If feeling young is supposed to fade with age, the Clarkston Melody Makers don’t act how they are supposed to.
The local band made up of at least six area residents continues to play tunes from the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and beyond at the Carriage House once a week, as well as play an occasional gig.
Like the tunes they play, the Melody Makers, which hosts several military veterans from World War II and the Korean War eras, reflect fading generations and time periods on the minds of many this Memorial Day.
‘We just get together and play a bit and have a cup of coffee and talk,? said 66-year-old Independence Township resident and Air Force veteran Ken Combs.
?(I come) Because I love it. I love playing with these guys. They make a little better of a squeezer (accordion player) out of me then I would be,? said Joe Petroff, a 77-year-old Korean War veteran and Independence Township resident. ‘I don’t think there’s anything better in life than music if you hear it done right.?
According to member Stan Fay, the band started around 1983 and used to play many shows like the Clarkston Parade, senior events, dances and even venues like Cobo Hall.
‘As soon as I retired, I said ‘I have to get in a band,?? said Fay who joined after retiring from General Motors in 1982. ‘It keeps us young. It’s always been a fun thing. We just get together and have fun.?
While the band, which Fay estimated has had over 30 members over the years, cut down their appearances, they still play about 10 shows a year and practice for three hours most Tuesdays.
‘The sad thing is we’re playing to a dying audience. Our segment of the population is dwindling,? said 79-year-old Clarkston resident Ray DeFiore.
DeFiore played as a musician in the Army during World War II and continues to come because he enjoys playing piano for the band.
‘It was fun (playing in the Army). Making music is always fun,? laughed DeFiore.
Trombone player Bob Dodge epitomizes the bands? goals and attitude. Dodge took a 50 year break after playing in high school and in the army, before picking up his trombone again 22 years ago, after his retirement from the tool and die business.
‘It’s a nice bunch of fellows and I enjoy playing with them. As I get older my breath gets shorter and I can’t play as long, but they still want me to come so I keep coming,? said Dodge, an 84-year-old World War II Army veteran and Rose Township resident.
As in years past, the Clarkston Melody Makers are always open for more company and new players.
‘Any who are interested are welcome to play. There’s no qualifications,? said clarinet player and Independence Township resident Sue Gronemeier, 57.
While the group is not strictly veterans, the presence of World War II and Korean War veterans causes the group to hold this time of year and Memorial Day with a certain level of reverence.
Petroff, who was an Air Force mechanic from 1950-54, spending one year overseas, still thinks its important to remember the past contributions of veterans.
?(Memorial Day) gives people something to think about? You have to look back and see what you’ve done,? said Petroff. ‘A lot of times I think about the guys. We were pretty close to the frontlines and you think about the guys you were with and you never forget those guys.?
So the tunes and good times will continue at the Carriage House with songs and heroes of yesteryear.