The Greenbelt Concert Band caught me by surprise the first time I ever heard it, in a good way, because they sound nothing like the community bands I’ve heard before.  Sadly, that’s especially true of Takoma Park’s, which is almost painful to listen to.

But OUR band, Greenbelt’s, sounds so good it had me wondering who ARE these people?

Musicians
That starts with director Tom Cherrix, who’s held that position since 1994, so happy 20th anniversary in the job, Tom!  There are about 40 other members, who play in not just the Concert Band but also a small Wind Ensemble, a 15-piece Brass Choir, and a Sax Quintet.

New members of all ages are welcome but to avoid the threat of “aging out,” younger members are especially being sought.  The most critical spots to fill are drummers and an assistant conductor.  The band is open to adults with five years experience in a band, and they should play at the college level or better. (So, that’s how the screechers are weeded out.)

Methods of attracting them include word of mouth, a brand-new Facebook page, and videos on Youtube are coming soon.  Young trombone player Elizabeth Kuligowski is handling the Band’s publicity, both traditional and digital.

There are no formal try-outs.  Newcomers simply join the group for a rehearsal and if it’s a good fit, they’re invited back.  The band practices Mondays from 7:30 to 9:30 in the Multi-Purpose Room of the Community Center.  Wind Ensemble members are all retired, so they practice during the day.   (Interested?  Email director Tom Cherix:   director@greenbeltconcertb .org.

The Greenbelt Concert Band has been performing since 1940.  Wow.

Concert June 1, Greenbelt Day, at  3:00 pm in Greenbelt Community Center

One of the band’s traditional gigs is coming up soon, June 1, to celebrate Greenbelt’s Peace Month.  One piece on the program is aptly titled “Ballad for Peace,” by Frank Erickson.  Other pieces include “LaForza Del Destino,” the Overture to Verdi’s Opera, arranged especially for the Band; and “Trombone Troubadours” by David Bennett featuring guess which instrument.

Scheduled Gigs, and Availability for More 

Won’t be long ’til we’ll be hearing the Band perform at Greenbelt’s July 4th celebration at Buddy Addick Park, and much later the band will perform “holiday” music in December.  I believe I first heard them at the GHI Summer Picnic, and I don’t know if that’s on this year’s roster of gigs but I hope so.

The band also entertains at nursing homes and various neighborhood events and they’re open to more concert dates, especially in Greenbelt itself.  (Their funding is from the City of Greenbelt, plus some honoraria for specific performances.)  If you’re interested in having the band play at an event, email general manager Sean Davis: gcb-manager@greenbeltconcertband.org.