Southern Maryland Concert Band
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Who we are:
The Southern Maryland Concert Band (SMCB) was formed in 1984 as an all-volunteer, non-profit, community-based ensemble of adult and student instrumentalists dedicated to performing quality concert band music for audiences in and around Southern Maryland.
Our founder, Charles Armstrong, former Supervisor of Music and longtime band director in the Charles County Public Schools, had a dream: to recreate the American tradition of community bands in Southern Maryland. The golden age of bands, from the mid-1800s to the 1920s, was characterized by each community having its own volunteer band. Because radio and records did not exist during most of this period, the only form of musical entertainment in many communities was the town band, which typically performed on Sunday afternoons from the town bandstand. Occasionally, a professional band would come to town. These bands, which sometimes numbered up to 2,000 instrumentalists and 20,000 vocalists, generated great excitement wherever they performed. The popularity of bands reach its apex at the turn of the century when John Philip Sousa, the “March King,” created his own touring band, “The Sousa Band.”
Through Armstrong’s vision, the “Community Concert Band, Inc.” was formed in early 1984 in Charles County, largely by Armstrong contacting former students from his 25 years of teaching. In 1985, the name was changed to “Southern Maryland Concert Band” to reflect the wide geographic diversity of the band’s membership and public performance locations throughout the counties of Southern Maryland.
Based in Charles County since its inception, the SMCB has performed many formal and community concerts over the years. The SMCB is the only community-based instrumental ensemble dedicated to providing quality, yet affordable music to families in Southern Maryland. In addition to formal concerts, informal community concerts are presented each season at fairs, festivals, historic occasions and special events. We are committed to performing a challenging quality music repertoire and rehearsing diligently to ensure the finest musical product possible from our members. SMCB brings together all levels of musicians – from high school age with little stage experience to retirees who have performed with the military bands. This mix makes for exciting learning experiences and enhances the overall musicianship of all those involved.
The Southern Maryland Concert Band relies on financial support from our community. We have programs for individual contributors and for corporate sponsors. We sincerely appreciate your generosity.
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Southern Maryland Concert Band 