I’m writing a book that I hope to publish later this year. It’s about a large section of the musician population, folks who seem to have become the underdogs of the music world: community concert bands.
More Than Marches: Following Your Musical Passion in a Community Band describes the symphonic wind band experience, with the primary goal of educating and inspiring college wind/percussion musicians and older amateur musicians to continue playing their instruments in concert bands. It’s based on personal experience spanning more than 25 years and six different concert bands, plus plenty of research, yet the manuscript is relatively short—less than 70 paperback-sized pages.
It’s for you if you currently play an instrument
Even if you’ve gained skills and enjoyed playing a musical instrument (hopefully thanks to an excellent school band director or college tutor), you might be at a point in your life when you believe an unwanted change is staring you in the face: leave that band instrument behind because there’s no room for making music in the post-graduation world of jobs, family, and bills.
This is false. Don’t let the “adult” world keep you from doing something you love!
If you thoroughly enjoy playing a musical instrument, and if abandoning that instrument will bring a sadness or regret you can’t ignore, don’t take that hurtful leap. I put my trumpet down for two full years after college, assuming that same thing, but I missed it too much and began looking for local ensembles. They were everywhere and I’ve gone full-bore into music ever since.
It’s for you if you haven’t played an instrument in years
In everyday conversations, I’ve encountered dozens of people who say they used to play an instrument, after learning that I’m an active musician. I usually ask if they still have their instrument, and gently remind them that it’s never too late to take it up again.
Life is too short to abandon a pastime that brings you joy!
Yes, this book is about community concert bands—not the more recognizable orchestras, jazz bands, marching bands, rock bands, or any other music genre, but the point is the same—the people of the world need music. If you can’t do it for them, certainly you can do it for yourself. Keep practicing (or go dig out) that saxophone, tuba, drum kit, or whatever you have and go find yourself a new group.
And maybe, just maybe, this book will help show you what concert band life is like.
Ever seen a community concert band perform?
Do you know any concert band musicians (besides me)?