OAKHURST – Dedicated members of the Oakhurst Community Concert Band (OCCB) are once again tuning up in preparation for the annual Fall Concert on Sunday, Nov. 18 at 3 p.m., in the auditorium of Mountain Christian Center.
As always with OCCB concerts, the family event is free.The 45-piece band will play music from John Phillips Sousa, Ralph Vaughn Williams and Frank Tichelli. The second half of the program features holiday favorites. Hundreds of people are expected to attend the concert, offered by a diverse group of musicians who practice together at least once a week.
“It’s a great group of people,” says flute player Pamela Vaccaro. “We’re a big family, and people enjoy playing the music together, so it’s really fun.” Vacarro should know; she and her husband Larry have been playing in OCCB for about 8 years.
“We have a bigger following now, and the Mountain Christian Center (MCC) suits our needs well,” says Vaccaro of the large and easily accessible venue set for Sunday’s concert. The MCC auditorium seats 800 people, and concert-goers are encouraged to bring friends.
OCCB flute player and section leader Sandy Schaefer is looking forward to the program, which she says has been enhanced by the presence of middle and high school students playing in the band. OCCB is open to all community members who are able and willing, regardless of age.
“It’s wonderful having these young kids being an important part of the band,” Schaefer says.”They’re doing great and it adds to their enjoyment and appreciation of music in school, too. We’re really glad to offer this opportunity. They’re learning how to be part of an adult group, including etiquette and technique, and that adds layers to their music.”
The Oakhurst Community Concert Band is a nonprofit public benefit corporation. Anyone interested in joining the band or becoming a sponsor can contact the director through the website.
