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Playing Together: Oakhurst Community Concert Band

MOUNTAIN AREA — In the midst of the holiday season we want to share the stories of a dozen groups and nonprofit organizations whose members are making a difference in our communities.

We’ve profiled education, art, community, theater, broadcast, wildlife, and more. Here’s a story about music.

For our tenth day, we focus on the all-inclusive Oakhurst Community Concert Band.

Day #10 Oakhurst Community Concert Band

  • What is it? The 45-piece Oakhurst Community Concert Band performances are traditionally held three times each year at Mountain Christian Center, with rehearsals held in Yosemite High School’s band room. The rousing displays of talent are offered at no charge. Band members are all volunteer and have ranged in age from junior high school students to octogenarians. The Band is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation, and relies on business and individual support.
  • Who’s behind it? Randy Hyatt, former band director at Yosemite High School, took over as director of the Oakhurst Community Band in 2003, following the tenure of Loren Callen. Pat Mierkey is Assistant Director. Those interested in seeing a band-member list or the Board of Directors can visit the website for more information.
  • Why we love it. The heart-warming and beautifully rendered concerts are usually played to SRO crowds. 2014 presented a special challenge as members lost music and equipment when the Junction Fire destroyed the band’s storage facility, but that didn’t stop them. In addition to practicing for and performing at concerts, many of the band members volunteer time to mentor school students throughout the mountain communities and also play with the high school band for home football games and graduation ceremonies. They don’t do fundraisers, yet the concerts are free. Tax deductible donations are appreciated.

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Sierra News Online