A Musical Experience for Everyone

They say that music is the language of the soul, and nothing could be more true for the Blacksburg Community Band. Since our founding in 1989, we have found great joy and satisfaction in making music and sharing it with the local community. The band has musicians from all corners of the New River Valley with diverse experiences and backgrounds. We play a wide variety of concert band music including marches, show tunes, light symphonic music, popular tunes, old favorites, and novelty music. The ensemble is open to individuals from middle school age (with a recommendation from a band director) and up with 2 years of experience from the New River Valley and surrounding areas. Auditions may be done for seating purposes and there are no dues or fees. Members volunteer their time and talents. Concerts are generally free so we can share music with the local community.

There are band members with fragrance sensitivities and allergies. Since scented products and tobaccos can be a discomfort for those around you, please limit personal scents for all band events. Thank you for your cooperation in making the environment comfortable and safe for all members.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held Wednesdays from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Please arrive around 7:15 so you have time to get acclimated and find your seat and music prior to the downbeat at 7:30. When we practice at Blacksburg High School, we follow the MCPS closure schedule and covid protocols. 
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* First rehearsal of the new year is the third Wednesday of January.

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Band Business

All band board meetings are open to all band members. Your participation is encouraged. Please contact us for the date of our next meeting.

• ​Policies and Procedures Document
• ​New Member Information

Officers:
President:  Dixon Smiley
Vice-President:  Cathy Duerbeck
Secretary:  Kacie Hodges
Treasurer:  David Kibler
Members  At-Large:  Renee Jacobsen,
                                      Betsy Kibler
                                      Bruce McGarvey
Appointed Positions:
Music Director:  Emmett O'Leary
Associate Director:  Dean Chiapetto
Librarian:  Beth Paterson 
Public Relations Coordinator:  Kara Vellines
Logistics Officer: Larry Root
Stage Manager: Bert Blanton
Reception Coordinator:  Renee Jacobsen

Section Leaders:
Flutes:  Kacie Hodges
Clarinets:  Kendra Kohl         
Double Reeds:  Beth Paterson
Saxophones:  Cathy Duerbeck      
Trumpets:  Patrick Feucht
French Horns:  Jennifer Hundley
Trombones:  Larry Root
Euphoniums:  Bert Blanton  
Tubas:  Bob White 
Percussion:  Dan Richards

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Band History

​Carl Epperly was instrumental in the formation of the band with his local connections to people and identifying locations to perform. Ed Schwartz met Carl when he got connected to the Little German Band. Ed mentioned to the group that he had started the Newark Community Band in Delaware and thought that he could do the same thing in Blacksburg. Ed had only been in Blacksburg about 6 months, but with the Town of Blacksburg’s blessing and the support of the Blacksburg High School’s band director, Diana Love, the Blacksburg Community Band had its first rehearsal, with Ed as the director, on January 18, 1989 with 36 people attending!

Directors
Emmett O'Leary: 2024-present
David McKee: 2019 - 2023
Jay Durner: 2013 - 2018
Ed Schwartz: 1989 - 2012