Angels Camp, CA…The uplifting songs from some of America’s favorite Broadway musicals will be featured when the Calaveras Community Band presents its annual Fall Concert on Sunday, November 5, 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 band will take the audience on a musical tour through the fabled theatre district with stops at “Man of La Mancha”, “Westside Story” and “Beauty and the Beast”. In the spirit of the season, the program will also include “Autumn Leaves” and “October”.

Harper and the musicians look forward to performing this light-hearted, nostalgic concert as a celebration of the band’s energy packed, successful 2017 season. “It has been a joy, as always, and an honor to play at the various venues around Calaveras County,” says Harper. “We’re looking forward to performing this concert of uplifting and thoughtful music. In many ways it is a tribute to the good people of Calaveras County.”

Everyone, young and old, is encouraged to be in attendance. 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 end 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 Mic Harper, 770-1258, or Carol Betz, 728-9057. The email addresses are micharper7@gmail.com and calaverascommunityband@gmail.com.
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