Villages Concert Band
Overview
Concert Band Director - Melson Varsovia
Melson joins the band for its 2022-2023 season.
Performance Season
The band's concert season runs from September through the end of May/early June. The band performs a wide variety of literature, including band classics, modern band concert music, popular songs, show tunes, film, and television music. These special musical events provide listeners and performers alike with an enriching experience. The band also brings in concert soloists for many of its concerts.
Distinguished guest performers in past seasons have included Jeanne Smith (mezzo soprano), Carlos Aguilar (bass), David Ladd Anderson (flute and sax), jazz and blues vocalist Nate Pruitt, Dr. Carl Blake (piano), Robert Calonico and Andrew Kotarba (clarinet), John Russell (trombone), Dale Wolford (alto saxophone), Rick Vandivier (guitar), and jazz singer Michelle Hawkins.
Membership
The band welcoming anyone who plays a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument, even pianists who are feeling adventurous to play percussion! Members of the band include The Villages residents, adults from the nearby San Jose community, and mature students from local schools. Requested dues are $25 per year.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7PM - 9:30PM at Cribari Auditorium, The Villages Golf & Country Club, 5000 Cribari Lane, San Jose CA 95135.
Contact Us
To inquire about joining the band or anything else, contact Victor Clifford at 1-408-802-1804, ConcertBandVMS@gmail.com
Band Members
Resident Musicians
- Victor Clifford, alto/bass clarinet
- David Bruce, clarinet
- Vera Hutton, flute
- Earl Levin, baritone sax
- Kathi Levin, horn french
- Christy Reid, alto sax
- George Sutherland, alto sax
- Philip Rentaria, tenor sax
- Scott Beardsley, trumpet
- Ken Cole, violin
Nonresident Musicians
- Juliette Bettencourt, clarinet
- Kristie Galleon, clarinet
- Nancy Gimblett, bass clarinet
- Steve Morgan, trumpet
- Dawan Mohammad, tenor sax
- Chuck Spencer, tuba
- Bob Stagnaro, trombone
- Sharon Trueblood, flute
- Paul Lee, trombone
- Steve Aviles, trumpet/flugelhorn
Student Musicians
- Renuka Bhusari, alto sax
- Christine De Guzman
- Samuel Joseph, percussion
- Madison Lee, Oboe
- Dan Ngo, percussion
- Jonathan Nguyen, alto sax
- Megan Ou, french horn
- Rachel Park, clarinet
- Justin Thai, flute