The Early Years
Following the creation of the band by Randy Coleman, the group saw a rapid increase in the number of members. A symbol of unity, all members don matching concert jackets and ties whenever they perform. Though members have joined and departed over time, the band’s essence and purpose have stayed constant.
50th Anniversary Concert
In 2021, the Orange County Concert Band celebrated its 50th anniversary. However, due to the pandemic of 2021β22, the band was unable to rehearse or perform because of social distancing requirements and concerns. To mark the milestone anniversary and celebrate the end of COVID-19, the Orange County Concert Band held a “masterworks” concert in 2023. This concert included a newly commissioned concert band piece by Sean Ivory, a choral conductor, pianist, and composer from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Ivory composed the piece, “Orbits,” during the COVID pandemic. The piece embodies hopeful and spirited themes of connection, despite the distances created between band members due to COVID.
Memorial Day Remembrance & Celebration at Fairhaven Memorial
The Orange County Concert Band has been performing at this annual event for many years to express gratitude to current veterans for their service and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our country and freedoms.
D-Day 75th Anniversary in Normandy, France
The Orange County Concert Band members traveled to France in 2022 for a concert tour of Paris and the Normandy countryside organized through Music Celebrations International. Together with other touring groups, they performed as a single group at the Eiffel Tower and Omaha Beach to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day. At the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial Park in Colleville-sur-Mer, France, Alan Ochiai played βTapsβ. At the same time, Sophia Kroll placed a wreath in honor of the 9,387 American soldiers who lost their lives during Operation D-Day and are buried at the site.
Community Music Outreach
To engage children and inspire them to take up playing musical instruments, Orange County Concert Band members set up a special event called a “musical instrument petting zoo.” This allowed kids to explore and handle different instruments, hopefully igniting a passion for learning to play one, two, or even more.
Jazz Band
The Orange County Jazz Band was created as an extension of the concert band, with many members participating in both ensembles. Comprised of 17 musicians, including a singer, the band entertains audiences at a variety of venues in Orange County. Their repertoire ranges from classic 1930s and 1940s big band tunes to popular hits from the 1970s and 1980s.
Other Performances
Throughout the years, the concert band practices and puts on concerts regularly. These performances often revolve around holidays, special occasions, and moments of remembrance. Specifically, annual Christmas concerts, Halloween concerts, and outdoor park performances are featured in our calendar.
