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