Belmont Community Band

What instruments are eligible for this band?

This band is open to adults who play traditional band instruments (i.e., brass, woodwind and percussion).

I haven’t played in YEARS. Is this ensemble really right for me?

Yes! This ensemble is open to adults with all levels of playing ability. The goal of the ensemble is to have fun and challenge yourself in new ways, not to produce perfect music.

I only recently started playing an instrument, and this will be my first time playing with a group. Will I be able to keep up?

The Belmont Community Band is the perfect place to transition from practicing by yourself to playing with others. It may be a little challenging, but this will be a friendly environment suited to beginners.

What if there is a section of a song that I just can’t play?

Feel free to self-edit as you practice and play. If there is a part of a song that is beyond your current abilities, just mark the measures where you need to sit out and then come back in on the measures you can play.

Is this Belmont’s first band for adults?

No. The Belmont Community Band is a revival of the Parent/Teacher/Student Band, a long-standing Belmont ensemble organized by POMS and led by John McLellan that was discontinued at the time of the pandemic. The Belmont Community Band extends its reach beyond the school community to include all interested musicians in Belmont and surrounding towns.

What music will the band play?

The pieces will be selected in March once the director sees how the instrumentation is shaping up and what the skill level of the players are. You will be provided with the pieces in advance via email.

I don’t currently have an instrument. Where can I get one?

Reach out to David French Music, the company that serves as the main supplier of instrument rentals for the Belmont Public Schools. You can rent an instrument on a monthly rent-to-own basis, and you can return the instrument at any time.

I have an instrument, but it is in bad shape and needs a repair and/or cleaning. What service can I use?

David French Music offers repair services for woodwinds and brass.

Can musicians from other towns participate?

Yes! This ensemble is open to any adult from any town.

Can high school musicians participate?

Yes. Though the ensemble is geared toward adults, high school musicians are welcome to participate.

When should I arrive for rehearsal?

Rehearsal starts at 7 p.m., so we recommend that you arrive a little early to get settled prior to 7.

What should I bring to rehearsals?

Bring your music in a folder or binder, a pencil, your instrument and any equipment you might need for your instrument (i.e., reeds). Music stands will be provided.

Am I expected to spend a lot of time practicing between rehearsals?

We encourage you to review and practice the music you will be provided prior to rehearsal, so that our first session together is productive. We also hope that you will dive head-in and practice between rehearsals to help the ensemble advance from week to week. The time you spend practicing will not only help to advance your skills, but will show any students that you may have at home that results take effort!

Am I required to attend all of the rehearsals?

While we hope that all participants will be able to attend all of the rehearsals, we understand that there may be unexpected family or work conflicts. Please do your best to attend all of the rehearsals and especially the concert.