How large is the band and where
do the members come from?
We are a not-for-profit, all volunteer concert band comprised of approximately
80
members drawn from many communities in and around the Fox River Valley area.
Who is the Director of the band?
Our current director, Colin Holman,
has been with the band since January of 1993. Colin has a Masters in
Instrumental Conducting and a Ph.D. in Musicology from the University of
Kansas and his undergraduate degree from the University of
Birmingham in England. He is a professional conductor and also directs the Chicago
Brass Band and several other musical groups in the area.
How long has the band been in
existence and how is it supported?
The Fox Valley Concert Band had its first rehearsal in January of 1983 as
an outgrowth of an ensemble started in 1981, and has grown from a core group of
charter members to our current size. Because our mission is both to provide the
residents of the Fox Valley with free, quality concert band music year-round and
to provide an opportunity to perform to those people who would like to exercise
their musical talents, there is no charge to the public for our concerts. The
band is supported by corporate and personal donations, as well as by the city of St. Charles, Waubonsee
Community College and the
Illinois Arts Council.
Can anyone join? What
instruments are needed currently?
The band has an
audition policy to ensure a standard of musical competence. We are growing
the organization and will allow you to play with the ensemble to "try us out"
for a few weeks before asking you to audition. Section leaders can supply more
information about auditions. While all interested musicians are encouraged to
audition for membership, there are always some sections of the band that are
more in need than others. Our most pressing current needs are as follows:
 | Percussion (especially mallets) |
| Bass/Contrabass clarinet |
*Please note that the flute section is currently full and is closed to new members until further notice.
When and where are rehearsals?
We rehearse every Tuesday night from 7:30 to 9:30 PM in the
Geneva High School band room. The band takes a 3 to 4 week break in August
every year.
What kind of music does the band
play? How many concerts does the band perform?
The musical fare for our six to eight summer concerts in area parks and for
festivals is lighter and includes marches, show tunes and some light classical
works. The fall, winter and spring concerts are more challenging musically and
include both modern and period works. The concerts generally scheduled are:
| Fall Concert: | First or second Sunday in November, area high school |
| Christmas Concerts: | First
Saturday in December, Baker Center in St. Charles (2 performances) Second Tuesday in December, The Holmstad in Batavia |
| Winter Concert: | First or second Sunday in March, area high school |
| Spring Concert: | First or second Sunday in May, area high school |
| Wheaton Band Festival: | Friday and Saturday in late July, Memorial Park in Wheaton |
How can I get information on booking the band
for a performance at an upcoming event?
You will need to contact the current board president of the band to find out
availability and other pertinent information. Rich Clark is our current
president and can be contacted by e-mail at
president@fvcb.org.