For many of us the New Year presents another opportunity to pursue new ideas, expand and improve on previous endeavors and set new goals in both personal and professional interests.
Some people make New Years resolution stating lofty and ambitious goals that they, in all good faith, want to achieve. Unfortunately, very few follow through with these idealistic dreams. Why not make a resolution that is easier to keep and has many redeeming values and life improving benefits? Join a community music group – namely a band, orchestra or choral group.
Usually, you do not have to be an experienced musician. Many community music groups do not require previous experience but some do require experience, at least at the intermediate level. It’s easy to find out what level of experience is required – just ask the group representative.
Research studies have proven that participation in a music ensemble greatly enhances one’s life. A few of the many benefits of playing or singing in a community group include self satisfaction, enhanced self worth and the pure enjoyment of making music with others. Lifelong friendships are a common element in being with others who share the same goals of making music together for self improvement, camaraderie and fun.
Bay area residents are very fortunate as there is a plethora of community music groups in the Tri-Valley. One can find a group usually in most communities. Enter “community music groups” on the internet and you will be surprised to find how many groups there are in your area.
There are groups for almost any musical interest you can name including: concert bands; jazz bands; rock bands; swing bands; orchestras, including small chamber groups and full symphony orchestras. Many churches have choirs open to members and nonmembers. There are community choruses of various sizes that present a variety of repertoire from classical to jazz and popular music. Below are just a few of these local groups.
Community Bands:
- Danville Community Band, www.danvilleband.org, Director, Robert Calonico
- Pleasanton Community Concert Band, www.pleasantonband.org, Director, Robert Williams
- Walnut Creek Concert Band, www.walnutcreek.org, Director, Harvey Benstein
- Contra Costa Wind Symphony, www.ccwindsymphony.org, Director, Dr. Duane Carroll
- San Ramon Symphonic Band, www.sanramonperformingarts.com, Director, Larry Colon
- East Bay Symphonic Band, www.eastbaysymphonicband.org, Director, Beverly Johnson
- Tracy Community Band, Face book, Director, Scott Lycan
Orchestras:
- Livermore-Amador Symphony Orchestra, www.livamsymph.org, Director, Arthur Barnes
- Diablo Symphony Orchestra, www.diablosymphony.org, Director, Matilda Hofman Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, www.cccorch.org, Director, Timothy Smith
- Castro Valley Chamber Orchestra, www.cvorchestra.org. Director, Todd Wetherwax
Choral Groups
- Blackhawk Chorus, www.blackhawkchorus.com, Director, Diane Gilfether
- Valley Concert Chorale, www.valleyconcertchorale.org, Director, John Emory Bush
- Voices of Musica Sacra, www.vmschorus.org, Director, Mark Tuning
- Pride of the Pacific Chorus, wwwsingharmony.org,
- Women Sing, www.womensing.org, Director, Martin Benvenuto
- Rossmoor Choral Society, www.rossmoornews.net, Director, Frank Ryken
Playing music or singing with a group of friends is not only fun, creative and a rewarding way to spend time but more and more studies are showing the various health, social and general well being benefits of having music in your life.
“I had a good time playing again this year with the Danville Community Band at their Christmas Concert!” said, Norm Dea, director of instrumental music at Acalanes High School. “Huge Band with wonderful people enjoying each other and enjoying music making. Music education at its best and it does extend past high school and college!”
Making music can be a lifelong endeavor and it’s never too late to get started. Why not make 2014 a more fulfilling year by becoming part of a music group in your area? You’ll be glad you did. Have a very Happy New Year!
Don’t miss the Danville Community Band’s Annual Dinner Concert at the Diablo Country Club on Sunday, February 9, 2014. Contact the Diablo Country Club at 925-837-7040 for reservations. Seating is limited.
The Danville Community Band was founded by Dr. Lawrence Anderson and his wife, Jan in 2001 and quickly became the largest community band in the Bay Area. The band is currently directed by Professor, Robert Calonico, director of bands, at the University of California, Berkeley. The band currently has openings for percussion players.
Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.
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