Murphys, CA…The 2018 music season in Murphys Community Park will get an exciting and eclectic kick-off when the Calaveras Community Band presents a special Memorial Day concert under the direction of conductor Mic Harper on Monday, May 28, at 6:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for the program that will honor the men and women who have served in the armed forces in the past and those currently stationed around the world. The band will play a wide selection of music including tunes made famous by Benny Goodman, The Doors, Duke Ellington, and The Beatles. Aaron Copeland’s Appalachian Spring and Sousa Marches will also be included. “A little something for all musical tastes,” says Harper.

Families and other members of the community are invited to pack a picnic dinner and enjoy this start of the season concert. There will not be any food or beverages for sale in the park.

The Calaveras Community Band traces its history to the days following the Gold Rush. Men would brush away the grime of the mines, put on a uniform, grab their horns 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 it was known as the Angels Camp Miners Band, the Murphys Independent Cornet Band, and a dozen other names as the years passed.

Through the cooperation of the Murphys Community Club, during the warm-weather months the band holds its weekly Monday rehearsals in the park’s distinctive gazebo starting with a short informal concert at 6:30 PM, followed by the rehearsal from 7:30 to 8:30 PM.

“Please join us, bring some food and beverage, and relax for the evening with family and friends in Murphys beautiful park” says Harper.

The band is a great place for musicians to enjoy their music while helping to make Calaveras County such a special place.

“We invite you to join us in keeping the tradition of live community band music alive in our area.” says Harper.  “We are a fun group that gets great joy out of filling the Mother Lode with music. No matter your age, you can find a place with us. Many people who have not played for years discover that they still have chops.”
Anyone wanting to learn more about becoming a band member should call Carol Betz at 728-5001. The band’s website is calaverascommunityband.org.

Murphys Community Park is located on Algiers St. in historic downtown Murphys. The Murphys Community Club, that has oversight of the park, is hosting eight music-centered events from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Membership in the club is open to everyone and contributions are tax deductible. For further information, call 728-8183, or click on the Community Club link at visitmurphys.com.

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Calaveras Community Band
Mic Harper, Conductor
calaverascommunityband.org