In the Spotlight

Juliet Jenkins is no stranger around Belmont, and she’s no stranger to music either.

A local realtor, parent, and former member of the Belmont parent-teacher band, Juliet has played in middle school Marching Band, a woodwind quintet and All State in high school, and lessons, orchestra, and summer chamber music in college.

She was happy to see her three kids carry on her love for music in Belmont elementary schools, middle school, chamber groups, and orchestra as well.

“But adulthood and parenting meant my music got pushed into the background. I bought a piano when my youngest entered elementary school, he took lessons, I played some old tunes I knew.”

She knew that special feeling of making music with others was missing for her.

“With my kids out of the public schools, I am always looking for ways to connect with others and hopefully be in a larger group making something. “

When she heard about Belmont Community Band, “I felt as if the COVID era really lifted. I was involved in the Community Chorus right before COVID – had not sung in a group since high school – and having this way to engage with folks was so exciting.

Juliet was hopeful that the new band would bring back some of the things she loved.

“Being in the band brings back so many memories from my youth. Participating with Mr. and Mrs. McClellan brings me back decades to the first time when my oldest (who is 28) was 10 and I brought his sisters to the first rehearsal with a coloring book. I loved my past experience in the parent teacher band so I had a good idea what this new group would feel like. John McLellan is especially wonderful. I hoped to get less rusty, think musically, and of course laugh at Mr. McClellan’s musical jokes.”

The first rehearsal was a bit of a rocky start.

She explains, “Absolute intimidation when I sat down. Some of the other players I know are playing regularly. For example, one is my neighbor on clarinet who performs with a chamber group masterfully every year for Porchfest. Starting up my instrument again in my forties is nothing compared to doing it again nearly 20 years later! My mouth wasn’t getting the right shape – I was sounding so breathy. And recently I had an elbow injury and had no idea how it was going to affect my playing.”

But Juliet feels the extra time spent working on her own has paid off.

“If you can consider spending as much time outside of the band as you do at the band, then you will likely enjoy it. I have listened to all of the pieces before we began. Listened again and played through them practicing – not enough! – in-between rehearsals. Fortunately I am sounding less breathy and my elbow seems to not be affected at all by playing. I am making progress definitely. “

The real benefit, though? Playing together.

“Other ensembles are wonderful, but band is different because it is like playing on a real team. Most of us exercise by ourselves and don’t get the entire experience of a real game.”

Juliet has enjoyed her time in Belmont Community Band so much that Juliet Jenkins Realtor at Leading Edge was happy to sponsor the final concert at Chenery.

Says Juliet to other interested adults, “Absolutely give it a try. It’s a lot of fun – connecting to music, yourself and the group. I felt enjoyment many times.”