Thriving Community Concert Band is tuning up for uplifting fall concert
“It’s the music, that’s what brings the folks here,” Kellie Bartley, the band’s director, said. “We recently reached out to the community and the response has been stunning.
“But we are definitely a more-the-merrier operation,” she said. “We have plenty of room for more people of all different skill levels. Our objective is to play at the highest level that we can and still have a fantastically fun time.”
The Community Concert Band is a performance opportunity for AC students and community members, alike. Players of all abilities and walks are welcome to join, and those who do pursue either academic or continuing education credits.
Presently, the Community Concert Band boasts about 50 members and is tuning up to present Hands Across the Sea, a concert with a Veteran’s Day bent that Bartley describes as “honoring our military and our friends abroad.”
The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5 in AC’s Concert Hall Theater on the Washington Street Campus. It is free and open to the public.
Kind House/Ukraine Bakery will provide refreshments, for which donations will be accepted.
The concert program features traditional American and European marches, a Sound of Music medley, and more.
The Community Concert Band practices from 7-9 p.m. on Mondays in the Music Building at AC. The band performs two public concerts each semester.
The present ensemble boasts musicians of every age and walk of life, from public school students and AC students to retirees.
“Our players really are all different levels,” Bartley said. “If perhaps you’ve been a person who was afraid of joining a new ensemble, maybe it’s been many, many years since you’ve played, this is an ensemble for you.
“Perhaps you’re a stronger player, even a professional-level player, and you might think it’s not worth your time, definitely come and check it out because when we’re looking at programming we strive to make a little something for everyone.”
For more information about the Community Concert Band at Amarillo College, please call Tiffany McDaniel in the AC Music Department, (806) 371-5340.