Q. When/where are rehearsals?

A. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at the Gulfport Senior Center at 5501 27th Ave S. in Gulfport.  The Jazz Band rehearses first from 4:00 to 5:45.  Then the Concert Band rehearses from 6:00 to 8:00 and includes a brief break.

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Q. How long do you rehearse before you have a concert?

A. We have 3 "seasons":  Fall, Winter and Spring. 

Fall season begins in early September for 14 weeks.  About 6 weeks later we do an outdoor concert with both bands.  In November, an outdoor concert for Veterans Day.  Two Christmas concerts in early December.

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Winter season begins around early January also for 14 weeks  About 6 weeks later we do an outdoor concert.  Two Spring Concerts at the end of the season in mid-April. 

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Spring season begins around late April/early May for 12 weeks and ends with a concert in mid-July.

 

Q. Are you off for the rest of the summer then?

A. We may offer a "Workshop" in August for 4 weeks which covers more in-depth skill building.  It may include a jump start on a more difficult piece for the Fall season.

 

Q. Where does the band perform?

A. Concert and Jazz Bands perform in Gulfport in the Casino, the Hickman Theater and at the Town Shores Auditorium (private) as well as under the Pavilion at Clymer Park.  The Jazz band may do other concerts in the Pinellas area as well.  We also have a "V-Band" or "Voluneer Band" which performs at Gulfport's patriotic events.

 

Q. Does it cost to be a member?

A. Yes, it's $40 per season each for the Concert and Jazz Bands.  This goes towards the purchase of music and other band expenses.  It's also a charitable contribution.

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Q. Do I have to buy a uniform?

A. No but we usually have color requirements such as "White shirt, black pants" for an indoor concert; "Red or Green shirt, black pants and festive accents" for Christmas, and so on. 

 

Q. How good do I have to be?

A. If you can be in the Florida Orchestra - we welcome you with open arms!  ;-)

Otherwise, you need to be able to read music while playing your instrument.  If you haven't played for some time, this can be an opportunity to "shake off the rust" and you might surprise yourself!

 

Q. Is the music boring?

A. We like to perform a variety of styles for each concert - usually music people have heard of and enjoy.  We may include something "American", a ballad, something Latin, a popular medly, a rock or jazz song, something classical, a march.  And we may also do songs you may not have heard -- which helps improve your skills!

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Q. How hard is the music?

A. The pieces usually range from a grade 1 to grade 3.  Or in other words, "easy", "medium easy", "medium".

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Q. Can I sit in a rehearsal to see if it's right for me?

A. Absolutely!  There are plenty of chairs, so come down to a rehearsal and see how we operate.  Maybe you'll think it's right for you and want to join!