General Information

For adults age 50 or over who want to get back to playing again and just want to have a good time making music with others in a band setting. Some exceptions are made for 40 year olds. The band started out in January of 2003 with only 12 members. The membership is now more than 75.

Previous experience is helpful, but no musical experience is necessary. If you have no previous musical experience, you must be willing to take private lessons. Several members had never played an instrument before joining the band. You should not expect a highly competitive environment. There are no “try outs” and no assigned chairs; e.g., 1st part will be rotated on alternate musical selections within each instrument’s section. Although an individual or a section may be recognized for their achievement, the primary emphasis is intended to be on the functioning of the band as a whole rather than recognizing a particularly talented individual.

Each member is required to pay dues of $45 each quarter. Quarters begin the 1st of January, April, July & October and dues are paid by the first week of each new quarter. Dues are prorated for the time remaining when joining after the quarter has begun. Scholarships for dues or instrument rental are available depending on financial need.

If you do not have an instrument, one may possibly be rented at Just Joe’s Music, Mountain View Music, 389-5416 or Wall Street Guitars, 617-9080, or through the public school system.

Weekly band practice is held at the High Desert Middle School band room. The band is considered a concert band playing all types of musical selections including everything from Bach to blues, jazz, marches and show tunes. Also, an informal practice, led by one of our more accomplished members, is held every Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the school. This practice is for those who want additional practice time, but is not mandatory.

The band makes approximately 10-12 public appearances a year so you should be willing to participate in as many as possible; participation in the annual January anniversary concert and the June summer concert is required.

Formal dress, required for some concerts, consists of white long sleeved tailored dress shirts, a red bow tie, which is furnished by the band, black slacks, black shoes and black socks for both men and women. Most of our concerts require less formal attire. This consists of a red polo shirt imprinted with our band logo and band name, and black slacks or blue denim long pants (jeans). The cost of the red polo shirt is $10.

If you decide to join us, please complete the attached Application form and return it along with the required dues and the signed Waiver of Liability to the band’s membership chairperson. As a band member you will become a part of a family of fun-loving seniors who are having the time of their life.

For more information, contact Mary Ellen Marlatt, (541) 388-3651, memarlatt@bendcable.com

Rev. 9/6/2009