The Florence Community Band allows folks to pursue their passion without auditions, fees, or judgment.
The traditional concert band comprises roughly 70 volunteer members who play concerts, parks and various city events. The band has few requirements to join other than supplying your own instrument and preferably being able to play and read music at the high school level.
“The big pull to me is you get to play; it’s a safe place, no one’s judging your abilities—we mess up, we laugh, I mean, we fix it, but it’s nice,” Florence Community Band Director Dave Webber said.
Florence Community Band Director Dave Webber with the band. Photo provided | Florence Community Band
Webber is a retired high school band director, having spent eight years with Bellevue High School and 24 years with Boone County High School.
The band formed roughly 38 years ago, and, at the time, Florence Community Band President Jackie Crabtree said they would go from place to place, rehearsing wherever they could. The band now practices at the Florence Government Center. Webber said when he joined the band seven years ago, they were rehearsing in one corner of the meeting room and now take up all three rooms.
Along with being the band’s president, Crabtree plays the flute.
“I started when I was in fifth grade,” Crabtree said. “I say I’m just a high school band kid who never quit playing their instrument. That’s what a whole lot of people in the band are: band people who loved it and never quit playing.”
The band is unique in that they are in the city’s budget and, therefore, funded by the city, so they don’t have to charge dues or write grants. Because the city funds them, they play Veterans Day, Memorial Day and other city events. Though the band plays a lot in Florence, they also perform in other parts of the region, such as Cold Spring, Newport and Fort Mitchell.
They also play with local schools, with two upcoming joint concerts taking place with Boone County High School and Connor High School.
Webber said they are currently playing more serious band literature, but they also play musicals, Broadway shows, movie soundtracks, pop music and holiday music during those seasons. In the summer, when they perform in parks, they play music like “Star Wars” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” or other things people would recognize.
“I try to tell students there’s always a place to play,” Crabtree said. “So, you do not have to be a music major to keep playing your horn. Major in whatever you want to major in. You can always find a community band somewhere.”
Webber said they don’t often accept high school students but do occasionally. There is no cap on the number of people who can join, and Webber said if someone isn’t playing great, they typically leave on their own.
“The best part about being in it is the camaraderie,” Webber said. “You’re together with people with common interests, and everyone’s having a really good time.”
Those looking to get involved with the band can visit its website here or attend a rehearsal. Rehearsals are every Monday night from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Florence Government Center at 8100 Ewing Blvd. in Florence.
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