Angels Camp, CA… The Calaveras Community Band will take the audience on an enjoyable musical tour of the world when it presents its Fall Concert on Sunday, November 6, 3 p.m. in the Dr. Elliot A. Smart Performing Arts Center at Bret Harte High School in Angels Camp.

Under the direction of Mic Harper, the journey will begin in France with inspiring tunes from Les Miserables composed by Claude-Michel Schonberg.
“We will then offer the effervescent joy of the Italian Funiculi Funicula by Luigi Denza,” says Harper. “Our trip will include the lighthearted happiness in Seis Manuel from Puerto Rico, a proud Spanish Paso Doble El Palomino Noble, and the celebration of victory in the March of the Belgian Parachutists, commemorating those brave men of World War I and World War II.
“Returning home, we will be stirred by the wholesome goodness in Meredith Willson’s Seventy Six Trombones from The Music Man.”
Also included in the program will be other tunes from the band’s repertoire that has made it so popular throughout Calaveras County.
Everyone, young and old, is encouraged to be in attendance as the band wraps up a successful summer of free concerts in the beautiful parks of Murphys, Valley Springs, Copperopolis and San Andreas. There is no admission charge for the performance, but there will be an opportunity for concertgoers to make a donation to help support this unique Motherlode treasure.
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 enjoy this musical journey,” 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. All wind instruments and skill levels are welcome. 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.”
For information, contact Carol Betz 728-9057 or Mic Harper 533-0941.