SIDNEY — It was a seamless transition from one conductor to the next Thursday night during a Sidney Civic Band concert and Sept. 11 tribute at Custenborder Park.

Civic Band Director Phil Chilcote opened the concert, but passed the baton to Brett Poling, who often fills in as needed, soon after the opening number. Chilcote felt his defibrilator shocking his heart and after the third shock, he decided he should probably step off the bandstand.

He was taken to Wilson Memorial Hospital by ambulance, where he was admitted overnight. No condition report was available at press time, however, Chilcote was in good spirits when contacted by the Sidney Daily News.

“Five weeks ago, I had a defibrilator put in. I nver experienced the shock of it before,” he said. “I wasn’t sure what to do.”

Members of the Sidney police and fire departments, who were there as an honor guard for the Sept. 11 tribute, called the ambulance squad.

The band, under Poling’s leadership, didn’t miss a beat.

Chilcote said he was sorry to have missed the performance.

“This was going to be a really good concert,” he said.