached, the entire group clapped and cheered the musicians on!

And then there were the groupies.

Several boats followed the horns around the lake, honking their air horns and ringing cowbells in appreciation. When the musicians (Denis Drobinski, Barbara Wolejko, Diane McClanahan, Charlie Lessard, Alison McCarty, Pinckney “Skip” Smith, and Meagan Concannon) played La Bamba, boaters supplied their own appropriately enthusiastic accompaniment. At times, it felt less like a horn ensemble cruising the lake and more like a small floating parade.

The repertoire was a mix of familiar favorites: Simple Gifts, Shenandoah, Scarborough Fair, La Bamba, and Sweet Caroline. The selections were repeated as the group made its way around the pond, providing music wherever people were waiting.

And they kept playing…and playing…and playing.

The musical tour stretched to nearly two hours because there were so many people to play for. Eventually, even the horn players needed a little help from each other. Parts were swapped, giving players a chance to rest while others took over the higher lines.

The pontoon itself became part of the adventure - seven musicians, music stands, instruments, and extra folding chairs made for a cozy arrangement. Passing boats created occasional waves, while wind gusts made it necessary to hang onto music stands—and sometimes the music itself—as the players performed.

The Maine Pops Concert Band’s mission is to create community through music and bring people together through live performance. “Pon-Tunes” managed to do both in a wonderfully Panther Pond way. It brought the horn section together not only as musicians, but as friends who enjoy making music together. At the same time, it brought the Panther Pond community together around a shared experience. People weren’t simply listening to a concert…they were participating in it! Facebook comments included, “This is fantastic!” “It was absolutely lovely!!” “This is awesome!” and “What a nice way to end the day!” and some videos were posted as well.

After nearly two hours on the water, the horns returned to shore and gathered for a potluck meal. There was vegetarian chili, pulled pork, salads, and enough desserts to make sure no one went home hungry.

Last year, “Pon-Tunes” was simply a fun idea. This year, it was an anticipated event that took place on two lakes. And now there are already requests to take “Pon-Tunes” to two additional lakes next year.

When one player was asked, “What did you like most about it?” the answer came quickly: “All of it!!”

For more information about the Uniquehorns, the Maine Pops Concert Band, and its upcoming season, visit our web site at www.mainepops.org or visit our Facebook site. The Maine Pops Concert Band is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt educational non-profit organization, with a mission to build community through music.