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Celebrates 50 Years of Music and Service
The St. Petersburg Community Band is celebrating 50 years of music, volunteerism, and community spirit. Founded in 1975, the band has grown from a modest gathering of musicians to a vibrant nonprofit ensemble of more than 90 volunteer performers ranging in age, training, experience, and cultural background.
From big band swing to classical masterpieces, and from patriotic marches to jazz and blues, the band’s repertoire covers the musical map. They perform at approximately 18 concerts each year, often bringing the joy of live music to causes close to their hearts – including prior performances at the Special Olympics, the Bay Pines Veterans Administration Hospital, the Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, and the city’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting. They regularly perform at HOA/condo associations, assisted living facilities, and various churches. One of their most popular performances of the year is opening for The Florida Orchestra at Pops in the Park in the fall.
While the St. Petersburg Community Band does not charge for concerts, donations and sponsorships keep the band thriving. These contributions help cover the cost of music scores and percussion instruments. The members of the band are all volunteers who are passionate about music and sharing it with the community.
Currently the band is seeking new local venues to perform at that can accommodate a 90-piece band. Please contact the band at info@stpeteband.com if you have a place in mind.
The band’s origins date back to January 15, 1975, when founder Joe Berkowitz and St. Petersburg High School band director Paul Nicholson brought together a group of local musicians using the high school’s facilities. After Nicholson stepped down, leadership passed to Dr. George Westcott, formerly of Eastern Illinois University, who conducted the group for a decade. Later directors included Festival of States conductor, Don MacTavish, and composer-arranger Rob Romeyn, who led the group for 18 years. Rob composed “Generations” in honor of the band’s 50th anniversary this year. In 2013, the baton passed to Dr. John Bannon, Principal Timpanist of The Florida Orchestra, who continues to serve as the band’s director today.
Due to the growing size of the band, finding a rehearsal space has always been a challenge. In 2015, rehearsals moved from Boca Ciega High School, then to Northeast High School, and then to Allendale Methodist Church. The band relocated again in 2023 to its current rehearsal home at Riviera United Methodist Church.
“We’re deeply grateful to both Allendale and Riviera Methodist Churches for welcoming us into their spaces,” said the band’s leadership. “Their support has been instrumental in keeping our music alive.”
Rehearsals are held Monday evenings at 7pm from September through May, and new members of all experience levels are always welcome. Interested musicians can visit www.stpeteband.com or email join@stpeteband.com to learn more about joining.
As they celebrate their 50th anniversary, the St. Petersburg Community Band continues to prove that music, when shared freely, can be one of a community’s greatest gifts. www.facebook.com/groups/101890931822/
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