Madison Community Band—Madison County, Kentucky

Renew your musical spirit! There was an era, before electronic entertainment, when every town had a band. It was part of the fabric of the community, providing music for the citizens before such was available at the touch of a button. For the most part, bands continue today within two sorts of entities: schools and in the military. There are many, many graduates of band programs among the population of Madison County, some of whom would be delighted to have a way to make music again.  Why should a community support a band as part of its recreational and cultural offerings? Making music is FUN! A band provides a sense of community among its members. A band provides an opportunity for social interaction, intellectual and emotional challenge, and a venue to share the music with family and friends.  A community band gives its members a place to belong.  Audience members have an opportunity for social interaction at the performances, and can be expected to take pride in “their” community band.  The presence of a local band is an enticement to attract businesses, industry, medical personnel, and teachers to the area.

Hi! My name is John Stroube, and I am the Executive Director of the Kentucky Music Educators Association, the offices of which are in Richmond, Kentucky. Formerly I was a high school and college band director, and since I moved to Richmond I have believed there should be an adult band in my community!   We have started one, and the turnout has been incredible!  We have an excellent rehearsal and performance venue, and over 50 eager people playing in the group. We rehearse on Sunday evenings and most concerts are on a Sunday afternoon or evening.  We generally take a few weeks off after a performance and re-group five weeks before a concert. If you would like to be a part of this, I hope you will get in touch with me.  I may be reached at john.stroube@gmail.com. See pictures of our first concert here. (Pictures courtesy of David Greenlee who may be contacted at <dcustomphoto@aol.com>).  Jean Stoddard contributed some pictures from April 18, 2010. John Payne photographed the Richmond Centre concert, August 26, 2011. Hear the band in past concerts:  Overture for Winds by Charles Carter Salvation is Created by Pavel Tschesnokoff Fairest of the Fair by John Philip Sousa Proud Heritage by William P. Latham Rhapsody of Reruns by Paul Jennings We collaborated with Lexington Vintage Dance on February 12, 2012. Click here to watch and hear that portion of the concert    The next formal concert will in the in the fall of, 2012. Summer performances: June 6, 6:30 PM, the Ravine on the EKU Campus (picnic at the conference of the International Town and Gown Association.  Public invited.) June 9, 1:00 PM, Centre College in Danville (main stage at the Great American Brass Band Festival) July 3, 7:00 PM, the Ravine on the EKU Campus (patriotic concert with the Madison Singers) August 31, 6:00 PM, Richmond Centre (summer concert series)