U.Va. Wind Ensemble with the Charlottesville Municipal Band
- Sunday, November 22, 2009
- Old Cabell Hall
- 3:30pm
- $10 general public, $5 students, free for UVA students if reserved by 11:59pm on Sat. 11/21.
The Charlottesville Municipal Band is under the direction of Steve Layman, the band’s seventh conductor. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Mr. Layman attended Ohio Northern University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Music Education, and the University of Kentucky, receiving his Masters in Music. From 1977 to 2008, he served as band director in the Albemarle County schools, directing at Western Albemarle High School and Walton Middle School. Steve, a brass performer, has played with several groups including the Charlottesville Municipal Band, Charlottesville & University Symphony Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony, and the Virginia Consort Festival Orchestra. Mr. Layman is also a member of Phi Kappa Lambda Music Honorary and Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity.
The Charlottesville Municipal Band was formed in 1922 by Sol Kaufman and E. A. Joachim along with the help of several civic organizations. They held their first concert in Lee Park under the direction of Harry Lowe, the band’s original conductor. Since then, the number of musicians has grown from 30 to about 90, and they are proud to be one of the oldest amateur community bands in the United States. The Municipal Band is also the official band of the Virginia Division of the United Confederate Veterans. They have had the honor of performing for seven U.S. Presidents, along with playing for the Queen of England during her visit for the United States Bicentennial.
The Charlottesville Municipal Band performs about ten concerts every year, with six of those in Downtown Charlottesville in the summer. Their concert repertoire ranges from marches to Broadway show tunes to contemporary pieces. The Municipal Arts Center on 5th Street is where the Municipal Band calls home. The band rehearses or performs almost every Tuesday evening.