Angels Camp, CA…The Calaveras Community Band’s Fall Concert, that has become a Motherlode tradition, will take on added significance when it is presented on Sunday, November 1, 3 p.m. in the Dr. Elliot A. Smart Performing Arts Center at Bret Harte High School in Angels Camp. All monies raised will be donated to the Central Calaveras Fire Fighters Association (CCFFA) and the Mokelumne Hill Volunteer Firefighters Association (MHVFA). “Many of our band members know of people who suffered losses in the recent Butte Fire,” states band director Mic Harper. “For instance, my two sisters had their homes destroyed in this tragic disaster. We feel there was no greater tragedy than the firefighters losing their own houses while trying to save others. We wanted to do something to show our respect and appreciation.

The CCFFA and the MHVFA are fundraising organizations comprised entirely of volunteers dedicated to raising funds to support firefighters in the Central Fire Protection District and the Mokelumne Hill Fire Protection District. Both are 501(c)(3) public nonprofit charities, all donations are tax deductible in accordance with federal law.

There is no admission charge for the band’s performance, but there will be ample opportunity for concertgoers to contribute to the firefighters.

The concert will provide a wide range of music ranging from classics and show tunes to jazz and rousing marches. Individual band members will be spotlighted as soloists.

Carol Betz, on clarinet and Jeff Chadwick, on drums will be featured in Benny Goodman’s “The King of Swing.” Cora Branson will have the tenor sax solo in “Over the Rainbow.” David Carter and his alto sax will perform during “Harlem Nocturne.”

John Maurer, who is the longest serving member of the band, will make his euphonium sing in “Love’s Old Sweet Song,” a traditional euphonium solo from the late 1800’s. Maurer will share solo duties with Nancy Burton, on trumpet, in the band’s rendition of “Moon River,” a favorite of audiences everywhere.

The concert will also offer a rousing rendition of Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” featuring John Detrick on guitar and Jeff Chadwick on drums.

“We are also playing the beautiful ‘”All Pleasant Things” by American Composer James Barnes,” states Harper. “In honor of all emergency personnel, we will offer the lovely “On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss” by David Holsinger.”

Everyone, young and old, is encouraged to be in attendance as the band wraps up a successful musical summer in the beautiful parks of Murphys, Valley Springs, and San Andreas.

Harper cautions the day of the concert will mark the start of Daylight Savings Time so people should check their clocks. “We would hate to have you miss the chance to hear good music while supporting our firefighters,” says Harper.

The Calaveras Community Band traces it history to the days following the Gold Rush. Men would brush away the grime of the mines, put on a uniform, take up their musical instruments and entertain the crowds at many public functions. Creating music brought extra meaning to their lives and provided a counterpoint to the stresses of the day.

In those times they were known as the Angels Camp Miners Band, the Murphys Independent Cornet Band, or by a dozen other names.

Today the Calaveras Community Band carries on this honored tradition. The age range has been expanded. Women are now welcomed and respected. The military uniforms have been put aside. But the spirit remains the same – people who love to play music performing for those who enjoy listening. And together they create a relaxing and enriching environment.

“We greatly appreciate the enthusiastic audiences who attended our concerts this summer in Murphys Community Park and other venues” says Harper. “The musicians had a wonderful time playing jazz, swing, and summertime favorites.

“We want to thank the Murphys Community Club for allowing us to spend our summers rehearsing and playing music in Murphys Park and the Bret Harte School District for letting us use its beautiful auditorium for our concert. We continue to look for new musicians to join us. If you have an instrument you no longer use, please donate it to the band so we can put it in the hands of student musicians who will bring it to life.”