CRESTVIEW — Response to the new North Okaloosa Community Band has exceeded organizer Lee Emerson’s expectations.
“Our first night's rehearsal was an epic success,” Emerson, who works at UpBeat Music in Crestview, said. “Four more people signed up the next day. We already have over 20 members.”
The band, which rehearsed March 14 in Shoal River Middle School’s band room under Mustangs band director Kim Whaley and Paxton band director Lindsey Stuart’s direction, is preparing for its Fourth of July debut at the Crestview Centennial Old-Fashioned Family Picnic in Twin Hills Park.
The musicians are practicing patriotic music, including John Phillip Sousa marches, and an armed services salute, Emerson said.
The band is open to adult musicians of all skill levels, and 11th- and 12th-grade student musicians with their school band director’s written permission.
What: North Okaloosa Community Band
When: Rehearsals are 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays
Where: Shoal River Middle School band room, 3200 Redstone Ave. E., Crestview
Notes: Open to adult musicians of all skill levels, plus 11th- and 12th-grade band students with their band director’s written permission. Call Lee Emerson, 398-4009 or lee@upbeatmusic.com, for more information
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New North Okaloosa band quickly adding members