This Season's Features

The band began with no concert in sight, just a desire to play. As eleven area musicians learned about the band they began to come to rehearsals with some dusting off their instruments for the first time since high school. Somehow this group managed to put together a small concert, in January 1996, at South Windsor High School without a conductor because all musicians were needed to play.

Now, after eleven years, the band has grown to over 50 members with a diverse age range from 24 to 79. The band consists of a full compliment of standard instrumentation as well as unique instruments such as bassoon, bass clarinet, contra-bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, French horn, euphonium, piccolo and tuba. Currently, the band is in need of oboists, saxophonists and percussionists.

to offer, enhance and enrich musical experience and opportunity for talented, adult musicians

Since its fist year, the SWCB has enjoyed performing in variety of locations and celebrations, both in South Windsor and surrounding towns. Some of which are listed below.

Every other year the band tries to engage South Windsor’s young musicians. The “Concert For All Ages”, usually held in February, provides an opportunity for the town’s instrumental students to actively participate in rehearsals and a performance with the South Windsor Community Band. Last year, the 5th graders at Pleasant Valley and Wapping schools were paired up with mentors in the band. They were allowed to attend 2-4 evening rehearsals in order to get to know the adult musicians as well as experience a mature rehearsal and concert environment. The students then wrote “reflections” on their experience. Overall, it was a huge success and greatly appreciated by the students and adults.

One of the unique qualities the South Windsor Community Band provides is a set of conductors. Although the numbers do change, there are usually between 3-5 conductors at each rehearsal. This allows the performer an opportunity to experience different rehearsing and conducting techniques. It also allows the conductors to choose musical styles of which they feel most connected giving the band an array of musical genre.
Financial support for the SWCB comes from a variety of places. The South Windsor Recreation Department provides rehearsal space as well as funds to purchase music. The bi-annual membership dues and earnings from performances allow the band to buy music and musical equipment. Recently, the band raised enough money to purchase a set of timpani.

Rehearsals are currently being held on Thursday nights, from 6:30-8:30 at the Pleasant Valley Elementary School band room. These rehearsals are always open to those adults over the age of 18 who wish to come and observe or sit in and play. There is no audition requirement. However, a certain level of proficiency in reading notation and instrument skill is expected. Students under the age of 18 may be accepted with a written recommendation letter from either their high school band director or their private studio teacher.

For more information and the latest schedule of rehearsals and concerts, you can visit the South Windsor Community Band’s web site at www.swband.org or through the Town of South Windsor’s web site at www.southwindsor.org.

South Windsor Community Band
Rehearsals: Thursday nights from 6:30 to 8:30
Location: Pleasant Valley Elementary School band room
Contacts: Leslie Cohen, President 289-7047, Gary Dahms, Vice President 647-8556
Visit www.swband.org
Fees: $20 membership dues bi-annually
Age: adults 18 and older