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Free Concert By Oakhurst Community Band

OAKHURST — Mark the date on your calendars for Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m., when the Oakhurst Community Band will present its Fall Concert at Mountain Christian Center.

This is the 10th season for the popular Oakhurst Community Band and admission to the concert, as always, is free.

Featuring music from Aaron Copland “Rodeo,” Grainger “Shepard’s Hey,” Leroy Anderson “A Christmas Festival,” and other irresistible holiday favorites, the concert promises to bring joy to the hearts of music lovers around the mountain area.

The 45-piece band puts on a great concert that’s a treat for all concerned. The group is known for its policy of inclusion, made up of friends, neighbors, teachers, students, parents, kids and conceivably anyone who feels they can keep up with the pace and professionalism, along with the fun.

Besides performing in concert, some of the more experienced members mentor band students and assist Yosemite High School programs from football to musicals and through graduation.

According to organizers, the band as it is recognized today is the result of one man’s lifelong appreciation of music.

“Loren Callan and his wife Betty retired to Oakhurst in 1998 and Loren began playing his trumpet with the Oakhurst Community Band,” the story goes, and “when the band director became too busy to give the band the attention it warranted, Loren was happy to take over directing duties.” He brought new energy to the organization and it flourished accordingly.

Following Loren’s death in December 2003, Yosemite High School band director Randy Hyatt took over as director of the Oakhurst Community Band. Organized as a nonprofit in 2002, the band is supported by donations. Donors contributing $100 or more receive recognition in their promotional material and concert programs and the gift is tax-deductible.

The group traditionally performs three concerts every year, rehearsing on Monday evenings in the school band room. All the members are volunteer, ranging in age from middle school students to octogenarians.

Visit the website for more information or to make a donation to the Oakhurst Community Band.

Mountain Christian Center is located at 40299 Highway 49.

One comment

  1. This is gong to be great!

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