There was plenty of rumbling at the Dartmouth Community Band’s annual pre-Fourth of July concert, but not the kind band members preferred. 

It was rumbles of thunder, which threatened to derail the June 30 concert at the Russells Mills Schoolhouse. Luckily, the storms passed quickly and the skies cleared, allowing the band to open with the national anthem only a few minutes late. 

“We’ve decided to play,” said Assistant Band Director Maxwell Kane moments before the band launched into a patriotic tune. 

In addition to patriotic classics and Fourth of July staples, this year’s show featured modern additions like Sweet Caroline and Shipping Up to Boston, and a piece written by one of the band’s own members. 

The band is shaping up to be the largest in recent years. This year, the all-volunteer band features several unique roles, including a fully staffed percussion section, an electric bass player, and an accordion player. 

Janice Hodge has been performing on the accordion for 64 years. When she began taking lessons at the age of six, it was one of the more popular instruments. Now much rarer to find an accomplished performer, she decided to join the community band to keep up with her passion.

“It’s still fun,” Hodge said. “I’ve always taken it out maybe once or twice a year, but this is a motivation for me.”

Scared away by the weather, or otherwise missed the band perform? The Dartmouth Community Band performs each Tuesday at Apponagansett Park at 6:30 p.m. The band’s first concert is set for July 2.