Montclair Community Band

The sixty-piece Montclair Community Band, a staple of spring life, continues to contribute wonderful performances to the general public throughout the year.

Montclair Community Band fills the air with music!

montclair community band
Photo by Robert Fowler for The Montclair Dispatch.

A band formed in the 20th century that has weathered many seasons continues to contribute their artistic expressions in the community of Montclair, N.J. The Montclair Community Band is performing its second spring concert this year on May 20th from 7:30 to 9 p.m., in Montclair, N.J. The live performance will take place inside of Montclair High School’s auditorium, which is just north of Park Street and Chestnut. The band will carry out an assortment of melodies from different genres throughout the evening. The Department of Parks and Recreation supports this entertainment group.

The Montclair Community Band emerged in the early 1980s as a prospect for adult musicians to practice and perform their craft. The band brought complimentary entertainment to the community of Montclair. They perform indoor and outdoor concerts throughout the year and have managed to accumulate a group of followers.

The band plays tunes that accompany films, humorous songs (novelty pieces), classical music and American march harmonies. They welcome anyone to come out and enjoy their performances. The band meets every week to practice and prepare for up and coming events. They utilize social media as a communication outlet such as Facebook.

Jim Waskco, director of the Montclair High School band, has been conducting the Montclair Community Band performances for over a decade, and plays the clarinet and saxophone. He was a music teacher before he moved to Montclair. To this day, he is recognized in the fine arts industry in and out-of-state. Waskco currently lives in Verona, N.J.

Barbra Rudy manages the band, and she has been a dedicated member since it was established. “The Montclair Community Band is just as good as any other band around,” said Rudy. “You realize the band performs for free. It’s always the older people that don’t have money. We play quality music.” The band does have an impact on the audience because they just want to entertain people rather than earn a profit. She has a preference for woodwind instruments.

The Montclair Community Band is devoted to their craft and performances. All of their performances are free and open to the public. The band encourages readers to visit their website for information on concert schedules and locations, as well as information on joining the band, as they are open to new members.

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