For the sixth year in a row, my home state has seen a successful annual gathering of excellent concert band musicians. Over the weekend we endured the mental and physical challenge of approximately 12 hours of rehearsal, scarfed down at least three meals worth of great food, and enjoyed the camaraderie of 75 fellow musicians from points all around the great state of Maryland. What was the draw, and the culmination of all this work? Performing an outstanding concert led by one of the best band directors in the region.
Come Together
The sixth annual Maryland All-State Community Band (MASCB) is an audition-only event hosted by Columbia Bands, Inc., a non-profit organization comprised of the Columbia Concert Band, the Columbia Big Band, and Flute Cocktail Flute Choir. In 2013 a few members of the CCB fleshed out the idea of creating an opportunity for other Maryland-based band musicians to rehearse and perform in an ensemble with higher musical standards than most community concert bands. Hence, the audition.
The location of this event turned out to be serendipitous, since Columbia (Howard County) happens to be a few miles south of Baltimore, a more or less central spot of Maryland. Due to various school schedules over the years (including some construction), MASCB has been held in a different school each time. This year we were happy to return to CCB’s home turf, River Hill High School in Clarksville, provided by the director of the CCB, Michael Blackman.
Of course, the most important piece of the puzzle was getting folks to attend. How do you attract dedicated, talented concert band musicians? Get an excellent director! Mr. Blackman made the most logical move by inviting his former directing professor, Dr. Harlan Parker from Baltimore’s Peabody Conservatory, part of Johns Hopkins University. An award-winning conductor and music educator, Dr. Parker accepted the original invitation, and happily returns each year to lead us through a variety of exciting, challenging, musically rewarding pieces that are fun for the band and the audience.
Play That Funky Music
I’ve attended every MASCB gathering, and each time I’m happy to see many familiar faces from all over the state, plus a few new folks. Every one of them is excited to learn new music, improve their playing on pieces they already know, and work together to create a high-quality performance for the public. Additionally, this year we successfully had our first live streaming of the entire concert, thanks to a technophile band spouse.
Dr. Parker always selects music of varying styles and that we can sink our collective teeth into, so to speak. This year’s program:
Satisfaction
Aside from the brilliant musical leadership, event participants also enjoyed streamlined logistics and other non-musical details. CBI member Jeanette spearheaded the team that provided communication, scheduling, audition details, payment methods (a mere $100 if you pass the audition), printed programs, and food service procurement. The River Hill Band Boosters supplied filling meals for two lunches (Saturday and Sunday) and a dinner (Saturday). These meals, plus shorter breaks during the day allowed us to socialize outside of rehearsals, and to focus on the music when we needed to. Good times with old and new friends!
Non-Maryland musicians: does your state have something like this? For concert band, jazz band, or another style?
Have you attended an event like this? What did you think?
Have you ever considered auditioning for a music ensemble? Do you have an audition story?