Bitterroot Community Band

I was pleased with much about my first experience with the Bitterroot Community Band. Evening practices 45 miles away are off-putting, but sharing time with an all-ages band who play well together makes up for that – and more. Plus, the miles are absolutely beautiful. People spend their vacations trying to find scenery like this. Oh yeah, back to the band.

They unquestionably welcome all musicians of all ages. It attracts the better music students who wish to keep their skills up during summer vacation from school, along with half a dozen music teachers who, except for the director/conductor, get to play an instrument for a change. Also in there are recent high school and college graduates now finding this place as their musical outlet. Plus those like me who are just never quite willing to let go of the pleasure making music gives us.

From my one experience in the middle of a strong trombone section, I am real pleased that the first outing finds us sight reading so well, all-important rhythm is strong and the director making us work together for a decent sound. We seemed to fit together well from where I sat.

If I could have one wish, I would add a whole lot of non-brass musicians to improve the balance. Realistically, I will work on my reading of the lower-register notes to improve my contribution … and hope for the others.

The band’s schedule as mapped out thus far:

JUNE

Tuesday-11……………..Rehearsal/Annual Business Meeting-Stevi Bandroom-7:00pm
Tuesday-18……………..Rehearsal-Stevi Bandroom-7:00pm
Tuesday-25……………..Rehearsal-Stevi Bandroom-7:00pm
Thursday-27…………….Bandshell Performance-8:00pm

JULY

Tuesday-9 ……………..Rehearsal-Stevi Bandroom-7:00pm
Thursday-11…………….Bandshell Performance-8:00pm
Thursday-18…………….BCB Presents: TBD- 8:00pm
Tuesday-23……………..Rehearsal-Stevi Bandroom-7:00pm
Thursday-25…………….Bandshell Performance-8:00pm
Tuesday-30……………..Rehearsal-Stevi Bandroom-7:00pm

AUGUST

Thursday-1……………..BCB Presents: TBD-8:00pm
Saturday-3……………..Stevi Creamery Picnic-Lewis & Clark Park-1:00pm(?)
Tuesday-6………………Rehearsal-Stevi Bandroom-7:00pm
Thursday-8……………..Daly Mansion with Missoula City Band-7:00pm
Tuesday–13……………..Tuesday at 12-Hamilton Legion Park-Noon(?)
Thursday-15…………….BCB Presents: 5 Valley Accordians-8:00pm
Tuesday-20……………..Rehearsal-Stevi Bandroom-7:00pm
Thursday-22……………..Bandshell Performance-8:00pm
Saturday-31……………..Ravalli County Fair-3:00pm

SEPTEMBER

TBD…………………….Oktoberfest