Friends of Oakland Municipal Band
2008 Season: Tuesday, July 4th, Sundays: July 13, July 20, July 27 , August 3
| Who We Are |
| A city
treasure, the Oakland Municipal Band is considered one of the country's
three best park concert bands. The group performs an eclectic array of
music, i.e.; jazz, contemporary, pop, big band, international, classical,
and marches and showtunes. An energetic conductor presents each concert, and gives educational information about the various pieces being performed. The concerts draw families and many ethnic groups which reflect Oakland's diverse cultural population. Friends of Oakland Parks and, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, is pleased to co-sponsor the Oakland Municipal Band Concert program as a fiscal agent. The program's importance to the community is recognized as a long-standing cultural tradition. Previously the City of Oakland provided total funding for the concerts through the years. The Friends of the Oakland Municipal Band was formed in 1978 when City of Oakland funding was reduced. The concerts are "the place to be" for families and seniors on Sunday afternoons in Oakland. Many of the patrons have been attending for over 30 years. The program provides employment opportunities for local musicians and an opportunity for these artists to be part of an established musical organization at a Historical Bandstand. Having an acclaimed municipal concert band also helps promote the artistic image of the City of Oakland. The program is backed by a sound operation, a fund raising plan, and is supported by the Office of Oakland Parks and Recreation. The concerts first started in 1913 and the band played every Sunday of the year with 40 musicians. We have had to reduce the size of the band to 35 musicians and limit the season to six concerts due to financial restraints. |
| What |
| Bring family and friends along with a blanket or lawn chairs (picnics are most welcome) to the concerts that are performed from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. The 2005 schedule continues on through next five Sundays. The conductor, Dwight Hall, and thirty-five professional musicians comprise the band. The concert themes can be found on the Park Calendar Section of this site during the season. |
| Why |
| Help keep the band
playing! Please write a check for your most generous commitment to the Band.
The Performance Trust Fund, who we reimburse for the musicians costs,
requires that we have the funds on deposit prior to the concerts. We must
raise one half of the cost of the musicians. Send checks to Friends of
Oakland Municipal Band, 1724 Indian Way, Oakland, CA 94611. |
| Where |
| Bandstand in
Lakeside Park on Bellevue Avenue.
We look forward to seeing you at the concerts! |