The Bella Vista Community Concert Band is more than 25 years old, boasts 50 to 60 musicians playing at every concert and has a range of membership from high school age to 90-plus.
"Our intent is to entertain," says president Scott Duhamel, "so we play familiar music that people will enjoy hearing -- a combination of Sousa marches, familiar Broadway tunes, movie themes and, of course, on Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, we'll do many patriotic pieces to celebrate the holidays."
FAQ
Blowing Springs
Summer Concerts
WHEN — 7 p.m. May 7, May 27, June 11, July 4, July 16, July 30, Aug. 13 & Sept. 2
WHERE — Blowing Springs Park in Bella Vista
COST — Free
INFO — bellavistacommunity…
FYI — Those attending should bring chairs.
BONUS — Two more concerts wrap up the band’s performance schedule for 2019: 3 p.m. Sept. 22 in Becker Hall at the First United Methodist Church of Bella Vista and a Christmas concert at 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at Bella Vista Community Church.
The band kicks off its summer season May 7 with the first of a series of concerts at Blowing Springs Park, east of U.S. 71 on Mercy Way in Bella Vista. A picnic supper precedes each program, served from 5 to 6:45 p.m., this year provided by Prime Cut Catering. Patrons simply stand in line, pay, pick up an order of hamburgers, hot dogs, brisket or pulled-pork sandwiches, sides and a drink and enjoy dinner. Music follows from 7 to 8 p.m.
"We're an all-volunteer band with all volunteer conductors," Duhamel says, "so we do put out donation boxes at the concerts. Any funds raised will go to the purchase of additional music, instruments, sound equipment and the like, and we do give out small but nice scholarships to music students to help them in their endeavors. We're fortunate that folks that show up are happy to give and support us."
-- Becca Martin--Brown
NAN What's Up on 04/14/2019