REHEARSALS BEGIN 8/24/23
Seeking Low Brass and Percussion
All Instruments Welcome
We welcome players of all ages and skill levels. We do ask that players have a basic proficiency on their instrument and be able to read music.
The band currently has openings in all sections, but are actively seeking percussion and low brass players.
The band rehearses every Thursday evening September-June from 7pm-8:45pm at the Woodland Park United Methodist Church.
302 N 78th St
Seattle, WA 98103
We also ask that members pay modest quarterly dues to help sustain the organization. Of course, if this is a hardship, we can help with this.
If you would like to join the band, or would like more information about us, please send us an email to: info@seattlecivicband.org
OUR MISSION
The mission of the Seattle Civic Band is to provide musical enjoyment to its members and to participate in the musical activities of Greater Seattle, including performances and workshops, as a service to the community.
We welcome players of all ages and skill levels, and strive to create an environment that is fun and welcoming, and fosters a passion to play and enjoy concert band music.
Welcome to the beat of the Seattle Civic Band!
The Seattle Civic Band began under the steady baton of Jo-Ann Christen and has entertained Puget Sound audiences with lively, varied programs of concert band music for 24 years. We began with 12 players, and are currently close to 35 members, a diverse group of musicians of all ages and occupations.
As a recreational musical ensemble, we strive to grow musically each quarter and challenge ourselves with music of all eras and styles. We have played at a variety of venues, including Northwest Folklife Festival, the opening evening of Boating Season, the Seattle Waterfront concert series, the Wallingford Wurst Festival, Benaroya Nordstrom Hall, the Norse Home and many other retirement communities.
Our favorite performance is July 4th at the Ballard Locks featuring guest musicians, new and old classics, and culminating in a rousing selection of patriotic music.
We hope you will join us for one of our concerts or as a member.
Our History
George Benson co-founded the Seattle Civic Band with Jo-Ann Christen. At that time, Mr. Benson was serving on the City Council of Seattle in his final term. George had played Baritone in the Husky Band as a student, and continued to perform with the Husky Alumni Band of the University of Washington, Seattle campus, for many years.
After his retirement from the City Council, he joined the Seattle Civic Band as a member on Baritone and played until the last months of his life. He loved music and the Band experience. With his help, the Seattle Civic Band was partly sponsored by the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation and made its home at the time (1989) at the new Ballard Community Center, for 21 years. The band became known as “The Mayor’s Own” during that time.
We are so grateful for Councilman Benson’s interest and assistance in starting the Seattle Civic Band, a community band of musical service to the city of Seattle.
