El Segundo Concert Band Enters its 10th Season
The
El Segundo Community Concert Band began in 1999 as "The Mamas and the Papas." About a dozen parents borrowed instruments, learned the song "Louie, Louie" and the to embarrassment and amusement of their children, performed it at a combined middle school/high school band banquet.
Geri Dahl, one of the parents, was reminded of the joy of playing an instrument, took out an ad in the El Segundo Herald, and invited other current and former musicians to join her to develop a community band.
Below are significant milestones in the Band's 10-year history:
1999: 12 band parents debuted with "Louie Louie" at a school band banquet - 2000: Advertised in newspaper to start an ongoing band
- 2000: Held Oktoberfest concert in Library Park
- 2000: First performance at HomeTown Fair
- 2001: Hired first professional conductor
- 2003: Became a non-profit corporation
- 2006: Performed first concert without admission price
- 2006: Began operating Elementary After-school Band Program
- 2007: Launched South Bay Music Symposium
- 2008: Produced first outdoor evening concert
- 2008: Developed fundraising arm in partnership with high school band parents
- 2009: Partnered with the Police and Fire departments to put on a "Salute To Heroes" concert
- Raised $6,800 to make up the budget shortfall form Sacramento to keep the high school band program in full operation.
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