Ciao! Let me introduce you to one of the finest community bands in Southern Maine: the Italian Heritage Center Concert Band.
Founded in 1988, we provide the opportunity for amateur musicians to enjoy the pleasure of instrumental music. Many of our members had not played for years, but with us have rediscovered the enjoyment of playing in a band.
IHHCB members represent a broad spectrum of backgrounds including nurses, schoolteachers, engineers, housewives, students, and senior citizens. We have a strong sense of community purpose and provide entertainment at nursing and retirement homes, schools and community events, plus concerts at the Italian Heritage Center.
I've been Music Director for this group since 1997 and have seen our membership nearly doubled and the variety and difficulty of music increased significantly. We've taken on several major initiatives, including hosting R.B. Hall Day in 2006, an outreach program to local-area high schools to educate students about community band, and now a cultural exchange trip to Italy in August 2010.
Community Band is a unique musical ensemble and one that I've come to love and champion. With so much of the world focused on professional performance, we provide a place to make music purely for the love of it!
New members are always welcome. There are no auditions or fees. We rehearse weekly from 7:30-9:30pm Wednesdays at the Italian Heritage Center: 40 Westland Ave., Portland.
Whether you are a musician or a spectator, take some time to learn about us; join us for a performance or as a new member!
- Nina K. Oatley, Music Director
Wednesdays 7:15 pm to 9:15 pm
Italian Heritage Center, Portland
Please bring a music stand.
Wednesday, June 6 at 7pm
Falmouth Elementary School
You'll be amazed at the progress these students made in their first year.
Thursday, June 7 at 7pm
CK Burns Elementary School, Saco
The Band joins forces for the first time with the Saco 5th Grade musicians.
Saturday, June 23 at 2pm
Biddeford
Saturday, June 30 at 1:40pm
Augusta
Wed. July 11 at 7pm
Scarboro
Sun. July 11 at 1pm
Scarboro
Wed. July 18 at 7pm
Scarboro
Thurs. July 19 at 6:30pm
Portland
Fri. July 27 at 7pm
Bath
Sat. Sep 8 at 7pm
Bath
Each year, since 2002, the Band plays a 9/11 benefit concert in honor of the first responders in our community. Details of the 2012 concert will be posted soon.
Catching Health with Diane Atwood has a new article about the health benefits of playing in community band, featuring many members of the IHC Concert Band. Diane attended a rehearsal, interviewed many band members and wrote an interesting, flattering, thoughtful article about the band and the impact of music on health. Thanks, Diane!
The Band has been honored by the Maine Association of Police who have presented us with a special award honoring our 9/11 concerts. Here is a copy of the award letter:
On behalf of the membership of both the Maine Association of Police and the Maine Association of Police-Retired, I would like to thank you for the tremendous support the Italian Heritage Center Band and the Biddeford Alumni Band have given to Maine's first responders over the years.
Your participation with the September 11th remembrance ceremonies was a tremendous show of honor and support for those who serve their country and communities. It also brings us together as a community to remember those innocent souls who perished in the largest tragedy of our time. For all your members to give so freely of their time and talent after playing a full concert in their own community the night before serves as an example in putting service before self.
As we draw to the close of 2011, we should not only reflect upon the tragedies we have endured, but the small examples that have been set by others which serve to give us all hope for our collective future. It is also a reminder that you do not have to wear a uniform to be a hero in your community. Your gift of music is just such an example and it is my pleasure to pass along this note of thanks to you and the members of the Italian Heritage Center Concert Band and the Biddeford Alumni Band. Please accept our best wishes for you all for a safe and peaceful holiday season.
Paul Gasper
Executive Director
Maine Association of Police
Return your empty bottles to Clynk at a Hannaford's near you and help the band raise money for the Band Exchange.
Contact Carla for details on how to Clynk for us.
